By GEORGINA MICHAEL
Commerce and Industry Minister Win Bakri Daki has praised his department’s contribution to nation-building over the past 50 years.
“Commerce and Industry have done a lot for this country over the 50 years. I can’t say much. You can see all evidence are all around us, we support industry growth and SME, as well as big major projects – like LNG and others,” he said.
Minister Daki was speaking during a flag-raising ceremony hosted by the Department of Commerce and Industry to mark a week-long independence anniversary celebration. The event was attended by Ministers, MPs and department heads and officials of development partners.
Minister Daki also acknowledged the support and assistance of former ministers, departmental heads and policy makers who contributed to the country’s growth and development.
“II would like to also take this time to thank the former ministers, secretaries, policy makers and other hardworking staff of the department of Commerce and Industry that have worked hard to set their legacies and the foundations right to build the department whilst contributing to the country to where it is now,” he said.
“I am only taking after what you have left, (your written policies and the other things) and on foundations you have set, this is your country, your department and you have served it well, we are here today and gone tomorrow but at least we do something for this department and the country as a whole leaving behind our legacies.
“Thank you to the governments of the past and now to Marape – Rosso government for supporting Commerce and Industry delivering for the country.
“Thank you Secretary and your staff, for working hard. We have a lot of success together to celebrate along with our 50-year anniversary so celebrate, however, we celebrate responsibly knowing we need to work.
“Under by leadership with the collaboration of the secretary and the policymakers of the department we have completed five new policies and we are in the process of completing the other two that are under the legislation process.
“To reward you for your hard work, I am giving you all land titles including sister departments that have been working closely with us, such as SMEC and others during the September 16.
Minister Daki concluded urged other ministers and departments to do the same thing regardless of the difficult processes involved, because land and housing were important for employees in any department