Team to tackle economy

By MALUM NALU
DEPUTY Prime Minister Charles Abel says a working committee has been established to draw up a 25-point 100-day plan to address the country’s economic situation.
He told The National at Iokea in Gulf yesterday that the committee consisted of Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta, New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, Milne Bay Governor Sir John Luke Crittin, Attorney-General and Justice Minister Davis Steven and himself.
“We have put together the 25-point 100-day plan but it has to be referred to Ministerial Economic Committee, and then to Cabinet. I’ll announce it straight after Parliament next week,” he said.
“We’ve had exhaustive consultation over the last seven days with commercial banks, Central Bank, people from the chamber representing different business organisations, Oil Search, Australian High Commission, European Union, Chinese Government, International Affairs, IRC and Customs.
“I’ve met a lot of people and we’ve basically come up with a package.
“I will announce it in Parliament provided Cabinet has endorsed it.”
He said the plan included the Supplementary Budget (likely to be tabled when Parliament resumes after its opening), the 2018 Budget and a five-year plan.
“So it’s going to be like a series of rolling 100-day plans. The 100-day plan is to only kick-start the process.”