Marape blasts Micah for stopping investors

Minister for Finance James Marape has blasted the former Minister for Petroleum and Kavieng MP Ben Micah for his statement in stopping the investors to invest in the country.

Marape said his statement was one of the most reckless statements by a Member of Parliament in the history of the nation.

“He is telling investors to wait until next year to create new jobs.

“How could any Member of Parliament actively campaign against the creation of new jobs for our country?"

Marape said the investment climate in Papua New Guinea remains positive and the economic fundamentals of the economy are sound.

“We are facing global economic headwinds with depressed commodity prices, but the market is returning to better pricing levels.”

He added that the oil price went above fifty dollars a barrel and is now a few dollars less, but this is better than January.

“Our economy will still grow by as much as five per cent this year, after reaching nearly 10 per cent last year.

“Our foreign currency issues are being resolved, our debt levels are well and truly within legal limits and inflation is stable.

“So our message to foreign investors is to not be swayed by opportunists with a political agenda.

“Now is the time to invest in Papua New Guinea and our door is always open for discussion.”

Author: 
Freddy Mou