Photo: Markham Valley, Morobe. Credit: PNG Facts
According to Australian consul-general Mark Fox, the Australia-Papua New Guinea collaboration would concentrate on developing PNG's non-resource sector through a variety of initiatives.
“While we know that growth in the resources sector in 2022 is expected to be strong at 2.6 per cent, the non-resources sector is said to lag behind,” he said when discussing Australia’s commitment in agriculture, education, health and human resources.
“We know that agriculture is a big business in Morobe and represents the majority of PNG’s informal population, and we’re committed to unlocking that potential and the economic corridor between the Markham and Ramu valleys.”
Fox stated that a study by the International Finance Corporation, sponsored by Australia and New Zealand to spur private sector growth in this region of the nation, was being examined by the Australia-PNG Economic Partnership. “Meantime, Grow PNG is in talks to implement government mechanisms across this economic corridor to help make private and public investments,” he said.
“We also know that human capital is a critical enabler of sustainable economic growth and we’re investing through a range of products, including health, education, nutrition, and livelihood.”
Fox claimed that Australia was also giving the University of Technology approximately K15 million through incentive funding to build a 138-room women's dormitory, which would enhance the number of female applicants, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
He claimed that 90% of local labour was used on the Angau Hospital renovation, the largest Australian aid project to PNG since independence.
Fox confirmed Australia's dedication to providing money to the improvement of Lae's major market.
Reference: Bauai, Gloria. The National (11 October 2022). “Focus on non-resource sector”.
