Momis: Peace agreement boosted economic growth

 A remarkable development in Bougainville’s political landscape is the relationship between peace building since 1997’s signing of the cease fire and how it has provided the basis for economic development.

Autonomous Bougainville Government President Chief Dr John Momis made the remark during the 30th Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo in Cairns on Tuesday.

He said that since the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001, Bougainville had maintained peace without any sure sign of the resurgence of conflict.

“There are continuing divisions in Bougainville and there are problems facing the government and the people but overall progress since the signing of the Peace Agreement has been surprisingly positive.”

He said that had seen the two main lines of division and tension arising from the conflict dramatically reduced between the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) and the Bougainville Resistance Forces (BRF).

On the economic front Bougainville has seen positive strides with infrastructural development contributing towards internal revenue and employment opportunities.

He said artisanal gold mining and cash crops had provided an immense input into Bougainville’s revenue. Despite the Autonomous Bougainville Government still relying on aid donors and grants from the PNG National Government, Momis said ABG utilised this for capacity development to increase its move toward fiscal self-reliance.

Momis said economic activity that provides income earning opportunities to the people contributes to peace-building as people involved in such activities tend to feel hopeful, and to see possibilities to improve.