Westpac, small businessmen hold talks

A COMMERCIAL bank has for the first time come down to the community level to talk with small business operators in West Sepik province.
Westpac bank through its local branch in Vanimo, held a day-long conference last Friday to educate the small businessmen on the current financial and banking services provided.
The aim was for them  start or expand existing business activities to sustain livelihood.
Conference facilitator Jack Sariman said they targeted only small and potential businessmen and women and encouraged them to engage in business so that they contribute to their local economy.
Currently, the business sector in West Sepik was dominated by Asians, with only a few striving locally-owned companies.
Vincent Tumpi, a businessman from Vanimo, had asked the Sandaun government to do more in promoting the growth of locally-owned businesses.
 in the province.