PNG economy gets support

 AUSAID and the PNG business community have pledged to work together more in supporting economic growth and development.

AusAID deputy director general James Batley said during the PNG business engagement roundtable in Port Moresby last Saturday: “Australia recognises that Papua New Guinea’s future prosperity depends on the strength of the private sector. 

“The business community is a valued partner of AusAID. 

“We are both investing in the future growth and development of PNG. 

“Today we have come together to find more effective and creative ways of working together to make those prospects a reality.”

It was organised by the Australia-PNG Business Council and the Business Council PNG.

The roundtable included representatives of the business community including Oil Search Ltd, Newcrest Mining Ltd, Barrick Gold, Westpac and ANZ Bank.

Batley said Australia’s aid programme in PNG had a long history of interaction with businesses. 

He cited partnerships in the transport sector, in procuring medicine and educational aids, and in development of anti-corruption and law and justice measures.

Boosting the income and economic opportunities for women was a key focus of the roundtable. 

“Investing in women’s empowerment is not just the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do,” Batley said. 

“We commend the work the private sector is already doing to combat violence against women but AusAID wants to help more women find employment and take up positions of leadership in the private sector.”