THE Government has called for stronger coordination with the World Bank as preparations progress for the implementation of the second phase of the Productive Agriculture and Commodity Diversification (PACD) project.
The call was made during a meeting between the Government and the World Bank team, with discussions focused on preparations for PACD Phase II (PACD 2) and the need to accelerate implementation ahead of the 2027 National General Election.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. John Boito, MP, urged the World Bank to work closely with Provincial Governments and Governors, as well as District Development Authority (DDA) chairmen and district chief executive officers, rather than operating in isolation.
Minister Boito said greater coordination would help ensure projects respond to priorities on the ground and avoid challenges experienced during the first phase of PACD.
He pointed to the recent issue raised in Parliament involving the Wewak Open MP and the PNG Cocoa Board as an
example of the importance of effective communication and coordination among national agencies, provinces and local representatives.
The Minister also described the implementation of PACD Phase I as slow to take off, saying greater attention and resources should have been directed towards priority areas earlier in the project.
He stressed that PACD Phase II must be fully aligned with the National Agriculture Sector Plan (NASP) and its Implementation Plan 2024–2033, which provide the Government’s strategic direction for the agriculture sector.
The World Bank confirmed that its projects are aligned with the NASP and its 2024–2033 Implementation Plan.
The Bank also advised that AgriConnect will focus on key agricultural value chains as part of efforts to improve agricultural productivity and market opportunities for farmers.
Executive Chairman of Rice & Grain, Koren Maso, highlighted the positive impact of roads constructed under AgriConnect, saying the infrastructure had improved market access for local farmers.
Mr. Maso also stressed the importance of proper reporting and documentation of project activities and achievements.
He said accurate reporting would provide the Agriculture Minister with evidence of tangible results on the ground, which could then be presented to the National Executive Council (NEC) and Parliament.
The meeting also identified several key actions required to move PACD Phase II forward.
These include securing NEC approval, continuing discussions with the Department of Treasury and the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) on negotiations, and engaging the Ministry of Finance on the establishment of Trust Fund accounts.
The Government and its development partners will also work towards the inclusion of AIIB and IFAD credit in the 2027 National Budget, while further discussions will be held with the Office of the State Solicitor (OSS) regarding the project’s effectiveness date.
The meeting underscored the importance of stronger collaboration between the World Bank, the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Provincial Governments and local Members of Parliament to ensure PACD Phase II delivers timely and measurable results.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, the Government is seeking to ensure that implementation is accelerated, properly coordinated and supported by clear reporting of outcomes for farmers and communities.