The Alternative Government has given its well wishes for the implementation of the 2018 National Budget.
Shadow Minister for Finance & treasury, Ian Ling-Stuckey, in his New Year Message, called on the government to strive for more inclusive growth, and avoid protectionist policies which would hurt ordinary Papua New Guineans.
He warned Papua New Guineans to prepare to pay more as a result of the 2018 National Budget.
“….The 2018 budget included major tariff increases for hundreds of every-day products. And as a result PNG families and businesses will feel the pain of these price increases. The decision to increase tariffs on everyday food items, as well as an increase in import duties on petrol & diesel, will hit families hard this year.”
The opposition is predicting that milk prices will be above K6 per litre during 2018 because of a 25 percentage point increase in tariffs.
“The Alternative Government understands agriculture is the future for PNG – and are of the view that the country can be the farm for the rapidly expanding Asian region. What the country needs is international competition to expand our markets and – Instead of protectionist measures that harm businesses. PNG businesses need to grow with their vision on the market shelves of the Indo-Pacific region.
The country’s future markets should be aligned with this hope of cheaper costs of living and higher incomes for the people of PNG.
The Alternative Government appreciates the dedication and efforts of those hard working and honest ministers in the current Cabinet and wishes the Prime Minister and his Deputy & Treasurer, every success in the implementation of the 2018 Budget because the people of PNG deserve a far more effective Government” – Mr Ling-Stuckey
