Photo: PM Marape being shown fresh eggs and day-old chicks produced by Gazelle Kakaruk, a project of Gazelle District Development Authority. Showing PM Marape is chicken expert, Scott Needham, who has been engaged by Gazelle DDA to develop the chicken industry of the district and East New Britain.
According to James Marape, the concept of special economic zones has been demonstrated to operate around the world.
He addressed this in Kerevat, East New Britain, during the launch of the Gazelle Agro-Industrial Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a brainchild of MP Hon. Jelta Wong, will concentrate on the country's abundant agriculture and tuna resources.
PM Marape also got a firsthand look at Gazelle's commercial agriculture products, including a chicken farm that produces fresh eggs for the inhabitants of East New Britain.
East New Britain Development Corporation, the provincial government's business arm, also supports the Gazelle SEZ.
PM Marape gave the Gazelle DDA K3 million to commence the project.
The Prime Minister also presented the remaining K2 million of the K5 million promised to Warangoi landowners in November for the use of the Warangoi River to supply energy to East New Britain.
He was accompanied by the Minister of State Enterprises, Hon. Hon. William Duma, Minister of Lands and Physical Planning Professor David Kavanamur, Managing Director of Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH), and John Rosso.
Governor of East New Britain, Hon. Nakikus Konga, as well as other significant local and economic figures, attended the ceremony.
“The concept of special economic zones is a proven concept worldwide,” PM Marape told hundreds of people at Kerevat.
“Countries like Vietnam and Thailand, even China, have grown because of the concept of special economic zones.
“The government in these countries has invested in special economic zones and allowed businesses in.
“You can get special concessions from the government, such as a tax-free zone, which will allow you to grow your business and create employment.
“The government will give special concessions to businesses who want to come to this special economic zone, such as the one we have already created in Manus, and ultimately all 21 provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.”
MP Marape stated that Gazelle had fertile soil for agriculture and qualified people to develop it.
He claimed that the tuna in East New Britain's waterways brought money into the province and country.
“This is why Gazelle is a very good place to advance the special economic zone concept and grow businesses for the local people,” he said.
Reference: PM James Marape News Page (9 May 2022). “PM Marape launches Gazelle Special Economic Zone”.
