O’Neill: Govt has been business-friendly

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says the Government has been a business-friendly Government over the past five years.

In his speech during the 2017 Back-to-Business-Breakfast in Port Moresby on Friday, O’Neill said the Government has sought to provide a strong level playing field for business.

This is through fiscal policies that are transparent and sound.

“Very importantly, tax positions have not changed over the past five years.

“The outcome we have sought – is to ensure certainty and stability for the business community.

“Business do not need uncertainty in taxation laws and government regulation. We are maintaining this certainty,” said O’Neill.

He also told the business community present that the country has faced challenges with dropping commodity process, which has affected many economies. This was accompanied with one of the worst droughts in recent times, affecting food supplies.

“We can now see light at the end of the tunnel. Commodity prices are rising, and the drought has passed.

“Agricultural production is rebounding and mineral and petroleum sector projects are increasing production.

“But this does not mean the Government is taking it easy – commodity prices remain fickle, and climate change means another drought could be right around the corner.

“We are ready for the next challenges that might confront us, and we will get on with delivering the core policies of our Government,” said O’Neill.

Picture credit: PM’s Media Unit

Author: 
Cedric Patjole