The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank group, is drafting laws in Papua New Guinea to create Special Economic Zones - tax free enclaves where foreign corporations will receive special incentives to set up factories - but the World Bank's own Independent Evaluation Group (IEG), its internal watchdog, has published an evaluation which finds the IFC is failing in its mission to assist vulnerable communities and alleviate poverty through its projects and investments. 

Opposition leader, Belden Namah, was grilled yesterday (Thursday) on talk-back radio over his position on the government's Commission of Inquiry into Special Purpose Business and Agriculture leases.

Post Courier editorial

In the debate over the Special Agricultural and Business leases (SABLs), all the attention is focused on the Lands Department. This may have happened because the Lands Department, which is tasked to manage State and to some degree, customary land in Papua New Guinea, issues the SABLs.

Robert Nog Akuna

I AM a community leader in Port Moresby and I think that political graft or corruption is now becoming a serious and controversial subject in our history since independence.

The corruptive influence of political ambitions has haunted civilised men over the last 10 years. Politicians fall into two groups; there are those who use money to win and those who use power to win money. What is the truth about the men who govern our life?

Warke Isaac

Papua New Guineans are being exploited by Australians and other foreign countries.
 We are treated as cheap labour and are forced to look on as bystanders as Australian mining companies mine our natural resources.


Due to the lack of vision and poli­tical will of our leaders, many fo­reigners are taking advantage of our lack of enforcement.


Our oil, natural gas and gold will continue to be exploited by others.


Acting Prime Minister, Sam Abal’s decision to appoint a Commission of Inquiry into  Special Purpose Agriculture and Business Leases (SABLs) and subsequent suspension of forest clearance permits issued under such leases, has come under scathing attack from vocal Opposition MP, and PNG Party leader, Belden Namah.

Namah also says more stiff opposition is expected from stakeholders throughout Papua New Guinea.

Attorney General, Arnold Amet's apology for his racist attack at the PMIZ forum directed at MP Ken Fairweather, which was captured on video, has not stemmed the public criticism of his remarks as these two letters from Friday's newspapers show:

Arnie apology too late for world opinion

Teik Soba

By Lester Seri

Minister Lucas Dekena’s denial that “there is no scam, con or land grabbing in PNG” is the worst denial of the century made by any Minister in PNG. To make statements of denial while there are scores of documented evidence on land fraud starring at him is beyond comprehension.


By PMIZ Watcher

While the Papua New Guinea government has recently reaffirmed its commitment to the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone project in Madang, despite some vociferous local opposition [1], it seems major international companies are rejecting the project and choosing instead to invest in Lae.

The government claims that the PMIZ will become a major hub for tuna processing in the Pacific region with up to 10 processing factories that will create 30,000 jobs.