PNG will seek budget support from Aust: PM

By HELEN TARAWA
PRIME Minister James Marape says PNG is looking at some aspects of budget support from Australia, adding that the 27th PNG-Australia ministerial forum is expected to discuss it.
Marape told the media at the APEC Haus where he addressed the forum yesterday that PNG had a budget plan that it wanted to achieve and hoped that Australian would support it.
“We have a national budget plan and in our 2020 budget onwards, we outlay what we want to achieve as a government and hopefully they can support it,” he said. “If not totally, then some elements of support so that leftovers can be geared towards what we have identified as a country.
“Our treasury is working on how we sail out of 2019 and prepare for 2020.”
The prime minister said PNG would not starve its development efforts because development budgets ensured the economy was lively and active.
“We are trying to live within our means while maintaining our composure in development and will appreciate any element of help Australia can give us,” he said.
“At the moment, they are giving us A$600 million (K1.34billion) in aid over a year. If half or quarter of that comes towards budget support that’s even better for us.
“I will be accountable for every dollar Australia gives.
“That will tell them that it will go into respective projects so that we will be procuring in collaboration with the Australians so that tax payers’ money is 100 per cent accounted for and goes into projects intended for it.”
In response to questions about PNG requesting support from China, Marape said whether China, India or Australia, it saw the cheapest help it could get in terms of a loan.
“I’m in the business of refinancing my entire loan portfolio for the country and over time since 1975 loan has been part of our Government’s budgets, it has accumulated to a total of about K27 billion now,” he said.
“I’m looking for soft facilities at best terms to PNG without compromising our own national sustainable and integrity going into the future.
“Anyone who comes to us and this is pure business and commercial transaction, an element geared towards concessions.
“We’re on the lookout for anyone who wants to help us but I’m no beggar and will not be begging anyone to help us.”