Blue Economy Incubation Facility launched in West New Britain Province

As part of its activities under the ‘Gutpela Solwara, Gutpela Bisnis’ project, UNDP and UNCDF have launched a Blue Economy Incubation Facility in West New Britain Province. The official launch of the facility was celebrated yesterday on 15 May 2024 during a ceremony held in Kimbe, West New Britain Province.

The Governor of West New Britain Province, Hon. Sasindran Muthuvel, MP; the Provincial Administrator, Mr. Leo Wapmani; Conservation and Environment Protection Authority’s (CEPA) Director for Sustainable Environment Programme, Ms. Kay Kalim; UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Nicholas Booth; and the Country Lead of UNCDF, Mr. Wycliff Ngwabe, all attended the opening ceremony.

Six blue enterprises in West New Britain have been selected as the first cohort of businesses to be supported by the new facility. These six businesses are LA Transport Services, Potou Women’s Resources Limited, Walindi Plantation Resort, Mahoina Na Dari, Conas Trading and Boge Investment Limited. Each of the blue businesses will be receiving small grants. Throughout the next 12 months, these six grantees will also receive continued mentoring and training to assist them in expanding their business operations.