PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
Office of the Deputy Provincial Administrator
ECONOMIC SECTOR (DPAES)
Economic Sector Overview
The Office of the Deputy Provincial Administrator, which looks after the Economic Sector of the West New Britain Provincial Administration, is responsible for driving economic growth and development across the Province. It plays a central role in coordinating and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives that promote sustainable economic development, support local industries, and improve the livelihoods of the People of West New Britain Province. The Deputy Provincial Administration-Economic Sector (DPA-ES) works closely with the Development Partners and Stakeholders to ensure economic growth in the Province.
Core Functions
The Economic Sector, through the DPA-ES Office, serves as the primary body responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring economic development activities in the Province. It works closely with National Government Agencies, the Private Sector, and Local Communities to achieve economic sustainability and enhancement in the Province through effective implementation of economic policies and programs at the community level. The Sector performs the following core functions through its divisions:
- Commerce and Industry Development
- Fisheries and Marine Resources Development
- Agriculture and Livestock Development
- Culture and Tourism Development
- Mining and Energy Development
- Lands and Physical Planning Management
- Forest Management
Key Responsibilities
- Promote business growth, support local enterprises, and facilitate trade and investment opportunities through Commerce and Industry Development.
- Manage and regulate the sustainable use of the Province’s coastal and marine resources through Fisheries and Marine Resources Development.
- Provide extension services, technical support, and resources to Farmers and Communities to improve agricultural productivity and food security through Agriculture and Livestock Development.
- Preserve the Province’s cultural heritage and develop tourism products and services that generate economic opportunities through Culture and Tourism Development.
- Coordinate the responsible exploration and development of the Province’s mineral and energy resources in partnership with National Agencies through Mining and Energy Development.
- Ensure land is allocated, used, and developed in an orderly and sustainable manner through Lands and Physical Planning Management.
- Manage and protect Forest Resources, ensuring that the Province’s forests are sustainably utilized and managed in accordance with National and Provincial policies and regulations through Forest Management
Key Programs & Services
The Economic Sector delivers a range of programs and services through its various divisions, with the overall oversight and coordination of these programs and services managed within the Office of the Sector Head. These programs and services are designed to stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities, and improve the standard of living across the Province.
The DPA-ES administers and oversees all economic Divisions under the Economic Sector, ensuring that programs and services are effectively coordinated and delivered across the divisions of Commerce and Industry, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Culture and Tourism, Agriculture and Livestock, Forest, and Mining and Energy. It provides strategic direction and administrative support to all Divisional Heads, ensuring that their programs and activities align with the Province’s economic development priorities, while serving as the primary link between the Provincial Economic Sector, Development Partners and Stakeholders.
This program is managed and facilitated within the Office of the Sector Head. It focuses on subsidizing freight for transportation of local primary products to markets within and outside the Province, while also supporting Farmers with farming tools and equipment to boost production and generate income.
The DPA-ES provides a chairmanship role to:
- Cocoa Board PNG
- Kokonas Indastri Koporesen
- Coffee Industry Corporation
The role is significant in steering the quality and production of Cocoa, Copra, and Coffee in the Province and reciprocating good return on investments.
Structure & Leadership
The Economic Sector is headed by the Deputy Provincial Administrator-Economic Services, who oversees the operations of Divisions and Units within the Sector; they are:
- Division of Commerce and Industry
- Division of Fisheries and Marine Resources
- Division of Agriculture and Livestock
- Division of Culture and Tourism
- Division of Forest
- Mining and Energy Unit
Strategic Focus
- Commerce and Industry Development – Foster a competitive business environment that attracts investment, stimulates trade, and generates employment opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
- Fisheries and Marine Resources Development – Maximize the economic potential of the Province’s fisheries activities, marine resources, and aquaculture while ensuring their long-term conservation and sustainable use.
- Agriculture and Livestock Development – Increase agricultural productivity, promote food security, and support rural communities to achieve economic self-reliance and sustainability.
- Culture and Tourism Development – Harness the Province’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions as drivers of economic growth, job creation, and community development.
- Mining and Energy Development – Ensure that the Province’s mineral and energy resources contribute meaningfully to economic growth while minimizing environmental impact and benefiting local communities.
- Lands and Physical Planning Management – Promote the orderly and sustainable use of land resources to support economic development, infrastructure growth, and environmental protection.
- Forest Management – Balance the sustainable economic utilization of forest resources with the preservation and protection of the Province’s forests for the benefit of future generations.