Special Economic Zone in West Sepik

The PNG Government will soon declare a Special Economic Zone in West Sepik Province.

Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Richard Maru, revealed this when he arrived in Vanimo, West Sepik Province, yesterday.

Maru is leading a Government delegation on a fact finding mission to see the development of the SEZ in Sandaun.

Accompanying Minister Maru is Minister for Provincial Affairs, Kevin Isifu, PNGDF Commander, Gilbert Toropo, Secretary Transport, Roy Mumu, Secretary for Provincial Affairs, Dickson Guinea, Water PNG Managing Director, Raka Taviri, and National and Civil Identity Registrar, Michael Kumung.

Minster Maru said the visit would identify core areas to develop in Sandaun for the Special Economic Zone.

“In recent consultations with the Medium Term Development Plan III in Lae and the regional consultations, we have identified Sandaun as a province with the highest economic potential and the best way to develop the potential is to establish a Special Economic Zone in Sandaun Province, with the zone to start at Vanimo, all the way to Frieda and Kiunga and coming back to the border,” said Maru.

Governor Wouwou said this was a historic trip as it was the biggest Government delegation to visit his province.

“I’m privileged to welcome Minister Maru to my province as he will be able to assist us with our development over the next five years,” said the Governor.

Minister Maru will be visiting several areas over the next three days and will be making major announcements regarding the Government’s plans for the province.

Under the SEZ, the state will focus on providing all the necessary essential infrastructure like wharves, water sanitation, power and roads and properly establish Vanimo as a major commercial town for the future.

Author: 
Cedric Patjole