Papa New Guineas Chief Secretary to the government, Isaac Lupari, believes the future of the small country rests on its access to social media.

"Social media is a tool for national development and can be an avenue to improve government policies and enhance accountability," Lupari told the newspaper National, which carried a report Thursday.

With 700,000 Facebook users already, about ten percent of the population, the growing trend has not only given the country much needed connection in remote areas, but also created a flourishing market for the business sector, Lupari said.

Social media has become a big industry because of the access to mobile phones and computers.

It is a good tool and must be used in a positive way to contribute to the development of this country, he said.

Lupari also thinks greater connection online is an answer to improving government and public policy.

Social media should be making me accountable, leaders and decision makers accountable for the way in which we manage the country, its resources and decisions that are made, he said.

source: Xinhua