Pogera tells SMEs: We are here for you

THE Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) supports sustainable agricultural development within Porgera, Enga, says manager community and social responsibility (CSR) John Liston.
He reaffirmed PJV’s commitment in January during the Porgera Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) group leaders’ forum at Porgera.
PCCI organised the forum for its 265 small-to-medium enterprises (SME) membership groups from within Porgera and Laigam to inform them of its revolving fund facility and how it can help them.
Liston said Porgera had an advantage and opportunity over other districts and provinces as it already had a viable economy generated by the operation of PJV.
“To be successful in business, you will require a market, a profit-generating activity, governance from government and support from an adviser, to ensure your compliance with tax and labour law.
“Each of these elements you have available to you in Porgera.”
Liston said PJV was interested in sustainable economic development within Porgera and was encouraging families and individuals to take part in SMEs in a sustainable manner.
He also said there was significant development still required in Porgera.
“We encourage government, district administration, Porgera district authority and those government representatives who have come to Porgera to take part in the forum today, to continue efforts to improve Porgera and the country,” Liston said.
“We are grateful for your support.
“PJV is supportive of the establishment of the PCCI, and the focus of government in meeting their obligations, and we intend to continue to work together with all parties.
“We look for the opportunity during 2019 to make our contributions and take part in further forums like this, which encourage development within Porgera.”
PCCI president Nickson Pakea acknowledged PJV as PCCI’s biggest supporter.
He said its main aim was to promote the interest of business in the district. Pakea said there were obvious problems in the district with law and order and leadership.
He said the only option was for people to collectively participate and support each other.
“We have to take ownership, be proactive and mean business, regarding the sustainability of the district,” Pakea said,
“We must stop blaming PJV for our shortcomings and take ownership of our own future.”
The forum saw the participation of the Small Medium Enterprise Corporation (Smec) and officials from the provincial Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) and PJV.
The revolving fund facility aims to provide a micro-loan facility for intending SME start-up activities for registered PCCI members.