I would like to welcome you to the official website of the Co-operative Societies Unit of Papua New Guinea.
We hope to disemminate invaluable information about the Co-operative Societies Unit of PNG through this website.
Since the commencement of the 2007 financial year several new initiatives were being planned for implementation in 2007 and beyond. These initiatives are necessary considering the slow progress of co-operative development in the last five years. The CSU must increase the tempo of its operations to match the high interest and expectations shown throughout PNG. The interest is a result of members envisaging the immense benefits of co-operatives and at the same time, it is a convenient way in mobilizing the rural farmers and fishermen.
Unlike the previous strategy, where much attention was placed on the formation of provincial co-operative associations before the primary co-operative societies, the current Management believes that the primary societies are the foundations of the entire co-operative movement and therefore the unit should focus its attention on developing and strengthening primary societies in the first instance.
Some of the priority impact programs that CSU believes can effectively enhance and strengthen the development of Co-operative Societies have already been executed and implemented this year.
The Unit's effort on the revitalization and development of Co-operative Societies is not immune from problems. There have been varying problems encountered both, internally and externally. The financial, economical, political and social influences have had a lot of impact on the project's implementation.
In general the majority of Co-operatives are small in terms of capital, comprise of inactive members and have poor networking amongst them, consequently, Co-operatives are unable to generate sufficient capital to carry out their activities. They rely on conventional sources of capital such as share subscriptions and accumulated income, which is barely sufficient for funding of business activities. Existing financial institutions conditions are too stringent for them to access as source of capital.
With the over role mission given to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to implement the Government's “Export Driven Development Strategy”, the Ministry is adamant that the Development of Co-operative Societies would ideally complement other existing Government Policies to achieve targeted goals & objectives.
The Co-operative Societies Unit views the work of Co-operatives as important in improving the living and working conditions of women and men nationally as well as making infrastructures and services available in areas neglected by the State and investor-driven enterprises, and in line with the Government's focus on rural development and poverty alleviation, the Unit wishes to assist the Government in promoting the Co-operative Concept.
Thank you,
Mr. Joseph Ingipa
Registrar CSU |
