NEC approves pilot projects

THE National Executive Council (NEC) has approved the implementation of the Gazelle Agro-Industrial Special Economic Zone (GAISEZ) and Rabaul Tuna Export Processing Zone (RTEPZ) as PNG Free Trade Zone (FTZ) pilot projects.
This was revealed recently by Gazelle MP Jelta Wong.
Wong said in a free-trade zone (FTZ) domestic and foreign goods could be moved, handled and assembled without paying the duties and taxes normally required by customs and border protection agencies.
He said FTZs offered a unique opportunity to defer, reduce or eliminate customs duties on products, which resulted in significant cost savings.
“A technical working group was established on July 19, 2021, through a decision by the Gazelle District Development Authority (DDA) with its terms of reference to coordinate the planning and implementation of GAISEZ preparatory work,” he said.
“This project is now a work in progress by the technical working group is led by the chairman Sam Manikot who was appointed by the DDA board,” Wong said.
He said he was impressed by the project and urged everyone in the group to work hard to make sure it was fully implemented.
“This is our chance, our true path to autonomy. We must not miss it.
“Let us all work hard to make sure this project is implemented fully.”
Wong emphasised that the free-trade zone pilot projects would complement the province’s seven development plans and enable a positive environment for the creation of the new Baining electorate.
“With the onset of these projects, we (ENB leaders) can no longer be consumed by our petty differences.
“We must be united in our common interests and goals for the livelihood and benefit of our province and people.
“We must stand united for a greater ENB and maintain our tag as PNG’s model province.”