MP plans border trade meet

IMMIGRATION and Border Security Minister Westley Nukundj has announced plans to meet with his Indonesian counterpart to discuss possible ways to address movements and trade along the Papua New Guinea-Indonesia border.
Nukundj made this know when commissioning the Green Land border post in West Sepik last Thursday.
“In the new year, I will be meeting with my Indonesian counterpart to discuss these important issues concerning our borders,” he said.
“We will look at possibilities to open up our borders to encourage trade along our border.”
The Green Land border post is the third project delivered by PNG Customs, funded by the Government through the Public Investment Programme (PIP).
Nukundj also commissioned the Bewani Land border post earlier this month.
“The Government’s vision is to ensure that basic services reach the remotest parts of the country,” he said.
“We are concerned about the border provinces, the activities that are happening along the border.
“Services must reach the people of Vanimo–Green.” With the opening of these land border posts, Customs officers will now be stationed at these locations.
Other Government agencies complementing Customs such as Immigrations, National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority (Naqia) as well as the Defence and Police forces will arrange to establish their offices at these locations. PNG Customs chief commissioner Ray Paul encouraged the people of Green and Bewani to assist Customs officers.
“Do not let these officers work in isolation,” he said.
“The Government has seen your needs and has delivered these projects. Some more projects will follow in the coming years but you must look after what is here now.
“My officers will need your undivided support in ensuring that they perform their duties under the laws that govern Customs.”