Project under studies: Dr Tom

FISHERIES and Marine Resources Minister Dr Lino Tom says the proposed Fisheries Industrial Park project in Western is still under studies and is yet to reach the agreement stage.
Dr Tom told The National following the continuous concerns by Australia over the strategic location of the US$150 million (K542 million) project and China’s “watch over Australia”.
He said PNG did note the Torres Strait Island treaty that guides the Australian government and PNG in terms of doing business along that corridor.
“We just signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), in terms of them (Fujian Zhonghong Fishery Company Ltd) putting up their business plan, relevant feasibility study, checking whether the marine resources along those areas are also good commercial enterprises,” Dr Tom said.
“The MoU is non-binding and it is the first studies.
“If we see that if it is commercially viable, we might give them the okay, but then again, Australia is a very important neighbour, and we would not do things without proper consultation in line with our bilateral relationships, the foreign policies that guide and inform Australia and PNG.
“The MoU is subject to proper stakeholder consultations including with the Australian government.” Dr Tom said, in a recent meeting with Australian High Commission officials, that the Papua New Guinea Government respected the rights of the Western government to empower itself and seek opportunities for development that would improve its infrastructure and better the lives of its people.