Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru visited the proposed Huon Special Economic Zone (SEZ) site in Lae on Monday where about 190 hectares of land next to the new Lae Wharf is being developed by the PNG Ports. Whilst acknowledging that the work had started, Minister Maru said that there was a lot of work that needed to be done before PNG Ports could apply for an SEZ license and even get tenants into the SEZ. The Minister said there is a lot of work that needs to be done in terms of backfilling of the land, roads, bringing in water and electricity supply, sewerage systems and communications. None of these basic essential utilities are in place at the Huon SEZ site so PNG Ports has a lot to do before they can apply for an SEZ license and attract clients to take up space within the proposed SEZ. “There are already investors who are interested to invest in this proposed SEZ, so I want to encourage PNG Ports to speed up the work.” “We cannot do everything at once so I suggest that PNG Ports concentrate on developing 40 hectares first- put up fencing, bring in water and electricity supply, sewerage system and communications so we can get a license and start marketing the zone.” The Minister said he was pleased by the operation at the wharf, which has certain specifications, including a ship to shore crane with the capability of maximized load and unload timing, making the Lae wharf the only one in the country to have such capabilities. “This has made the port very efficient, resulting in very significant reduction in turnaround time for ships and has also reduced the cost in unloading, which is good for businesses as we need to reduce the cost of doing business in our country.” Minister Maru further added that the freight and handling cost for movement in the country are one of the highest in the world so such equipment and using of latest global technology will help PNG to be much more efficient and will also help to reduce the overall cost of doing business.