The Ministry of International Trade and Investment has taken a significant initiative by inviting a Thai company to produce sugar in the Abau District of Central Province, Papua New Guinea.
Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru made this announcement during a press conference in Port Moresby. Maru stated that the National Executive Council has approved the ‘Cocoland Sugar Development Project’ in Abau to be designated as a Special Economic Zone, led by reputable Thai company Yaosoeng Sugar and Cane Limited.
“The plan entails establishing a 40,000-hectare sugar farm, processing mill, and power plant. The plantation aims to produce three million tons of sugar annually, targeting markets in PNG and Indonesia. We anticipate this project not only to develop a township but also to generate over 20,000 jobs and substantial business opportunities for local landowners participating as sugar cane out-growers supplying the mill,” he explained.
Maru emphasized that the project’s implementation is timely, addressing the current capacity constraints of Ramu Sugar Limited in meeting domestic sugar demand. Additionally, the minister highlighted that the project includes a 45-megawatt power generation component to support the sugar mill, with 20 megawatts designated for sale to PNG Power Limited to enhance electricity affordability and reliability in the Abau District.
Previously, Prime Minister James Marape affirmed the Government’s support to the proposed high-impact Cocoland Sugar Development Project in Abau. He had urged all districts and provinces with large tracts of land to collaborate with landowners to allocate these lands for agriculture and livestock purposes. ” “My government is very happy that a reputable Thai company, Yaosoeng Sugar and Cane Consultant Company Ltd, is in Papua New Guinea to invest here,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
