Lae, Morobe Province, PNG, 4th September, 2015 – In another exciting development, Swire Shipping has generously contributed PGK70,000 towards the Lae National Botanic Gardens Advancement Program. It is the largest monetary donation the program has received to date and will go a long way in restoring the gardens to their former glory.
Swire Shipping has always been supportive of the Advancement Program and this donation of PGK70,000 solidifies their commitment to a better future for the gardens. It also reflects Swire Shipping’s broader commitment to assist in sustainable development to build better communities in their regions of operation.
These funds will be used for the development of four world-class garden designs that will be placed within the gardens to showcase PNG’s natural beauty, culture and diverse plant life, and to draw visitors back to the gardens once it reopens later this year. Renowned design company, Garden City Design Co. have been engaged for the task and planning has already commenced.
Acting Director of the PNG Forest Research Institute, Dr. Martin Golman was present on Friday to receive the giant cheque, stating ‘the Advancement Program relies heavily on the generous support of the business community. Swire Shipping has been a partner in the program from very early days and has in fact been instrumental in bringing this program to life. I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution Swire Shipping has made.’ Tim Blackburn from The China Navigation Company (CNCo) went on to say ‘this is a great example of how a business house of Lae can successfully partner in the implementation of the Advancement Program. I would encourage other businesses to come on board and get involved.’
It was also a significant day for CNCo as incumbent Managing Director, Tim Blackburn handed over the reigns to incoming Managing Director James Woodrow, both excited to see the progress that has already been made in the gardens, as James Woodrow commented, ‘Swire is proud to support the Lae Botanic Gardens and to work with the rest of the Lae community to make it a highlight of Lae life that everyone can be proud of, it is a fantastic space. Swire will continue to lead efforts to get the whole community behind this project for the long term.’
About Swire Shipping
Swire Shipping is the liner shipping division of The China Navigation Company (CNCo), the deep-sea shipping arm of the multinational Swire Group. CNCo has provided regional shipping services between Australia and the Asia-Pacific region since 1883.
Swire Shipping operates multiple liner trades in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, North America and the island nations of the South Pacific, in addition to providing services to India, the Middle-East and Europe. Swire Shipping operates a versatile fleet of multipurpose ships capable of carrying a wide range of cargoes including containerised, refrigerated, project, breakbulk and heavylift cargoes.
For more information on CNCo and Swire Shipping, please visit www.swirecnco.com.
