By Jack Lapauve Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
A special Cabinet Submission will be compiled by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry for the National Executive Council to approve the start of work on Special Economic Zones in the country.
West Sepik Province (Sandaun ) has been chosen as one of the provinces to host an SEZ, after Government officials visited Vanimo and identified the high economic potential it boasts. Among the projects, an international wharf, and creation of the MOMASE International highway.
Planning Minister Richard Maru says all these will be captured in the submission to cabinet. Growing the economy is the motive behind the announcement of creating Special Economic Zones. Not only West Sepik (Sandaun) will be targeted, but the neighboring provinces East Sepik and Madang are also part of the overall plan by Government. For West Sepik (Sandaun), Governor Tony Wouwou says the SEZ will significantly improve current services and become the door to Asia.
Manus, Morobe, Western Highlands, Hela and Simbu provinces are others to be considered in the near future. The recent 4 day visit to Saundaun (West Sepik) included officials from National Planning, Commerce and Trade, Inter-Government Relations, Water PNG, PNG Defense Force, and Police.
