New Ireland Governor Byron Chan says a newly appointed board of the New Ireland Development Corporation has been tasked with improving governance and progressing stalled economic projects in the province.
Speaking after the board’s swearing-in in Kavieng last month, Mr. Chan said the Provincial Executive Council appointed the new board to strengthen accountability within the corporation and drive investment and business activity in New Ireland.
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The new board was sworn in by Senior Provincial Magistrate Patricia Tivese and includes Chairman Christian Tarkap, directors Robin Pitili and Pius Freeman, and Provincial Administrator Richard Andia as director.
Mr. Chan said the corporation was expected to play a central role in supporting economic projects and creating business opportunities in the province.
“The New Ireland Development Corporation is a very important institution for our province. It must serve as an engine for economic growth, investment, and business development that creates real opportunities for our people,” Mr. Chan said in a statement.
He said the new board had been directed to improve the corporation’s operations and ensure development projects were implemented transparently and effectively.
Mr. Chan also said the Provincial Government wanted more participation from local communities, farmers, and small businesses in economic projects linked to agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and commercial development.
Governor Chan welcomed the board’s decision to establish a Technical Project Working Committee made up of advisers from Kokonas Industry Koporesen and Coffee Industry Corporation to oversee agriculture and fisheries projects across Kavieng and Namatanai districts.
Chairman Christian Tarkap said the corporation would continue work on several major projects previously endorsed under the late Julius Chan administration, including the proposed Malagan Five-Star International Hotel, the Arrow Trading retail complex, the Section 5 Shopping Mall project, and a joint-venture fishing project.
Mr. Chan said the projects were expected to create employment and increase commercial activity in the province.