Put PNG first: Namah

By PETER ESILA

VANIMO-GREEN MP Belden Namah says it is important for all stakeholders to collaborate to help the country recover in these tough economic times.
Namah said a K100 million hydro project was already approved for Vanimo-Green and he wanted to work closely with International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru to ensure investors continue to invest in the country.
“There are times where we need to work together for the common good of our country,” he said.
Namah said he had been in the Opposition side of Parliament for 12 years of his 17-year tenure as MP and it was time “my people and the people of this country come first.”
He discussed with Maru on Friday to develop Vanimo Free Trade Zone (FTZ) that was first initiated by former Sandaun Governor Late John Tekwie 20 years ago.
“The good thing about hydro is you have electricity and water supply, with that you address the sewerage issue.
“All I need is government approval.”
Namah said when it comes to development, there should not be any question on which side of the Parliament a MP sits.
“We all must have the national interest at the heart, I want to work closely with the government to ensure that we create this FTZ and Special Economic Zone, create employment and grow our economy.”
Maru said the proposed Vanimo FTZ would need an international wharf and airport, cheap and reliable electricity, water and sewage systems.
“With no less than 300 hectares of land for the development of an export processing zone in Vanimo.
“Also, a functional and efficient border post at Wutung with scanning machines for PNG Customs to do their work to process PNG exports going into Indonesia.”
Maru added that investors in a FTZ did not pay any corporate tax.