By Rayon Lakingu – EMTV News
The Australian Government has reaffirmed its desire to partner with Papua New Guinea, and the wider Pacific, on major development areas.
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne has announced several development initiatives that Australia will be focusing on in the Pacific Region.
Among the development plans was the roll-out of the Pacific Labor Scheme.
Payne states that the initiative is a positive for the Pacific in terms of the Economic return.
Minister Payne also revealed that the Australian Foreign Affairs Department will also establish an office to help implement development initiatives in the Pacific
She says the office will be a coordination point for the programs Australia will engage in, including the Pacific Labour Scheme.
“The aim of the office of the Pacific is to provide us with a whole-of-government focus, coordination point,” says Payne.
She added that the office would not just be staffed by Foreign Affairs and Trade officials but representatives from different agencies as well.
The Australian government will also be making arrangements with the PNG government to help PNG participate in developments in the region, during the APEC Leaders Summit.
