On Papua New Guinea’s Independence Day last Sept. 16, Acting Prime Minister John Rosso assured heads of government, departmental heads, the diplomatic corps, and the country that the government is better and well prepared to deliver services to the people.
During his inaugural independence speech as Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Rosso said: “We are not the new government. We are a continuing government that is better prepared and in the right position to effectively coordinate and deliver on development priorities in the next five years.”
He was speaking on behalf of Prime Minister James Marape and Governor General Sir Bob Dadae, who were in London to condole with King Charles III following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Mr. Rosso added: “This government is now more targeted and focused on critical areas of economic growth that will bring development to all of us.”
“The 2019 Loloata outcome continues to serve as the blueprint and guideline for targeted sectorial reforms by aligning them with overall development policies and plans,” he said.
Mr. Rosso stated: “We cannot just keep talking about concepts. We already have some good policies in place and what we need is total and equitable commitment and hard work to implement existing policies to achieve industrialization and economic growth for our people.”
“Most of these policy concepts are in line with the recent government restructure, which included the creation of new ministries, which are International Trade and Investment, Livestock, Oil Palm and Coffee.”
Mr. Rosso said: “We are looking at restructures that can reform and harness the potential of various sectors such as renewable resources and non-renewable resources that have been dormant for the last 46 years. Our people must also be included and empowered to be participants in ensuring economic growth.”
“No one will do this for our people, we must do this for our children and our future. Let us all build Papua New Guinea together, this effort will include collaboration from the public and private sector, Businesses, farmers, and ordinary citizens throughout the country to play their individual roles,” he explained.
“For many years, the government’s focus has been on non-renewable resources, especially the extractive industry, which can be depleted and only serves 10 percent of the economy,” Mr. Rosso said.
“The government is now giving equal attention to renewable resources, which mainly serve 80 percent of our rural population. In doing so, the rural population can be meaningfully engaged in the agricultural sector to sustain themselves.”
