Unorganised workforce to be given training opportunity after signing of PNGTUC and GATI-JS Innovations agreement

The Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNG TUC) in partnership with Goroka Agribusiness Training Institute have signed a Service Provider Agreement that aims to encourage economic activities in the informal sector.

The pilot project will be tested in the nation’s capital over a period of four months with the institute set to provide necessary training and upskilling of the unorganized workforce.      

This economic effort has been made possible by the International Labour Organization which will be jointly facilitated by PNGTUC and GATI - JS Innovations.

“We have taken this opportunity provided to us through the ILO and we’re thankful to participate in empowering our informal sector,” PNGTUC general secretary president Anton Sekum said during the signing recently.

“Giving them an opportunity to participate either in formal employment or self-employment.

“It’s a small effort to contribute towards unlocking this huge untapped potential.” 

JS Innovations national coordinator Joseph Sukwianomb said it is an important step they’ve taken to empower the informal sector and look forward to their significant contributions in economic activities. 

“One of the most important thing that we can do for this country is to empower our people through economic announcement activities,” Sukwianomb said.

“This project is to empower our village farmers, families, enhance their capacities to participate in transiting from subsistence farming to semi-commercial farming and make business of agriculture the mainstay of our economic activities right across the country.

“This window of opportunity is the beginning of new narratives that must be spearheaded by the union movements and its affiliates throughout PNG to help stand by the people to participate in commercial activities.”