A comprehensive study commissioned by the CIMC Informal Economy Sectoral Committee in 1999 strongly recommended that a law to be put in place to support informal economy development in the country. By giving voice to the informal economy, Section 17A would facilitate the implementation of the proposed Informal Economy Voice Strategy , and place PNG well ahead of other countries in the world in giving voice and recognition to its informal economy. An Informal Economy Section has been established within the Department for Community Development and Religion to spearhead key initiatives and reforms around the informal economy.