Polye praises traders

 By JAMES APA GUMUNO

TREASURY Minister Don Polye lauded the local business houses in Mendi, Southern Highlands for leading the development of the province.

Polye told the business community at the Airport lodge in Mendi town last Saturday they made the right decision to invest in the province.

“You people are real because you think about your province and people.”

Polye made the remark when he launched a new fuel station with a restaurant and take-away shop in Mendi.

He praised Berry Mini, the owner of Pabeso Trading, for investing in good restaurant and in a fuel station, “which is better than many others in the country”.

“Mendi is a small town, but such services and shops make a big difference while giving the town a good image,” he said.

Polye also praised businessman Gerry Kulangil for investing in retail business and real estate.

He said that it was very encouraging to see local businessmen taking the lead to develop the town through their investment.

Polye said some people looking for greener pastures invested in cities and towns where there was a high cash flow, but the others who cared about their province stayed put to provide vital services to the people.

Polye said the government and the private sectors were equal partners in the nation’s development.

Mini, who is the Southern Highlands chamber of commerce and industry president, said business houses in the province struggled to survive because of low cash flow.

Mini said the government under its Public Private Partnership policy should intervene and help small business houses.