PNG SME Magazine

25/06/2024

Tony Benedict, Managing-Director of Vanimo-based cocoa exporter Wilyete Investment Ltd, proudly showcased his cocoa products at the Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC) Agri Trade Expo held at APEC Haus in Port Moresby today. He highlighted the booming cocoa trade in East and West Sepik, driven by current high world prices, which are expected to remain strong for the next two years.



**🎉 Tony Benedict Showcases Cocoa Products at CGC Agri Trade Expo! 🌱🍫**

Tony Benedict, Managing-Director of Vanimo-based cocoa exporter Wilyete Investment Ltd, proudly showcased his cocoa products at the Credit Guarantee Corporation (CGC) Agri Trade Expo held at APEC Haus in Port Moresby today. He highlighted the booming cocoa trade in East and West Sepik, driven by current high world prices, which are expected to remain strong for the next two years.



Credit Malum Nalu

25/06/2024

As citizens, we hold a powerful right—the right to hold our government accountable.

But it's equally essential that we recognize our responsibility to showcase our own contributions.

We stand as stewards of this great land, honoring the legacy of our forefathers.

Today,
We extend our gratitude to CGC for making this event possible.
Yet, mere words fall short; actions resonate louder.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been diligently working behind the scenes.

Now,
it's our turn to demonstrate our impact in manufacturing, downstream industries and Exports.

19/06/2024

19/06/2024

Please click the link to complete this form.

15/06/2024

Shout out to our newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Raymond Andrew, Sam Wawaro, Lode Oeka, William Jessica, Abraham Maimbu, Isaac Tieah, Z'modiih Y'rneh

13/06/2024

Specialist Eye Clinic this Sunday 16th June, 2024. Make a Booking!

Mobile Doctors Team
Skyview Medical Centre
Skyview Estate, ATS Road, 8 Mile, Port Moresby
(+675) 341 6796 / 79624167 / 77208160
[email protected]

11/06/2024

Congratulations Frederick Koldop. PNGs first indiginous owned 3 in 1 Coffee and Instant Coffee. These SKUs are an add on Togoba's premium coffee.

Togoba Coffee is the exclusive coffee sponsor of the TCF 6th SME Breakfast with the PM and CGC Trade Expo.

10/06/2024

https://youtu.be/9a9ABeKnCyY

Visit https://www.pngsmeawards.org/2024-categories

04/06/2024

Essential requirements for SMEs seeking to participate as an Exhibitor.
Hit the link to our PNG SME Magazine YouTube Channel and view the requirements in the comments section.

The Credit Guarantee Corporation Papua New Guinea Agri Trade Expo | June 24 -27 Port Moresby sole purpose is to:- Enable Access to tailored financial product...

31/05/2024

https://youtu.be/oO1HxOlLeUY

The Credit Guarantee Corporation Papua New Guinea Agri Trade Expo | June 24 -27 Port Moresby sole purpose is to:- Enable Access to tailored financial product...

17/05/2024

JUNE 27 |
Annual PNG SME Magazine Business Breakfast

The TCF SME Breakfast is an annual event initiated by the PNG SME Magazine in partnership with the SME Corporation. It serves as a platform to commemorate In...

17/05/2024

How They Won an Award | 30 Sec Stinger

But first --- You must nominate your business or be nominated by anyone from June 27 to August 31 to avoid disappointment.

Here are the four key areas that the judging committee will look at if you’re aiming to be recognized for an award.
Let’s break it down for you.

#4. Innovation.
What makes your product or service offer, stand out? Is it a ground-breaking product, a unique service, or a smart approach? Are you a serial innovator!

#3. Growth Metrics.
Has your business expanded? Have your employees grown in size? Are your assets multiplying? Growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about impact.

#2. Reach Beyond Boundaries.
Have you transcended your initial footprint? Has your product or service reached new places and faces? Has your dream influenced and changed lives?

#1. Ten X Factor.
What? makes you stand out from the pack? How have you blessed your community? Whether it is through mentorship, sustainability, or community projects? What is your 10x factor?

Master these 4 areas to increase your chances of winning an award category, and be considered for the ultimate title,
the Ela Motors PNG SME of the Year.

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**SME Awards Judges Disclaimer**

The SME Awards is committed to the highest standards of integrity and fairness throughout the judging process. Our esteemed panel of judges is selected based on their expertise, impartiality, and dedication to excellence.

**Integrity**:
We uphold the principle of integrity in every aspect of the awards. The judges are bound by a strict code of conduct that ensures their evaluations are conducted with honesty and ethical consideration.

