BY CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
MEMBER for Abau, Sir Puka Temu is advocating for the formation of a parliamentary committee to review the progress of Papua New Guinea’s vision 2050 plan.
Sir Puka, who was instrumental in the creation of the plan in 2008, believes that after thirteen years, it is essential to evaluate the advancements made towards achieving the goal.
He noted that in three years’ time, the nation would be halfway to its 2050 goal, and it is necessary to assess the current situation by going through all departments and agencies to evaluate their progress.
The vision 2050 aims to create a smart, wise, fair, happy, and wealthy society in Papua New Guinea by 2050.
The current decade, 2022 to 2030, according to the plan, is critical for economic prosperity.
Sir Puka stressed the need to mobilize Papua New Guinea’s natural and human capital to achieve the goal. With PNG LNG, Papua gas, Wafi-Golpu Gold and Frieda Gold mine, agriculture, and fisheries sectors, the government is working towards achieving this goal, despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sir Puka highlighted the government’s focus on agriculture as the top priority for economic prosperity, as Papua New Guinea is known for its agricultural heritage.
According to UNESCO, the Kuk area in the Western Highlands Province is an agricultural site that dates back to 10,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest agricultural sites in the world. The government aims to increase productivity in coffee, oil palm, cocoa, vegetables, and livestock, as they are the country’s primary productive sectors.
Sir Puka believes that creating a parliamentary committee to review the progress of Papua New Guinea’s 2050 vision plan will provide a platform to assess the advancements made and ensure that the nation remains on track to achieve its goal.
By mobilizing its resources, particularly its natural and human capital, and focusing on the agriculture sector, Papua New Guinea can achieve economic prosperity and create more wealth for its citizens.
