By DALCY LULUA
Government departments and agencies must break away from a history of working in isolation and instead unite under one national economic agenda, says Secretary for International Trade and Investment, Jacinta Warakai Manua.
Speaking after a workshop convened to discuss the outcomes of Prime Minister James Marape’s recent participation in a high-level business dialogue in Japan, Ms Manua stressed that inter-agency collaboration is critical if Papua New Guinea is to grow its economy and ensure citizens benefit from the country’s vast resources.
“In the last 50 years, we have not collaborated enough. If we are to reset, now is the time to work together,” Ms Manua said. “Government agencies must unite to realise one agenda-to grow the economy for the benefit of our people. God has blessed us with resources, and it is our responsibility as those currently holding the seats of departments and agencies to deliver results.”
Her call for unity was reinforced during an event this afternoon in which the PNG Forestry Authority, through PNG Diwai Holdings Limited, presented K210,000 towards the hosting of the Second Special Economic Zone Summit.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) earlier and today’s contribution were described as prime examples of how agencies can work in partnership to achieve national goals.
“This kind of collaboration is the way forward,” Ms Manua said. “When agencies work together, we can bring real benefits back to our people.”
The Second SEZ Summit aims to create a platform for discussions and investments that will drive economic diversification and development in Papua New Guinea.