**Strict Adherence**:
The judging process is rigorous and thorough, with each entry being evaluated against established criteria. Our judges are instructed to adhere strictly to these guidelines to ensure a fair and unbiased assessment.

**Zero Tolerance on Wantok System**:
We have a zero-tolerance policy towards the Wantok system or any form of nepotism or favoritism. Any judge found to be in violation of this policy will be immediately disqualified from the panel and their decisions revoked.

**Finality of Decisions**:
The decisions made by our judges are final. We trust in their expertise and judgment to select the most deserving winners. The judging process is designed to be transparent and free from external influences, ensuring that the awards reflect true merit.

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For more details, visit www.pngsmeawards.org

https://youtu.be/l6m8CUH0IME

Here are the four key areas that the judging committee will look at if you’re aiming to be recognized for an award.Let’s break it down for you. #4. Innovation...

16/05/2024

Malum Nalu writes...

Meet Dr. Joel Waramboi,
A distinguished agricultural scientist and entrepreneur, at his brand-new Wia coffee factory and roastery in Nadzab, located in the scenic Markham Valley of Morobe.

Dr. Waramboi proudly introduces his flagship product, Erap Coffee, sourced directly from the lush foothills of the Saruwaged Range in Morobe.

This site is set to host Papua New Guinea’s first-ever instant coffee factory, marking a significant milestone in agricultural downstream processing in the country.

15/05/2024

Coffee Industry Corporation Limited
Reminder |
Industry Circular RCP #03 on Ban on trading & exporting of triage Grade (Green Bean Coffee) under old export grades

15/05/2024

Coffee Industry Corporation Limited
Reminder |
Industry Circular RCP #02 on Roasting & Packaging coffees outside of licensed and established facilities.

14/05/2024

Congratulations Judy Ejampi Suave
On the official opening of your shop at Brian Bell Plaza.

| Quality baskets, rugs, pottery, wooden cutleries, Goroka bilums, come and check it out!

13/05/2024

04/05/2024

Tapioca Delight's story isn’t one of overnight success or flashy storefronts. It’s journey of faith, passion, commitment, teamwork and irresistible food.

Tapioca Delight
PHAMA Plus

01/05/2024

PHAMA PLUS PRESENT COFFEE CHERRY PROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO CIC
Coffee Industry Corporation Limited
PHAMA Plus

The Pacific Horticulture and Agriculture Market Access (PHAMA) Plus program in partnership with the Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) has delivered a number of training packages for the coffee industry since 2018.

Following a coffee cherry processing workshop held in 2023, PHAMA Plus presented 10 coffee equipment and three cherry processing manuals (Honey, Washed and Natural) to CIC and few industry participants on Friday, April 26th, 2024 at the CIC headquarters in Goroka.

The items presented included moisture meters, Brix meters, thermometers, and water activity meter to aid accurate readings during the processes of cherry processing.

The event was attended by the CIC Chief Operations Officer Steven Tumae, Program Managers, training facilitator Mark Munnul, PHAMA Plus National Facilitator Tamar Amean, industry participants and staff.

Tumae acknowledged the support and partnership with then PHAMA Program since 2015. He said in 2015, an Industry Working Group was established under this partnership, which has seen many important decisions put into action plans and implemented for the industry.

He said some of the highlights under this partnership included a Market Study for the Coffee Industry, hosting of the coffee symposium, Barista training, Roasting Training, Q-Grader Training, and Coffee Cherry Processing Training among other support to industry meetings, conferences and expos.

“We are grateful for the support of the then PHAMA program and now PHAMA Plus. Although the program is coming to an end, the support through various training and workshops is valuable and will contribute to enhancing coffee processing methods following respective market demands.”

Kosem Coffee Ktd General Manager and coffee processing trainer, Mark Munnull in thanking CIC and PHAMA Plus program encouraged the participants to work with few committed groups and introduce the simplest methods of coffee cherry processing before going to the new methods.

Munnull said the coffee specialty market is there and the opportunities are endless. He said it was easy to make a good first impression and it is easy to lose these type of markets if consistency in quality and supply is not maintained overtime.

He said treating coffee as a business was still a big challenge for the industry as a whole. “With this training, start with the simplest method in cherry processing then if you get 3 or 5 groups to do it right with volume to sell then you can go to the new processes.”

Munnull said participants were taken through hands-on training on new coffee cherry processing methods for Washed Honey and Natural coffee last year.

