Charles Abel

International experts to help with tax issues

PNG’s Treasury has entered into an agreement with the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development to see this through.

The Government has invited the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to assist them with some auditors to look at cross border transactions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer, Charles Abel, said these international taxation experts will also help the Internal Revenue Commission better manage the issue of multinational companies’ transactions.

DPM responds to Ling-Stuckey on tariffs

In an earlier analysis of tariff tax, Ling-Stuckey said over 70 new tax increases have been imposed by PNC from 1 January 2019.

This includes a 15 percent tax increase for wheat flour, additional tariff tax of K1.70 per kilogram on all imported fresh chicken pieces and a new 25 percent tariff on all creams, yogurt and ice-creams, including UHT milk.

However, in response, Abel said the tariff on flour only affects retail packaged imported flour.

Doubts about closing of govt accounts

Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer, Charles Abel, recently said the Government remains committed to closing the 2018 accounts in a disciplined manner to ensure they start on a clean state.

In response, Shadow Minister for Treasury & Finance, Ian Ling-Stuckey, said Treasurer Abel needs to ensure that the government actually pays all its bills.

Moni Plus officially opens Alotau Branch

The ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister, Charles Abel, and founding Director of Moni Plus, Bernard Chan.

Alotau signifies the fifth branch opening for Moni Plus in 2018, with other branches recently opened in Downtown Port Moresby, Lae, Mt Hagen and Kokopo this year.

Managing Director Gajanan Barve said he is very proud to bring the fast, quick and easy service that Moni Plus has become renowned for, to the people of Milne Bay Province.

Milne Bay leaders work to curb rising lawlessness

The Governor said the Province has changed from a once peaceful town into a dangerous area following rising criminal activity.

Recently several houses were burnt to the ground and a woman fatally shot after police and criminals exchanged gunfire at Kitava Compound in Alotau.

Governor Crittin said the issues in Alotau stem from a growing population in search of opportunities.

However amongst them are opportunities resulting in a spike in criminal activity.

Govt to close accounts in disciplined manner

He said this is to ensure they start on a clean state with fewer distractions from legacy issues as well as to ensure frontline services in the provinces and districts are operational.

Abel said this in a media conference on Monday.

He stated the 2018 accounts are closing in a relatively healthy position largely due to improvements in tax collection, increased dividend payments, rebounding commodity process and the unprecedented international financing secured this year.

K16bn budget for 2019

During the Budget Lock-up Minister Abel said the 2019 budget builds on the considerable progress that has been made under the framework of the 100 Day Plan this year.

With the theme, ‘Building A Broader Based Economy’ Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister, Charles Abel, said the Government will continue to meet its primary commitments to Infrastructure, Education, Health, Law and Order, Agriculture, Tourism and SMEs.

DPM attends World Bank AGM

These meetings are held outside of Washington once every three years.

The DPM attended roundtable of early adopters of the Human Capital Project as one of 27 countries.

He expressed PNG’s condolences to Indonesia for the recent tsumami disaster.

Abel also spoke of the cross cutting issue of rapid population growth and its impacts on maternal and child health and macro pressures on government financing and the environment in developing countries.

Shadow Treasurer offers peace deal to Abel

Ian Ling-Stuckey wishes to present a unified front to the countries attending APEC however, for this to happen, he has asked for three pieces of verified information to increase the people’s confidence in some recent economic claims.

“First, going to the heart of budget honesty, can you release a statement of how much has been received as of 30 September 2018 from the National Fisheries Agency?” Ling-Stuckey said.

PNG raises over a billion Kina in sovereign bond

Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer, Charles Abel, announced this in Port Moresby on Friday following a marketing roadshow overseas.

Abel welcomed the successful outcome of the bond issue which will be used to retire high cost short term domestic debt, convert short term debt t longer term, bring in foreign exchange and fund expenditure per the 2018 budget.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the 10 year bond raised K1.57 billion at 8.375, oversubscribed by 600 per cent.