Mirisim to continue from predecessor

The National National

FOREST Minister Solan Mirisim says the government is focused on increasing downstream processing to promote employment for the citizens.
Mirisim, who was welcomed into office at a small ceremony on
Tuesday, said the log export
volumes increased to over 3.5 million cubic metres and free
onboard value reached over 1 billion mark.
“I hope that these increases remain during my term,” he said.
“It is the intention of this current government to review this trend to major shift into downstream processing.
“I assure the workers and everyone that where former minister Douglas Tomuriesa stopped, I will continue.
“2020 is not far but with the new government, the years may shift.
“We want to have downstream processing as number one priority,” he said.
Mirisim said he would be looking at the following policies:

  • Draft downstream processing strategy;
  • draft reforestation and now forestation stages;
  • draft PNG timber legality standard and timber verification system;
  • draft PNG logging code of practice;
  • draft PNG timber legality guidance template;
  • revised National Forest Plan;
  • revised PNG Country specific guidelines to meet Australian market specification; and,
  • Implementation of the National multi-purpose Forestry Inventory.