Corporation Supports SMEs in Papua New Guinea Coconut Industry

The Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK) is playing a pivotal role in transforming Papua New Guinea’s coconut industry, moving beyond traditional copra production to support the development of 36 innovative micro, small-to-medium enterprises (MSMEs), reports a local daily in the country The National on October 02. 
KIK Managing Director Alan Aku said since 2014, KIK had been instrumental in guiding these SMEs to produce high-value coconut products, including virgin coconut oil, soaps, and body oils. By providing regulatory support, and industry expertise, and fostering innovation through its research and development division, KIK had enable these enterprises to flourish across the country.
The organization’s commitment to diversifying the coconut industry has not only created new market opportunities for these SMEs but also has contributed to the economic growth and brand development of each small business, said Aku.  
Some of the SMEs leading the way in the local coconut industry are: (1) Oshin Organics, of Kavieng, New Ireland, which produces coconut beauty products, for domestic and Australian markets; (2) Kumul Organics from Madang, which specializes in producing virgin coconut oil and infused virgin coconut oil for conventional consumption and therapeutic use; (3) Maku Gifts, based in Kokopo, ENP, which produce jewellery and handicraft made from coconut shells; and (4) Niugini Organics, based in Kerevat, ENB, which produces a range of organic certified products.