SOEs must operate as commercial entities: MP

STATE-owned organisations such as PNG Power, Air Niugini and Telikom are expected to operate as commercial entities, Public Enterprise and State Investments Minister William Duma, pictured, says.
But he said prices set by the organisations had to be approved by the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission.
Mendi MP De Kewanu had asked in Parliament recently who set the prices for services provided by State agencies.
“All SOE companies are expected to operate as commercial entities. Any price set by them is approved by ICCC,” Duma said in response.
“They do not impose their own prices without approval.
“Independent Consumer and Competition Commission takes into account all circumstances then approves.
“All companies own by Government do not have powers to set own prices.”