Expansion of Papua New Guinea's Lae Port will increase trade for one of the poorest countries in Asia and the Pacific, turning the seaport into a gateway linking the country to world markets.
Transcript
Title: Seaport Development Opens Papua New Guinea to the World
Description: Expansion of Papua New Guinea's Lae Port will increase trade for one of the poorest countries in Asia and the Pacific, turning the seaport into a gateway linking the country to world markets.
VO: The resource rich low middle income country of Papua New Guinea is the largest nation in the Pacific region. The PNG’s economy relies heavily on trade and commodities like minerals, timber, and fish making up the bulk of exports.
With more than 60% of the country’s 7.5 million inhabitants widely dispersed over the territory and given the rugged and poor roads, it is through the sea that goods are mostly traded. Lae Port in Morobe province is PNG’s gateway to world markets. Rising cargo volumes however have taken their toll in the old port.
The Asian Development Bank assisted the government of Papua New Guinea to develop and modernized Lae Port. The project is the largest ever undertaken by ADB in the Pacific. The construction of a tidal basin to allow the port to accommodate larger vessels were the key component of the project. But to do this, the PNG government worked with communities to relocate 3,200 people. Programs to improve the livelihood of relocated communities were introduced.
SOT: Ennis Thomas
Canteen Owner
Resettled from Lae Tidal Basin
Four years ago with the compensation money I received, I bought a canteen with a bakery. Business has been good and I have been able to buy 5 cars and built a big house for my family in my new village.
VO: The majority of the children who attend Lae Port Primary School in Lae come from families who are resettled under the project.
SOT: Amapa Kwila
Head Teacher
Firstly for those that moved out they were given money. So it is good that the children use the water tank.
VO: When operational the new facilities at the new Lae Port site will expand the cargo handling capacity of PNG’s largest port. There are new stewards areas, buildings and roads, upgraded electricity, water and sewerage services. PNG has waited decades to expand Lae Port. The project has not only expanded the port’s life but has also boosted the safety, efficiency and connectivity of port operations in the country. The project will also work closely with the private sector to build management capacity and to help Lae port become a major hub serving the Pacific region with improved operating efficiency.
