PM says investors should continue dialogue

INVESTORS in the resource industry should continue having dialogue with Government to ensure fair distribution of wealth from the resource sector, says Prime Minister James Marape.
He said investor input was required in terms of their contribution towards the review of the country’s resource laws.
Marape made the statement in his keynote address at the 2019 PNG Mining and Petroleum conference in Port Moresby yesterday.
“The government has commenced the process of substantial reforms to the Mining Act and the Petroleum Act,” he said.
“However, these reforms will not be done in isolation from and without consultation with key stakeholders and there is no greater key stakeholders then those of you who are in the industry.”
Marape told industry leaders and investors that they should not be fearful of the reforms because the Government would also embrace their views so that the principle of fairness and equitable sharing of benefits emerge from those dialogues.
“The theme of this conference; PNG Resources: Developing Shared Values is very much noted and appreciated,” he said.
The prime minister said he was confident that players in the mining and petroleum sector would partner the government as it sought harness economic opportunities for all.