30/04/2024

How to Win: 4 Key Areas Judges Can’t Overlook

The PNG SME Magazine and Ela Motors is Celebrating 5 years of rewarding SME innovation and excellence this year.

Here are the four key areas that the judging committee will look at if you’re aiming to be recognized for an award.

Let’s break it down for you.

#4. Innovation.
What makes your product or service offer, stand out?
Is it a ground-breaking product, a unique service, or a smart approach?
Are you a serial innovator!

#3. Growth Metrics.
Has your business expanded?
Have your employees grown in size?
Are your assets multiplying?
Growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about impact.

#2. Reach Beyond Boundaries.
Have you transcended your initial footprint?
Has your product or service reached new places and faces?
Has your dream influenced and changed lives?

#1. 10x Factor.
What makes you stand out from the pack? How have you blessed your community? Whether it is through mentorship, sustainability, or community projects? What is your 10x factor?

Master these 4 areas to increase your chances of winning an award category, and be considered for the ultimate title, the Ela Motors PNG SME of the Year.

For more details, visit www.pngsmeawards.org

Ela Motors PNG & PNG SME Magazine partnership since 2020.

https://youtu.be/YtAVQ5im5xY

The PNG SME Magazine and Ela Motors is Celebrating 5 years of rewarding SME innovation and excellence this year.Here are the four key areas that the judging ...

24/04/2024

STREIT PNG Programme |
Sepik Farmers Shine in FHA Singapore 2024!

Sepik farmers are making waves at the largest Food and Hospitality tradeshow in the Asia and the Pacific!

Supported by the FAO under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, Sepik local MSMEs, including Mongs Agritrade, Kunai Oasis Trading, Federice Estates, and Wilyete Cocoa Exporters are proudly representing Papua New Guinea on the international stage.

PNG booth is filled with the rich aromas of Sepik cocoa and vanilla, and handmade chocolates produced by hardworking Sepik farmers, are drawing in crowds of eager international buyers and food enthusiasts.

This is a fantastic chance for Sepik products to shine globally, and for you and the dedicated farmers, to see the fruits of your labour reaching new heights.

22/04/2024

Enforcing Sustainable Fishing Practices Vital for Pacific's Food Security and Economic Stability

SUVA, FIJI, APRIL 22, 2024– The Pacific region's reliance on its rich marine resources- critical in food security, economic stability, and cultural heritage, makes it imperative that sustainable fishing practices are not just encouraged but strictly enforced, Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen says.

Her comments follow the conclusion of a FFA training on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Prerequisite Programs/Good Hygiene Practices (PRP/GHP), held in partnership with the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme, which is supported by the European Union (EU) and the Government of Sweden.

“The HACCP, PRP and GHP measures are the cornerstones of maintaining the safety and quality of fish products, supporting the long-term viability of the Pacific's multimillion-dollar fishing industry,” Dr Tupou-Roosen said. “All fishing vessels must implement the HACCP and PRP/GHP measures, they are not only regulatory requirements but also a commitment to food safety and public health.”

FFA’s training sessions are designed to ensure that all stakeholders are knowledgeable and prepared to uphold the highest standards in the fishing industry.

Patrick Daniel-Ramananarivo, the Head of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Trade Section at the EU Delegation to the Pacific, highlighted that the PEUMP programme was designed in consultation with Pacific stakeholders and for the benefit of the Pacific community. He also emphasised that establishing competent authorities, a requirement to access EU markets, is essential to ensure consumer protection both locally and around the world.

Competent authorities, which include dedicated officers from Health or Fisheries Departments are responsible for ensuring that fishing companies and vessels adhere to HACCP, PRP and GHP measures, from the moment a fish is caught to when it reaches the consumer's plate.

“Your roles as competent authorities are crucial in contributing to public health policies to make sure that products that are being processed or sold are safe enough to be consumed,” Mr Daniel-Ramananarivo. “Investments in the fisheries sector would be in vain if exporters are not able to access markets because there is no competent authority or certification process in place.”

The two-week training in Suva, Fiji was attended by 16 officers from competent authorities and two industry representatives from nine countries across the Pacific. The training reflects the importance of the subject (HACCP and PRPs) to any establishment and the Competent Authority seeking overseas market access, particularly the EU. HACCP is now a mandatory legislative requirement.

The training encourages both the CA and the Industry to take a critical look at HACCP and operations and to start developing and championing food safety culture. Enforcing a food safety culture and a well thought out, technically correct and realistic HACCP Plan is a company’s blueprint on how to manage the significant hazards that are inherent in almost all food handling and processing operations and specifically in food establishments.

