The much-anticipated full investigation into the East New Britain Palm Oil Limited (ENBPOL) dealings and alleged price fixing is finally set commence next week in Kokopo city, East New Britain (ENB) province. The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, announced this following the arrival of the Chairman, Mr. David Mather to Papua New Guinea from London on Tuesday, who will lead the investigation team. He will be in the beautiful city of Kokopo next week for the investigation to commence from November 24th to 30th, 2024. They will be meeting with the oil palm farmers, the provincial government and all stakeholders including the company concerned (ENBPOL). The Members of the Investigation Team include: 1. Mr. David Mather- Chairman 2. Mr. David Towe- Chief Commissioner for Papua New Guinea Customs Service 3. Mr. Daniel Koiam- Chartered Accountant/Economist 4. Mr. Tony Waisi- Lawyer 5. Mr. Andy Ambulu- Lawyer 6. Ms. Michelle Auamoromoro- Secretary to the Investigation Team This investigation was approved by the National Executive Council (NEC) following a petition by the local oil palm growers and landowners of Gazelle Peninsula and Wider Bay Area of ENB province calling for an investigation into the alleged exploitation of an unfair trade practices by the ENBPOL for illegal price fixing of K10 per metric ton for Fresh Fruits Bunch (FFB) payments from November 2014 to 2022, and K15 per metric ton from 2023-2024. Minister Maru also emphasized the importance of this investigation. “The complaints from the Gazelle farmers may just be the tip of an iceberg on the rot in the industry when it comes to landowner benefits from the development on their land, their sweat, and labour,” Minister Maru said. “The Marape-Rosso Government will have to act so we can get a far better package to encourage our people to free up land for oil palm development.” The minister also looks forward to the outcome of this investigation. “We look forward to the findings and recommendations of the investigation team which will be important to all key stakeholders, the growers and landowners, the oil palm developers, this Government, and key Government agencies who may need to take hold of the report and implement changes.” He added that the investigation will also guide the Government to reform the oil palm industry to ensure that such alleged rip offs do not happen again. “This is a very important investigation for the Government and it is the first time in the country’s history that the Government is investigating the price of oil palm upon receiving complaints from over 15, 000 village oil palm farmers who have requested the Government’s intervention to help them and their families see 500-600% increase in the oil palm prices, similar to farmers in West New Britain Province.” Minister Maru then thanked the ENB Governor, Michael Marum, and his Provincial Administrator for fully supporting this investigation with financial assistance to meet critical on-ground expenses for this investigation.