Prime Minister (PM) James Marape, on behalf of the country, has shared his sadness, over the death of businessman James Edward Seeto, who passed away on September 6, 2024. The Prime Minister says this is a profound loss of another great business leader in the country, which comes so soon after the death of Sir Soekandar Tjandra, the found of the Papindo Group of Companies in August this year. When extending his deepest condolences to the family the pioneer PNG-Chinese businessman, James Seeto, the Prime Minister described him as the visionary founder of the Seeto Kui Group of Companies, who first arrived in Salamaua, Morobe, in 1938, following in his father’s footsteps. James was the son of Seeto Kiu. His family, when announcing the passing, said the late James Edward Seeto, CSM MBE, was the Governing Director of the Seeto Kui Group of companies. In the announcement, his family said he passed away peacefully. "James passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love and warmth of his family," the announcement read. It went on to state that, "He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather," and that the family was "so proud of the incredible legacy he leaves behind." James Seeto's family started the Seeto Kui Group, a big multi-million-kina company in PNG that employs a lot of Papua New Guineas. “On behalf of our nation, I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the Seeto family. The legacy that James Seeto and his family built through Seeto Kui is remarkable, with the company employing over 2, 500 people and contributing to the growth of our country since 1938," Prime Minister Marape said. "I encourage all Papua New Guineans, following the passing of James Seeto and Sir Soekandar Tjandra, to draw inspiration from these two exemplary business leaders and work diligently to grow and strengthen businesses in our country." "Seeto Kui is more than a business—it is a symbol of what is possible when vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to one's country come together. From its humble beginnings to its position today as a multi-million Kina enterprise spanning grocery, hardware, construction, and many other sectors, Seeto Kui’s story is one of growth, perseverance, and dedication to Papua New Guinea.” The Prime Minister praised the Seeto family for their unwavering dedication to reinvesting in PNG, creating jobs, and fostering local growth, rather than transferring profits offshore. “Their investment in projects like the Food Mart Supermarket in Lae is a testament to their belief in the potential of our people and our economy,” he added. James Seeto’s journey began in 1938 when he, along with his mother and sister, joined their father in Salamaua. After a series of relocations due to wartime events, including a brief evacuation to Australia, the family returned to Lae in 1948. Despite humble beginnings, Seeto Kui founded his first trade store in Lae’s China Town area with only 100 Australian Pounds in his pocket from war compensation. James Seeto took over the family business in the early 1950s and transformed it into one of PNG’s most enduring business icons. "His faith in Papua New Guinea, from its earliest days, is something we honor and will never forget. James Seeto’s life and work are reminders of the strength and impact of community centred leadership," Prime Minister Marape concluded. The Seeto family said that the late James' "life was marked by kindness, generosity and an unwavering commitment to his community and the country." "We will miss him dearly, more than words can express, and our lives will never be the same without him." "Our family is sincerely grateful for your love and support during this difficult time and will share details of his memorial service in the coming days." "May our father, grand father and great-grandfather rest in eternal peace."