PM hails landowners

PRIME Minister James Marape, pictured, says landowner companies serve at the basis of achieving economic independence.
Marape praised the landowners who have been attending training to improve their knowledge and skill as board members of companies managed by the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC).
He encouraged them to venture into new business opportunities to benefit the shareholders who are the landowners.
“Our shareholders expect more from us, the landowners,” he said.
“We must ensure that investment decisions and management ensure that we are not squandering wealth but saving wealth, to regenerate growth and sustainable development into the future.
“I appreciate that the directors have taken these courses.”
Marape told the directors to “get out there and spread the story and do more business”.
“Encourage more Papua New Guineans to go into business,” he said.
“Do not just sit there and wait for others to (give) handouts.
“The most important thing is governance.
“And there is a lot of debate about governance.
“But the MRDC wants to lead the way.
“And to get value out of companies, once the corporate governance is strengthened, and the shareholders benefit, we will see more results.”
MRDC is working with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) to cater to the different education and experience levels of its directors by organising an entry point level course specific for community-based leaders.
The courses ended last Friday, with participants receiving certificates of completion.