Comparative Advantage for Economic Growth and Development
Milne Bay Province in Papua New Guinea has significant potential in various sectors. It can develop fisheries, agriculture (including oil palm, coffee, cocoa, coconut, and vanilla), livestock, forestry (with ebony), tourism, geothermal, and mining (Woodlark mine, Misima mine, and alluvial). The Jomard Passage offers revenue opportunities through pilotage fees, and boat-building skills can be revitalized to support the maritime industry. The province has immense tourism potential, including eco-tourism, cruise ship visits, surfing, diving, and festivals. Gurney airport and Alotau port provide connections to the rest of the country and the south-bound tourism markets. Development plans will align with national frameworks and focus on economic investment opportunities and district needs. By leveraging these resources, Milne Bay Province can achieve economic growth and improve the livelihoods of its population.
Milne Bay Province Strategic Economic Priorities
| Comparative Advantage | Specific Areas | Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Agriculture & Livestock Development | Copra | Increase production and downstream processing |
| Rice | ||
| Cocoa | ||
| Fresh Produce | ||
| Rubber | ||
| Cattle Breeding | ||
| Fisheries Development | Aquaculture & coastal fisheries processed onshore | 70% fisheries processed onshore |
| Forestry Development | Forest Products Development | 100% Downstream Processing |
| Climate Change | ||
| Mining & Petroleum Development | Misima and Woodlark Gold Mines | Development of resources sites |
| MSME & District Growth Centres Development | Provincial and District Market Development | MSME development |
| District Growth Centres and MSME Incubation Hub | ||
| Financial Inclusion | ||
| Downstream Processing | Cocoa Products Factories | Produce value-adding |
| Poultry and Halal Meat Abattoir and Processing | Job creation | |
| Rice Mills | ||
| Forestry | ||
| Trade and Investment | Special Economic Zones | Promote SEZ and Industrial Hubs |
| Tourism Niche Product Development | Provincial Cultural Show | Promote local and International tourism |
| Tourism Niche Product Development | ||
| Land Development | Land Development, Physical Planning and Rezoning Program | Bankable land |
| Urban Settlements Management |