New Business arm for PNG Defence Force launched

The PNG Defence Force will no longer rely too much on the government to fund its operations now that it has a first of its kind business arm, launched on Friday.
The Defence Commercial Incorporate Ltd or the Defence Company came about as a decision by the defence council and the Defence Minister, Dr. Fabien Pok back in 2012 to have a commercial arm for the Army to generate additional funds onto what the government budgeted for, due to the fact that funding each year is not enough to cater for the maintenance and operation purposes of the Force.
Minister Pok said this concept is new, but assures the country that it is a common practice in many military organisations in the world.
He also said the launching of the business arm is not an indication that the army is moving away from its core function of protecting and defending the country.
“You will see a lot of defence organisation around the world support their budget through this manner to make money to sustain their operation,” Minister Pok said.
“We hope in the future it will be a successful company because government budget is limited to what they can give.”
Pok also said that in the future land belonging to the Army can be used for commercial purposes plus other assets that can generate additional revenue.
The Company is based at the Murray Barracks Headquarters in Port Moresby and consists of a hire car business. Other business activities are set to follow next year and on wards.