Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the ongoing improvement of the road corridor linking Kimbe and Kokopo, saying the project is already driving agriculture and economic growth in both provinces.

Prime Minister Marape said the expansion of oil palm developments along the highway was a positive sign that infrastructure investment is creating new economic opportunities for local communities.

“Where roads are built, agriculture development must follow,” he said.

The Prime Minister reflected on his previous visit to the area five years ago, noting the major changes that have taken place since then.

“At that time, there was no sealed highway or large-scale oil palm expansion as we see today. I am pleased to witness this economic progress taking place,” he said.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the West New Britain Provincial Government, district authorities, landowners and Hargy Oil Palms Limited for working together to make productive use of land and support local economic development.

Prime Minister Marape added that roads should serve broader purposes beyond transportation, describing them as “agriculture roads, tourism roads, fisheries roads and forestry roads” that can create jobs and improve livelihoods for Papua New Guineans.