By Delly Waigeno – EM TV, Port Moresby
The two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) High Level Policy Dialogue on Human Capacity Building started today in the Nation’s Capital.
This is the first APEC High Level Policy Dialogue to take place here since it was announced that Papua New Guinea would host the APEC in 2018.
Minister for National Planning Charles Abel welcomed the delegation, commending the forum for embracing the importance of human capacity building, which is vital in achieving regional prosperity.
The two-day APEC High Level Policy Dialogue began this morning with thorough security checks and registration at the Laguna Hotel.
Delegates came from Asia Pacific economies and media and translation booths were put up for effective communication. It was more a less a glimpse into how the APEC 2018 will be organised.
Among the distinguished guests, Minister for National Planning, Charles Abel, was present on behalf of the prime minister who was not there due to existing commitments.
Mr Abel said from a developing country’s perspective, it was encouraging to see the way the APEC agenda has evolved – from the base of free trade and investment – to the broader issues that facilitate economic engagement.
“Papua New Guinea is indeed in a unique position in the Aisa-Pacific. We provide a bridge between the Pacific Islands and the broader APEC community of economies,” Mr Abel said.
He said through this policy dialogue and the broader work of the APEC Senior Officials Meeting Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation, PNG looks to gain knowledge and information on best practices and better ways to facilitate development.
“As our economy prepares to host APEC in 2018, it is the desire of the prime minister and our government to see Papua New Guinea continue to engage and contribute to SCE.
Working with our counterparts we wish to advance initiatives that will strengthen human capacity building in our region,” Mr Abel said.
Mr Abel said issues to be discussed at the APEC dialogue involve making a difference to the lives of millions of people in the region.
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