In a show of great flamboyance, the long awaited and anticipated wait for the Medium Term Development Plan IV [2023-2027] was officially launched by the Prime Minister James Marape on Friday night, alongside the Minister for Finance and Planning Rainbo Paita at a fully packed APEC House in Port Moresby.
The Launch was witnessed by many invited guests, dignitaries, members of Parliament and other stakeholders.
Acting Secretary for Finance & Planning, Koney Samuel welcomed everyone in attendance, making note of their support in the launching of the MTDP IV, stating that this was a very special occasion as the country was witnessing the launching of the development plan for the next 5 years.
“This occasion reminds us of the challenges ahead and a need for collective resolve to build this nation together.”
“This is the overarching development plan for our country fully endorsed by the Marape-Rosso Government and for Papua New Guineans to take full ownership and commit to deliver successfully.”
The Acting secretary said to achieve the country’s Vision 2050, he called for the collective effort of all citizens, adding that the MTDP IV provides adequate framework and a launching pad for addressing the country’s development priorities.
“We are at the most critical juncture in our country’s history where we seriously need to rethink the way we do business for the last 47 years.”
Referencing the previous report from the MTDP III, Samuel highlighted that our major development indicators are obviously low in terms of the human development index.
“The Country is ranked 156 out of 191 countries, according to the UN Human Development Report 20-21 and we hope that by 2050, the country can be able to reach the top 50.”
“I see the urgency of our time to work harder than ever.”
“We must not falter along the way.”
“Papua New Guineans need better, particularly those in the remotest and rural areas of our country.”
He added that the plan now launched captures the aspirations of all Papua New Guineans, stating that the department undertook a comprehensive consultation with provincial and district administrations, the government stakeholder, private sector and others to solicit views and ideas as to how they can go about in planning for the country’s development.
“Our consensus and development priorities are fully captured in this plan, as well as the means as to how we will grow the economy, create jobs and increase revenue.”