In a move that would see the landowners of the Papua LNG (PLNG) in the Gulf province benefit from the spin- off businesses from the country’s second major LNG project, saw the landowner groups launch their first ever landowner umbrella company. Called the Gulf Papua Umbrella Joint Venture (GPUJV) Limited, it is the lead Landowner Company (Lanco) for six landowner groups, which are also represented by six companies under this Umbrella Company. Speaking at the official launching today in Port Moresby, the Member for Kikori and Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Soroi Eoe said the Lancos consist of landowner groups from the pipeline areas and the Petroleum Development License (PDL) landowners. The setup of the Lanco was done meticulously, having witnessed what had happened to some that popped up during the PNG LNG project. “We wanted to avoid that mistake. Landowners missed out during the construction phase,” said the Minister. The Minister, being a landowner himself, said this is a major achievement for the people of Gulf province. “Now landowners can participate in businesses from the Papua LNG.” The launch of the umbrella company is timely because the construction phase of the PLNG is expected to start next year and with the Lanco in place, the smaller companies under the umbrella company can be able to get contracts and participate in the construction phase, and with it, generate revenue for their landowner groups. Present to witness the official launching of the GPUJV were the Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta, Member for Kerema Thoms Opa, Member Eoe and the landowner representatives of the groups.