PNG short of skilled labour Source: PNG Loop 24/10/14 Papua New Guinea is actively seeking the help of other Pacific Islanders to cope with its shortage of skilled labour, a crowd of business leaders heard last night. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his Trade and Industry Minister Richard Maru both spoke of the intention to open our borders to visa-free travel for people from the countries of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Minister Maru used the example of nurses, saying PNG could benefit from the lower cost services of nurses from the Solomon Islands and later Mr O’Neill used the same example. Mr O’Neill spoke of the intention to tap into the pool of mature age, experienced workers from places like Fiji to help PNG solve its skilled labor shortage. He said PNG was moving towards allowing MSG group citizens to have entry to PNG without needing a visa or work permit. “The next few years are going to be exciting times,’’ he told a function at the Crowne Plaza to celebrate the hosting of the MSG trade fair and roadshow to be held on Novembe 28-29 in Port Moresby. The cocktail party last night was part of the Government’s plan to obtain financial support for hosting the MSG event. The Government has already pumped in K2.2 million but estimates it will need K1.1million more and is courting the private sector for that amount. He said there are plans to relax investment regulations especially from MSG countries. “There is a large pool of retired people in Fiji for example who can come here and help us,’’ he said.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 02:44:24 +0000
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