New group expected to promote small businesses

Business

AROUND 60,000 people living in Lai Valley, Mendi, Southern Highlands, are expected to benefit from a cooperative society set up to promote small-medium enterprises.
The Lai Valley Cooperative Society was launched at the Munihu station last Wednesday.
Interim chairman Karl Sopol said it aimed to help the people get involved in projects such as piggeries and poultry farming.
Sopol said the society would help the people become economically independent.
“Our target is to have five-10 projects operating in the next five years,” he said.
“With Government funding and the setting up of markets, (it will help the people) from the area, the Highlands, and all the way to Lae.”
He said the highway – from Gulf to Southern Highlands – would open up markets.
Munihu farmer Eric Alom urged the people to take advantage of economic activities through the society.
“You alone do not have the resources to find markets for your produce,” he said.
“The society is able to do that for you.”