The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) has commended Tininga Group and Steamships Trading Company for setting a high benchmark in corporate responsibility and tax compliance, as the two companies launched the K200 million Dobel Central Project in Mt Hagen. Delivering a statement at the launch, the IRC Commissioner General Sam Koim described the milestone as more than just a commercial venture—it is a clear example of how good governance, policy certainty, and tax discipline attract genuine private investment. “Tininga and Steamships stand apart; they are growing their businesses while remaining fully compliant taxpayers. That is the kind of corporate integrity we want to see—businesses that succeed without evading their obligations,” Commissioner Koim said. He contrasted their example with other businesses operating in the country that, despite visible market expansion, continue to underreport income and avoid full tax compliance. “Some businesses are expanding aggressively, yet their tax filings and payments do not reflect that growth. They carry weight in the market but claim to be ‘on a diet’ in their tax declarations to the tax office.” Importantly, the K200 million Dobel Central investment was made without any tax holiday or special incentive,” Mr. Koim said. Mr. Koim said this sends a strong message that the fundamentals—such as law and order, functioning infrastructure, and a stable policy environment—are more critical to attracting investors than tax reliefs. “This investment was made without a tax holiday. That is significant. It proves that investors respond more to good governance, infrastructure, law and order, and policy certainty than to tax giveaways,” he said. Mr. Koim used the occasion to reaffirm the importance of the social contract—the principle that taxpayers contribute, in good faith, expecting the government to use their tax kina wisely to build infrastructure and improve services. “What we are witnessing in the Western Highlands is proof of this—effective, multi-level leadership delivering results and earning the trust of business,” he said. He credited the province’s positive investment climate to the stable and collaborative leadership of Governor Wai Rapa, Minister William Duma, and the Mt Hagen City Authority, supported by national road infrastructure investments under Prime Minister James Marape. As the Dobel Central project takes shape, Mr. Koim reaffirmed IRC’s commitment to recognizing and supporting compliant businesses that contribute meaningfully to national growth. “We commend Tininga and Steamships for their example. May their investment be successful and may it inspire others to do business the right way,” he added.