PNG Deputy PM Abel response to Opposition's claims on tax increase

PNG Deputy Prime Minister Charles Abel

Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister  and Treasurer, Charles Abel has responded to Opposition's shadow minister Ling-Stuckey's comments on increase on tariffs.

Statement by Mr. Abel

"It would be great if the Shadow Finance Minister actually understood the facts before his continuous misleading outbursts in the media.

"The tariff on flour only affects retail packaged imported flour. The main brands such as Flame and 3 Roses are imported in bulk wheat and processed onshore therefore prices are not affected.

"The tariff on milk is only being applied to fresh milk not UHT milk so prices have not been affected.

"The tariff on veneer and plywood have been in place for some years but the tariff codes had to be corrected in terms of rates applied.

"A relatively low tariff has been introduced on imported furniture and tin fish to support the development of onshore investment and jobs especially where we have the natural resources and existing local products.

"There are two large local producers of fresh chicken meat so prices should not be affected here.

"Papua New Guinea needs jobs and import replacement.

"The Government is utilising a range of policies to progress the local production of rice, wheat (for stock feed and flour), local beef and poultry meat and eggs, milk and other dairy products, tuna processing, power from gas and oil, cement, timber and furniture.

"If we don't give some support to local industry we will forever be importing our food, energy and exporting all our raw materials and jobs."