Our development strategy in Papua New Guinea is in line with the National Government Development plans, says Asian Development Bank (ADB).
ADB Country Director Marcelo J. Minc made those remarks in response to comments made by Oro Governor Gary Juffa.
Minc said ADB’s development strategy and program are consistent with the government’s Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030, the National Strategy for Responsible Sustainable Development, and the country’s medium-term development plans.
“For our operations, we engage with the government, mainly through the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), and the Department of Treasury. Details of our development strategy and assistance program can be found on our website,” Minc told Loop PNG.
Juffa told Loop PNG that Local Papua New Guinea businesses continue to miss out on business opportunity when the National Government gets loan from ADB.
He made this comments following media reports that Treasury Minister Patrick Pruaitch will get a $US 300 million (K928 million) loan from ADB to support the National Budget.
Juffa said it does not make sense when the National Government gets the loan but ADB continue to influence the awarding of contracts to projects in the country especially to foreign firms.
“ADB Loans are structured in such a way that it appears we have select or put up with what ADB selects and that company brings their own workers, machinery, and then any revenues earned are funnel back to the company’s mother nation.
“This is unfair for the companies in Papua New Guinea and also unfair to the people of Papua New Guinea, for what is worse is the Government is not making an effort to ensure quality control because of the projects is not up to scratch.”