Wong: Reforms target revenue

By MAX ORAKA
SECTORAL reform initiatives aimed at maximising revenue are being rolled out by the National Fisheries Authority, says minister Jelta Wong.
Wong told Parliament yesterday that a broad-based industry sector would be achieved from an expansion of existing production capacity of commercial-scaled captured fisheries.
“This is to increase productivity in commercial fisheries to be achieved through commercial-scaled aquaculture contributing towards a K2-billion economy by 2030.”
The minister said in the past 16 months, the fisheries authority had been working on reforming the organisation.
“Actions are taken to ensure the fisheries and marine resources sector is able to contribute 70 per cent to the country’s gross domestic product.”
However, while debating Wong’s ministerial statement, Northern Governor Gary Juffa said any restructure at the National Fisheries Authority must ensure the identification of problematic agents who were corrupting the sector.
“Those agents must be removed to ensure the organisation serves the country and its stakeholders, especially the people of Papua New Guinea.”
Juffa said the both the fisheries and forestry industries needed total Government support and assistance in rooting out these agents of corruption.
“This can be done through a restructure because it will rebuild the organisation so that it becomes professional and transparent in its work to serve Papua New Guinea and its people.”
Governor for East Sepik Allan Bird, responding to the ministerial statement, said fisheries was one sector identified as having the capacity capable of contributing much more to the Papua New Guinea economy.
“Fisheries was one of the areas identified as having the capacity to add value and create jobs for our people and country.”
Bird also highlighted a K9.9 billion Public Investment Programme (PIP) funding that could be used for the restructure of the National Fisheries Authority.
“Can the minister confirm if any of the K9.9 billion funding was allocated to assist improve the capacity and capability of our fisheries sector?
“We have to fund PIP to develop the fisheries sector to make K600 million (from tuna production) to add onto the K200 billion by 2030.
“I hope the budget coming out soon will contain a considerable amount of money for PIP, especially to support the fisheries sector.”