Virus affecting distribution of goods, services, says institute

THE declaration of the state of emergency has adversely affected the movement of goods and people who provide essential services, according to the National Research Institute (NRI).
Institute director Dr Osborne Sanida in a statement said one of the key measures of development was the sustainable distribution of goods and services by various modes of transport.
“However, to minimise the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, several countries have introduced measures that restricted distribution of goods and movement of people that provide various services.
“In PNG, a state of emergency was declared as a way to control movement of people and goods.
“The declaration of SOE has impacted various sectors of the economy.
“Importantly, the adverse impact on the availability of public transport that has adverse effects on movement of goods and the people that provide essential services.
“It is likely to slow down economic activities and impact the growth of PNG’s economy.”
Meanwhile, the report authored by Jeremy Goro, noted that public transport was important for the movement of goods and people that provide services.
Economic activities in small-business enterprises will be hit hard by the limited movement of goods and services as a direct result of a decline in the number of public transport or an increase in fares.
SMEs is important in rural areas as well as urban centers where there are not enough employment opportunities.
“Most unemployed people rely on SMEs for their daily needs as well as school fees and other social obligations such as contributing to funeral expenses, bride price, and so on.”