BY MARTHA BUCKLEY
THE government’s new focus and priorities on trade and investment with the Republic of Indonesia will sustain Western’s North Fly district in the long run when the giant Ok Tedi Mine ceases operation.
North Fly MP and Vice Minister for Mining and Border Development Hon. James Donald made this statement recently in support of the Minister for Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, who announced last week that the government was set to shift attention to Asia for trade, starting with Indonesia.
In a statement released Donald says North Fly’s vision around trying to look into Indonesia was a substitute to Ok Tedi Mine, purely for it’s well-being and sustainability.
He says they want to declare North Fly area especially the Ningerum local level government where the border development is happening to be free trade zone.
“North Fly has already commenced road project back in 2018 that would connect his district with the Papua Province of Indonesia.”
Donald says this road infrastructure is vital as it would be a catalyst for trade and investment between Western Province and Indonesia as this will enable further developments in our border areas such as the free trade zone concepts, to trigger more business activities.
He says the Alicepit in Ningerum to Yetetkun (Indonesia) road was a result of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Papua Province of the Republic of Indonesia and Western Province.
Donald therefore welcomed the government’s announcement and commended Minister Maru for his foresight and leadership in this new paradigm shift concerning the trade and investment in our country.
Western Star 