THE concept of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is internationally proven successful and there is no reason why it will not work for Papua New Guinea (PNG), Prime Minister James Marape says.
“The Gazelle SEZ is also supported by the East New Britain Development Corporation, a business arm of the provincial government,” he added.
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| PNG PM Marape backs Special Economic Zone (SEZ) |
Speaking at the launch of the Gazelle Agro Industrial SEZ on Monday, Marape said the focus would be on the rich agriculture and tuna potentials. The SEZ is a project by the Gazelle District Development Authority
Marape also saw for himself the commercial agriculture produce of Gazelle, including a chicken farm for the people of East New Britain (ENB). He then presented K3 million to the authority help further develop the project.
The prime minister also delivered the K2 million balance of K5 million he promised to Warangoi landowners last November for use of the Warangoi River to supply electricity to ENB.
Marape said: “Countries like Vietnam and Thailand, even China, have grown because of SEZs. The governments of the countries had invested in SEZs to promote businesses. You can get special concessions from Government, such as a tax-free zone, which will allow you to grow your business and create employment. The Government will give special concessions to businesses who want to come to this SEZ, such as the one we have already created in Manus, and ultimately all 21 provinces, including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville,” he added.
He said Gazelle had very fertile soil for agriculture and good people to work the land. He said the waters of ENB teemed with tuna also brought in revenue.
“This is why Gazelle is a very good place to advance the SEZ concept and grow businesses for the local people,” he added.
Statement