Story from:
23 Dec 2022
ISEZ, Minister for International Trade & Investment and JDI visits Kerema to engage with local communities
On December 23rd 2022, a week later from their first visit, Ihu Special Economic ZONE (ISEZ) senior team members and Minister for International Trade and Investment was accompanied by members of the Japanese Development Institute (JDI) on their visit to Upper and Lower Ahia in Kerema District, Gulf Province.
The purpose of the visit is to deliver Ministerial keynote on Special Economic Zone (SEZ) determination to develop Ihu and also for JDI to pre – assess on the SEZ projects in PNG.
In their visit to both Upper and Lower Ahia, in front of four hundred people (estimated), the visitors delivered few key messages to the people, which all led to one common goal which is to work together to bring development into Ihu LLG.
1. ISEZ Key Message:
o ISEZ to work in partnership with landowners to anchoring resources to create a prosperous future for all
o Carryout land mobilization program to address development issues
o Landowners calling for Technical Vocational Education (TVET) school to be Ahia LLG to accommodate school leavers
o Landowners presented TVET proposal to the Office of the local member for Kikori
2. Minister for International Trade and Investment Key Message:
o ISEZ to follow all pre-requisite of SEZ Act to acquire appropriate license to operate.
o To free up land for economic development within SEZ space as Government direction increase bilateral trade.
o ISEZ and landowners to support the domicile the Government percentage of LNG agreement within the Kikori District.
o Landowners presented TVET proposal to the Office of the local member for Kikori.
3. Japan Development Institute Key Message:
o Japan Government provide expertise through JDI to assist 18 selected sites of SEZ program in the country.
o Upon completion of the assessment, the JDI team to create SEZ Master Plan.
o JDI comment on the huge potential for development in the vast untapped land in Ihu.
With the various positive details explained to the people, the people are eager to work with ISEZ, the government and stakeholders to develop their district. They are willing to make their land accessible for economic activities and welcome development engagements.
Land owners also requested to the government that they want a Technical Vocational Education (TVET) school to be in Ahia LLG to accommodate school leavers, which they already proposed to the local member of Kikori.