“I've found this training beneficial, particularly in enhancing my technical skills and broadening my understanding of food safety issues and regulations relevant to my work. It has provided me with a fresh perspective and the opportunity to strengthen areas where I need improvement,” shared Martha Paul of the National Fisheries Authority in Lae, Papua New Guinea.

For Kiribati Senior Verification Officer, Joanna Rabaua, this training has arrived at a crucial moment, coinciding with the country's inaugural fish shipment to the European Union market this month.

“The training's focus on practical scenarios has been invaluable, enhancing our understanding and equipping us with effective solutions," Ms Rabaua expressed.

Richard Brigail, Quality Assurance Manager at International Foods Corporation in Papua New Guinea, recommended broader industry participation in this training. "It's crucial for us to engage more industry representatives in this type of training to ensure we understand and comply with competent authorities," Mr Brigail emphasised.

Donny Andrike, a Competent Authority auditor from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, highlighted the significance of the training in the context of the country's preparations to access the EU market. "This training adds valuable preparation as we ready ourselves to enter the EU market," Mr Andrike remarked.

The EUR 45 million PEUMP programme promotes sustainable management and sound ocean governance for food security and economic growth, while addressing climate change resilience and conservation of marine biodiversity. It follows a comprehensive approach, integrating issues related oceanic fisheries, coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation and capacity building under one single regional action.

ENDS

Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, FFA
Pacific Islands SME Magazine

21/04/2024

Des Yaninen writes...

I USED TO BE A TAXI DRIVER

I was in my late 20s. During the day, I was a highly qualified senior manager in a bank, coordinating a multimillion kina nationwide branch network with over 50 staff reporting to me. At night, I had a secret side hustle. I was a taxi driver! (The only Sepik taxi driver in Pom between 2010 and 2011) And this was my taxi! I lived at Doreen Place, Korobosea then. I would pick up people around Port Moresby at night and drop them off. I met many interesting people that way. On the weekends we taxi drivers knew that to get good customers, you'd wait outside outside pokies and night clubs till 4am in the morning when it closed to take people home. My passengers were always safe with me. I would give them good advise and encourage them to not waste their money and lives. How did I become a taxi driver?

A young man from Hagen wanted to apply for a loan to buy a PMV but didn't have the cash equity required. He tried selling his taxi to other taxi drivers to raise the cash equity required but no one wanted to buy it. It was a Toyota Marino. I felt sorry for him because he was a very humble man and really wanted him to succeed. So I bought his taxi for a good amount and gave him the cash. He used that as cash equity and his loan was approved to buy that second hand PMV from an old Japaense Used Car Dealer at 4 mile called "Best Cars". Today that yard is used by Brave Group.

I watched with pride and helped him grow his business from from 1 PMV to 2 PMVs, to 4 PMVs, to a few hire cars, rental properties, etc. He never spent his money unnecessarily. I remember he would ask me for K1 to buy his Snax biscuit for lunch despite making over K50,000 a month in his business. Today he is a successful Hagen businessman, and I can put on my CV that I was a taxi driver!

Ps. Last time I bumped into him at vision city after almost 10 years, and we exchanged numbers...he was still using a K40 one bang phone!

A few lessons from this story;
1. Get out of your comfort zone and do something outside of your profession. You'll learn from it and have a better appreciation for others as a result.

2. Be kind to others. If you're in Uni and your coursemate doesn't have a room to sleep in, let them sleep in your room at be your "soms". One day they will be a blessing to you.

3. Live within your means. Just because you can afford expensive things doesn't mean you should buy it. Have a budget. Save your money. Invest your money. You'll be thankful you did.

Blessings olgeta 😊🌟

20/04/2024

Naime T. O'ome,
Partner at SBC Solutions writes…

In 2018 we started a Cocoa Project at our isolated and remote LLG in Abau District with a vision led by my retired and very committed uncle [HG] with support from our families.

As usual in our local communities in PNG, any good initiative is confronted with all kinds of perceptions by our own people especially by the home-grown local scientists with their analysis.

To cut long story short, we started production in 2021 and I remember doing our first sale of our first ever 22x dried cocoa bags for K420 each, the price then increased to K480 in 2022, then K600 in 2023. We are now in the process to sell our first lot of cocoa bags for 2024 and the price is like really unbelievable.

Who would have thought of this unthinkable price even my local scientists with their best analysis missed it big Time.

Don't let your vision and dream be quenched by any challenge confronted but have Faith in the promises of God and move forward with your vision. God Bless PNG 🙌 🙏 ❤️