Four years as acting CEO earns Yavase permanent SEZA appointment

After serving as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Special Economic Zones Authority [SEZA] for four years, Kikila Yavase has been appointed as the authority's Chief Executive Officer for the next four years.

The appointment was approved by the National Executive Council and announced by International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru.

Minister Maru congratulated Mr. Yavase, saying he had earned the position through his commitment and leadership.

"As the foundation Acting CEO, Mr. Yavase has been developed and mentored on the job and has proved himself to be capable with four SEZs delivered under his leadership.

"We have confidence and trust that he will provide the leadership that is required to drive the SEZ agenda of PNG," Minister Maru said.

He said Special Economic Zones are still a new concept in Papua New Guinea and strong leadership is needed to grow the program.

Minister Maru also announced that three more Special Economic Zones are being processed by the SEZA Board and are expected to receive licences within the next three months, subject to meeting all requirements.

He said he expects another three zones. They inckude Sepik Plains SEZ, Madang Integrated SEZ and the Vanimo Free Trade Zone. These SEZs are expected to be approved before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Minister Maru said Mr. Yavase's immediate priorities include replacing the current SEZ Act with a new law, setting up a Building Board for SEZs across the country, and working with the Department of International Trade and Investment to host the first PNG-China Business Forum and Trade Expo in Guangzhou.