The national government’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and donor support should be the assistance that is needed to ensure Western province progresses long after Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) closes its operations.
OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Musje Werror, said the SEZ is one such benefit that would see sustainable growth in the province’s economy and improve service and development, as it will attract investments in the long run for the province.
“Special Economic Zone, in terms of attracting more investors into the province, its going to be a critical part of government’s input into sustaining Western province beyond closure,” said the CEO.
Mr. Werror said he met with Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, and discussed this as to how this can take place in the near future.
Werror said the government is looking at gaining assistance from the Japanese government to do overall economic plan for the country including Western province, which is something to look forward to.
“I spoke with the minister, and he really wants to start off with Western province, on how the Japanese government through their team or agency can come in to help shape the future for Western province.”
In addition to this, Mr. Werror said there are more donor partners in the province all looking at how they can assist the province.
“They recognize that Ok Tedi is the focal point and one day with Ok Tedi gone, something must take place. So, that recognition is there so that’s another positive,” said the CEO.
Meanwhile, OTML has about 10 more years left of mining life and after that, its closure and the benefits that go towards the resource landowners and the provincial government, will stop flowing as well