US rep calls for better transparency

A NATION’S economic development should happen by transparent means, especially for infrastructure development support from foreign countries.
United States department of commerce deputy assistant secretary for services James Sullivan told The National that not doing so meant risking a nation’s economic independence and its people’s welfare.
He said this while noting the US Indo-Pacific Strategy that was mentioned by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week when committing US$113 million (K374mil) to finance infrastructure in the region. “The Indo-Pacific Strategy is to make sure that we reaffirm our commitment to the region,” Sullivan said.
“We don’t want there to be any sense that we have withdrawn.
“Some people point to trans-Pacific partnership and suggest that it indicates that we are not as engaged. I do want to emphasise that they are first steps such as setting up the infrastructure fund.
“There is tremendous need for infrastructure and with that also tremendous need for financing.
“I think there are good opportunities there for the US and countries in the region including PNG to work together.
“Transparency really helps create opportunities for all.
“When you have these opaque relationships, in many instances what you get is results that are not good for the overall economy and prosperity.”