PNG should improve level of technology, says researcher

MANY inequalities experienced in low income earning countries such as Papua New Guinea are related to inaccessibility to technology, says a researcher.
Justin Eloriaga, of De la Salle University in the Philippines, spoke on the technology liberation in Asean countries and the effect on income inequality at the Apec Study Centre in Port Moresby on Tuesday.
He recommended that priorities be given to improving the level of technology.
“We have to look at ways and how technology can trickle down to the lower sectors of the economy and how it can benefit the people,” he said.
“People in the rural areas need to have access to technology to enhance their skills and understanding in order to improve their income earning opportunities.
“Priorities have to be given on ways to convince people in the rural areas to take advantage of the digital age and the technology.
“People need to understand we are in a digital age and things are changing very rapidly and we need to keep up with the change in order to be competitive in the region.
“We talk about accessibility we talk about something that can improve our capabilities.”
He said the higher the percentage of internet users, the lower income inequality will be.