Govt vows to stand by SMEs

The Government vows to stand by the Small to Medium Enterprise sector during this tough economic period.

Commerce and Industry Minister, Wera Mori, gave the assurance during the opening of the SME Corporation Expo in Port Moresby today.

Mori said the Government will ensure that SMEs receive the support they need to prosper, especially in funding.

At the opening, Minister Mori reiterated the government’s agenda of supporting the SME sector.

However, he said this must be translated into actions and not just rhetoric.

Minister Mori said accessing financing is one aspect which needs innovative thinking and he has shared this sentiment with the SME Corporation.

“It is only fair that we are not only saying things but we do whatever we can to make it possible for you to access finance to basically grow and nurture your businesses,” he said.

SME Corporation chairman, Michael Mell, also advised SMEs to be disciplined when running their businesses in the current economic period.

He said this will ensure their survival.

“In Papua New Guinea we have a culture where, taim u wokim liklik hap wok but taim brada or ankol blo u dai or laik marit or, there’s a problem you tend to support them. These are some of the things that pull our SMEs down,” he said.

The expo got off to a slow start however, a huge turnout is expected tomorrow.

Over the next two days, 40 exhibitors will showcase their items at the Rita Flynn Sporting Complex.

The SME Corporation and organisers are urging the general public to support local entrepreneurs.

(The SME Corporation Expo in Port Moresby on Friday)

Author: 
Cedric Patjole