Ports upgrade will create job opportunities, says chamber

JOBS will be created for locals during the upgrading and refurbishment of ports around the country costing around K1.48 billion, according to the New Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Chamber president Nolis Thomas said the project could also increase the province’s export revenue.
The AU$580 million (about K1.48bil) was approved last week by the Australian government to refurbish and upgrade ports around the country.
State Enterprise Minister William Duma said Kavieng port would receive K66.4 million.
“Just by having the project here will provide employment for people in the province,” Thomas told The National.
“In the long run, the possibility of increasing the export of other products, mainly marine, will increase.
“That’s been talk about but how much will come to reality is something that we will wait and see.
“But it will increase the possibility of exporting other goods.
“We have oil palm which is one of the main cash crops.
“So oil palm, logging and fisheries will be boosted and return a little for the province in oversea currencies.”
Prime Minister James Marape and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison signed the deal last Friday in a virtual ceremony .
Morrison said the deal with PNG was about enabling its sovereignty and independence, and its self-sufficiency.
All ports in Papua New Guinea had been built by the Australian colonial administration in the 60s and 70s.