K25,000 investment in Porgera chamber

Porgera Joint Venture has made a K25,000 investment in the Porgera business community, keeping the door open to cost effective information, support and advocacy for business owners.

The funding, made to the Porgera Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), will help the chamber coordinate its suite of annual activities for small to medium businesses in the Porgera Valley.

PCCI president, Nickson Pakea, said the contribution will be well received by the local business community.

“Our organisation started in 2017 when we recognised locals needed a one-stop shop for advice, service and advocacy to help establish and or keep their businesses profitable,” Pakea said.

“PJV is our region’s largest business and a major driver of the local economy – they play a very valuable role in providing opportunities for local businesses.

“Our focus at PCCI is to help locals capitalise on this while also developing opportunities for local businesses to grow.

“These funds will greatly assist us in this important work and we thank PJV for their ongoing support of local businesses.”

PJV executive managing director, Tony Esplin, said the PCCI had a number of exciting activities on the horizon.

“Later this year, the PCCI will coordinate the annual Porgera Agricultural Show. Discussions on progression of the National Identification program are underway, and the establishment of a micro-finance type initiative are all exciting opportunities for local business owners,” Esplin stated.

“We know this funding will be put to good use.

“Small to medium businesses are the lifeblood of any community and we’re proud to stand behind local business owners and ensure they have access to business development opportunities.”

PJV’s development of local business has extended to more than K5 billion in contracts to Papua New Guinean, Engan and Porgeran businesses over the life of the mine. The mine also maintains an economic development team who works with local businesses on development opportunities.

(Pakea and PJV community development manager, Jaqueline Nen, with the letter on the K25,000 affiliation fee to PCCI, in the presence of colleagues)

Author: 
Press release