Bougainville business partners warned to follow registration rules

The Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority is warning local and foreign business partners in Bougainville to comply with government requirements before starting business operations.

Bougainville Immigration Manager Sylvester Vakore says some business partnerships involving locals and foreign investors have used the names of political leaders, including the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, in attempts to advance their business ventures without following proper procedures.

Mr Vakore identified business registration as a key area of concern, saying local business partners must ensure their businesses are properly registered before commencing operations.

He said the registration process includes obtaining the necessary approvals from the Investment Promotion Authority, Internal Revenue Commission, Bougainville Investment Bureau and, for businesses operating in Buka, the Buka Urban Council.

Mr Vakore said the use of names of political leaders and other prominent individuals did not exempt business operators from complying with the required registration processes.