MAY 9 2022
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says the concept of special economic zones has been proven to work internationally.
He said this at Kerevat in East New Britain today (May 9 2022) when launching the Gazelle Agro Industrial Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a project of the Gazelle District Development Authority (DDA) of MP Hon. Jelta Wong, which will focus on its rich agriculture and tuna potential.
PM Marape also saw for himself the commercial agriculture produce of Gazelle, including a chicken farm which produces fresh eggs, for the people of East New Britain.
The Gazelle SEZ is also supported by East New Britain Development Corporation – the business arm of the provincial government.
PM Marape presented K3 million to the Gazelle DDA to kickstart the project.
The Prime Minister also delivered the K2 million balance of K5 million he promised to Warangoi landowners last November for use of the Warangoi River to supply electricity to East New Britain.
He was accompanied by State Enterprises Minister Hon. William Duma, Lands and Physical Planning Minister Hon. John Rosso, and Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) Managing-Director Professor David Kavanamur.
East New Britain Governor Hon. Nakikus Konga also attended the event as well as prominent local and business leaders.
“The concept of special economic zones is a proven concept worldwide,” PM Marape told hundreds of people at Kerevat.
“Countries like Vietnam and Thailand, even China, have grown because of the concept of special economic zones.
“The government in these countries has invested in special economic zones and allowed businesses in.
“You can get special concessions from government, such as a tax-free zone, which will allow you to grow your business and create employment.
“The government will give special concessions to businesses who want to come to this special economic zone, such as the one we have already created in Manus, and ultimately all 21 provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.”
MP Marape said Gazelle had very-fertile soil to use for agriculture and good people to develop this.
He said the waters of East New Britain teemed with tuna to bring money in to the province and country.
“This is why Gazelle is a very good place to advance the special economic zone concept and grow businesses for the local people,” he said.
