PNG COFFEE PROMOTED IN UK MARKET THROUGH SPORTS - RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP

 MINISTER POLYE USES SPORTS TO PROMOTE PNG PRODUCTS OVERSEAS

The PNG Kumuls are not only worthy ambassador of the country in the rugby league space but also in trade and promoting PNG products overseas, says Sports Minister Don Pomb Polye.

Taking a cue from Prime Minister, James Marape's recent four-nation tour, Minister Polye is integrating sports, higher education, trade and economic development for the country's progress in his ministerial engagement overseas. 

Using sports as a platform, PNG Coffee has been promoted in the UK market, he said.

He is in the United Kingdom with the Kumuls team.

Polye clarified that he was not duplicating duties of other fellow ministries, saying sports and trade are related.

He said PNG's acting High Commissioner to UK, Mr Joseph Varo and him were treated to a PNG coffee tasting program.

"Our PNG coffee promoter and CIC overseas Representative, Mr Mick Wheeler sponsored by International Trade Centre (ITC) - UN and UKAID had arranged UK coffee roasters to participate in tasting PNG coffee.These coffee roasters are young and so enthusiastic to roast and sell PNG coffee as I having met most of them," he said.

He said they briefed him that PNG coffee was of the highest standard but the quantity sold in the UK was very low (0.6%) compared to sales in other European countries.

"I told them that our PNG Prime Minister had appointed recently a Minister for Coffee who would be visiting them next week and PNG would in due course increase volume of production. 

"At present, the highest  volume of coffee to the European market is supplied by Brazil; therefore, the cost of Brazilian coffee freight is lower than PNG's. Therefore, our coffee is twice as expensive in the market.

"I am confident with Prime Minister and fellow leaders that when the Minister for Coffee, Hon Joe Kuli and CIC visit Great Britain next week, they will exchange views and come back home with enlightened mind as for improvement.

Meanwhile, Minister Polye said despite the 24-18 loss to the Tongans, the class footy displayed during the match by the PNG Kumuls made a big statement that they are worthy contender for the World Cup tournament.

He observed that missed tackling, drop balls and failing to stop ball off-loads cost the 2-point for the Kumuls.

Otherwise, Minister Polye said he was impressed with their performance.

He bluntly said PNG Kumuls' one genuine try was ripped off by poor refereeing.

"All in all, PNG is in the game. PNG will beat other teams soon and will return back...to win. Let us rally behind our team cheering with big bangs," he said.