FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO LAE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (PNG), 18 – 21 NOVEMBER 2010
The High Commissioner of Malaysia to Papua New Guinea, H.E. Datin Blanche Olbery and Mr. Nur Azman Abdul Rahim, Counsellor / Head of Chancery of the High Commission of Malaysia in Port Moresby made a familiarisation visit to Lae from 18 – 21 November 2010.
During the familiarisation visit to Lae, they visited and had briefing at the offices of International Food Corporation (IFC), Maybank PNG Ltd and Nestle PNG Ltd.
At IFC (Fima Bhd) we had the opportunity to see how IFC had developed the tuna and mackerel processing plant for the export market and as well as from the local market distribution and we were pleased to know that IFC is in the process of getting the European Union (EU) Certification of Tuna Export to the EU.
At the dinner hosted by IFC, the Governor of Morobe also attended.
After the Maybank visit, we also proceeded to visit the plastic factory making plastic bags and thongs and the motor spare parts store all owned and managed by Malaysians for the past 20 over years.
Then next day we proceeded to Nestle. We had the opportunity to see how the Maggie noodles, food flavouring (perencah) being processed and the repacking of the Nescafe and milo products. We had the opportunity to meet and mingle with the local business community of Lae at the dinner hosted by Nestle when the President of the Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry attended.
In conclusion, we note that Lae is a fast growing port city. A lot of potential for various businesses. Many Malaysian companies are involved in business there and some for almost 30 years and they have contributed to the economy. The Investment Promotion Authority of PNG has recorded a total of 599 Malaysian companies registered in PNG. During the visit we identified that the ‘halal’ market is still untapped and if penetrated in PNG it can really boost the exports of PNG world wide. Malaysia being the ‘halal hub’ can surely explore developing its halal market here as the Muslim population is increasing rapidly.
