The government is putting a lot of effort into encouraging downstream production in the region.
This was said by Prime Minister James Marape during a visit to Paradise Foods Company Limited.
“We are focused on downstream processing as far as going forward is concerned –– instead of exporting raw products,” said Marape. “We want to go downstream to satisfy our local markets as well as export to economies around us.”
PNG is fortunate, according to Marape, to have access to 60% of the world's gross domestic product (GDP) through the APEC network.
“As well as, not just the APEC network, but in the vicinity of PNG’s accessibility to markets, we have over 4 billion people from the Pacific, Northern Asia, Western Asia and Northeast Asia put together.
“So to satisfy our local markets in PNG for our 8 million-plus people, as well as the opportunity of exporting to markets closest to us like our neighbouring countries.”
Marape has stated that he supports downstream production and marketing of PNG's natural resources both locally and internationally.
“Today, I am privileged to visit an industry that has been at work since 1945, and I’d like to thank Paradise Foods Company Limited for doing a wonderful job and feeding our country.”
Marape promised that the government will help the industry and market.
