Richard Maru

SEZs to kick off in 2024

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru said, “Our first two Special Economic Zones were Malahang in Morobe Province and Ulaveo in the East New Britain Province. These were followed by the Paga Hill Special Economic Zone and the Central Limestone Project. This year the Government is set to license the Rice Special Economic Zone, the Central Manufacturing Zone, the Sepik Plains Special Economic Zone, and the PMIZ.”

Work on Yangoru-Saussia hospital starts in 2024

This follows a visit by the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority chief executive officer, Matthew Kaluvia and his management team to see the proposed site in Yangoru and meeting with the Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) Board in its final meeting for this year.

Minister Maru said: “The first phase of the construction of the Level 4 District Hospital will commence after designs are completed and tenders are called and awarded by the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority.”

Maru calls for creation of Kava industry

His call comes in the wake of a revelation from two Fijians who recently attended the 14th World Indigenous Business Forum in Port Moresby, where they highlighted the growing demand for kava in the Pacific region, surpassing its supply.

Kava, traditionally consumed as a beverage, has evolved into a source of livelihood for thousands of smallholder farmers and a lucrative business, particularly in the pharmaceutical and social sectors.

Recognize indigenous businesses

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru in closing the Forum last week said it is time the Government recognize the need for PNG indigenous businesses and supported as a unit.

Minister Maru stated: “There are so many Papua New Guinean indigenous entrepreneurs who have done so much without Government support. This Forum allowed them to come and display their products and many of us were really inspired. I am so impressed of the energy and the drive of our people. They did not wait for the Government; they did what they had to do.”

EU market vital for trade, investment

When presenting at the 4th EU- PNG Business, Trade and Investment forum today, Minister Maru commended the team responsible for organizing the conference which he said was important.

He praised the EU market, where Papua New Guinea annually exports up to 950 million US dollars and imports 100 million US dollars, creating a trade surplus.

PNG on offer

This was the message relayed by the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, during day two of the inaugural Papua New Guinea – Asia Investment Conference in Hong Kong.

Sessions 1-4 concluded yesterday in day one of the conference, with Prime Minister James Marape welcoming investors to PNG before departing for Beijing, China.

Minister Maru, who was instrumental in the hosting of this conference in Asia, headlined session five with the topic: “PNG ready for investment”.

PNG-China feasibility study initiated

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, this week announced this crucial development on the eve of Prime Minister James Marape's scheduled state visit to China next week for the Belt and Road Summit in Beijing.

The initiation of this joint feasibility study follows an agreement reached between Prime Minister Marape and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the state visit in 2021.

Newmont-Newcrest Merger Granted

This decision comes after careful scrutiny, with the regulator expressing satisfaction that all stipulated requirements have been met.

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, announced the breakthrough, highlighting that a comprehensive Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been formalized between the merging entities.

Minister Maru extended gratitude on behalf of the Government to Newmont Corporation for choosing to invest in Papua New Guinea.

24 Kwarabri villages surrender to Police

Of the 24 people, one was an escapee and 23 were suspects who were involved in the clash with police, during June of this year.

The villagers through the ceremony apologise to the police and the district for the law and order issue they have caused leading up to the gun battle between police and the villagers, resulting in the death of a youth and five wounded.  

Vietnam keen on trade with PNG

Ambassador of Vietnam to Papua New Guinea (PNG), His Excellency Nguyen Tat Thah in his meeting with the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru on Friday August 25, said Vietnam was keen on Trade and Investment with Papua New Guinea (PNG).  

Vietnam currently has a population of over 98 million with an economy size of about USD449 billion with the service sector accounting for 41.3 per cent of the GDP.