Following the announcement of the Papua LNG front-end engineering design phase in Port Moresby recently, he said it was a big step in progressing the country's second LNG project.
"It is welcome news. The obvious benefits are stimulating our economy during this phase. But more pleasing for PNG business is the negotiated outcome for more national content.
"We welcome the opportunity for PNG-owned businesses to be given priority."
Energy Minister Kerenga Kua said whatever could be done by Papua New Guineans and their companies must be done by them. Kua said the forex issue could be greatly assisted by the expenditure that will be taking place, The National newspaper reported.
Kua called on Total Energies to bring the greatest amount of foreign currency into the country as it would help reduce the forex deficit.
Tarutia shared this view. "Service providers offshore are no longer extending credit terms to PNG companies. They want payment straight away, even advance payments to keep supplying goods or professional services."
