World Bank manager endorses local craft

By HELEN TARAWA
THE International Convention Centre is a perfect place to shop for art and craft such as the traditional bilum, as World Bank country manager Patricia Veevers-Carter found out.
Veevers-Carter was fascinated by PNG-made products that were being sold at the expo.
She told The National that she had just bought a traditional bilum from Jaukae and used that to put all her shopping in.
“I’m here today as a panelist on women empowerment in economic sector and it’s fabulous to see all these stands small- medium enterprises are doing in PNG.
“I was so fortunate to find this gorgeous bilum which I am filling up with incredible produce by women all over PNG.
“It’s very exciting to see the entrepreneurship and for doing this in PNG.
“With this expo, people can see what products you have. I hope some of the economies participating in the Apec meetings should be interested in talking about these products in their own countries and possibly entering into supply contracts, definitely there is a market for specialty types of products in many different economies.”
Bilum Fiber Artist owner Florence Jaukae Kamel, who is a Goroka based SME owner, said it’s a good exposure for people coming over, making connections, selling their products.
“It’s a great opportunity,” she said.
She was excited about her masterpiece bilum she sold to Veevers-Carter which is made from tree-bark fibre and the handle from a pit pit stem.