GOVERNMENT through the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) plans to establish a refinery factory in Noro, Western Province.
That’s according to CEMA Director Martin Housanau at a follow-up meeting with the Western Provincial Government (WPG) last week.
The meeting was to further discuss when to reopen a number of CEMA buying centers in Western Province.
Speaking to this paper in an exclusive interview Mr Housanau said, the first purpose of the meeting was to adopt a revitalization of the strategy translated in the work plan for 2021- 2027.
The other purpose was to further discuss with WPG a proposed joint venture agreement for the establishment of a crushing and refinery mill in Noro as part of CEMA’s revitalization program.
“Few days ago, the CEMA Cabinet Committee met with CEMA Board of Directors and has approved a translation strategy of the work plan,” Mr Housanau said.
He said the refinery mill in Noro will be operated under a joint venture with WPG and any other interested investors can be part of it.
As for the buying centres, Mr. Housanau added, it would be operated by CEMA to buy such commodities like copra, cocoa and kava.
“It won’t be a joint venture but will be wholly operated by CEMA where CEMA will buy cocoa, coconut and kava will sell it to the joint venture factory.
“The factory setup will be a subsidiary company under a joint venture scheme including Western Provincial Investment Corporation (WPIC) and is open for any private investor,” he said.
The WPG executive, Provincial Secretary already rendered their assurance to support the operation, Mr. Housanau added.
CEMA will formally introduce a draft joint venture agreement soon in which CEMA and WPIC will sign it.
“Tentatively we are working towards November this year to finalize the joint venture agreement.
“This will allow for the set-up of the mill that is expected to be established in Noro next year 2022,” he said.
He added under the revitalization plan, CEMA will be managing and operating the major buying center in Noro.
Mr. Housanau said it will be a good opportunity for the good local business people in the province to come forward and express their interest.
He said when formalities are done they approach others as well.
He added the draft agreement has already been handed to the WPG to run through and will be waiting for their feedbacks which will be finalised in November.
The refinery mill will process commodities that will produce a product that meets international standard for domestic and overseas marketing.
The CEMA team is visiting Munda and then to Noro to identify a spot for the new buying center in Noro.
By ULUTAH GINA
Gizo News Bureau
