Prime Minister James Marape has pledged to expand fisheries opportunities for Milne Bay Province, support greater local participation in the sector, and continue efforts to settle an outstanding K42 million owed to the province.
Responding to questions raised by Milne Bay Governor Gordon Wesley during Question Time in Parliament, PM Marape said the Government was committed to ensuring coastal and island communities benefit directly from fisheries resources within their waters and directed relevant authorities to expedite processes that would allow local communities to participate in fisheries activities, including the harvesting of beche-de-mer.
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The Prime Minister also confirmed that the Government would continue making payments towards the outstanding K42 million owed to Milne Bay as funds become available through future national budgets.
PM Marape said the outstanding payment stemmed from arrangements linked to the sale of shares associated with former oil palm industry corporation transactions in 2015, where funds due to Milne Bay and Oro provinces were not fully transferred.
In a statement, he noted that the Marape-Rosso Government had already made payments to both provinces and remained committed to settling the remaining balance.
On fisheries development, PM Marape said scientific assessments had cleared the way for harvesting activities to proceed and instructed relevant authorities to fast-track the necessary approvals.
He reiterated that local participation remained a key government policy, stressing that economic opportunities generated within local communities should first benefit local people.
The Prime Minister encouraged the Milne Bay Provincial Government to work closely with the National Fisheries Authority and other relevant agencies to identify opportunities for local businesses and communities to become more actively involved in fisheries ventures.
He said partnerships and joint ventures could be pursued where additional capacity was required, but local ownership and participation must remain central to such arrangements.
PM Marape also commended the National Fisheries Authority for promoting investment in the fisheries sector and expanding export opportunities for Papua New Guinea seafood products.
He highlighted growing seafood exports and improved access to international markets, including exports of crab products to Singapore and agreements that have opened new overseas markets for PNG fisheries products.
The Prime Minister pointed to fisheries projects in Samarai-Murua District as an example of how local communities can successfully participate in commercial fishing operations and generate income from marine resources.
He said the Government’s “Take Back PNG” agenda extends beyond mining and petroleum and includes fisheries, agriculture, tourism and other sectors capable of creating broad-based economic growth.
PM Marape invited Governor Wesley to formally submit the issues raised in Parliament to his office and the Fisheries Minister for further review, saying the Government would work with the province to address concerns and expand opportunities for local communities.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to developing a stronger fisheries industry that creates jobs, supports local businesses, increases exports and delivers long-term economic benefits to coastal communities throughout Papua New Guinea.