by Bridgette Komatep – EM TV, Port Moresby
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says Papua New Guinea is set for the 2018 APEC Summit as ground works take place.
Mr O’Neill who is currently in China attending the APEC Leaders’ Summit assured the nation that an Authority already established will take charge of the preparations.
Prior to the 2018 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Summit, Papua New Guinea will host several international events to set the precedence.
Since becoming a Member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in 1993, this will be the first time for Papua New Guinea to host the APEC Leaders’ Summit in 2018.
With almost four years to prepare for the international meeting, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says preparations are underway to facilitate and ensure a successful APEC Summit. Under the Department of Prime Minister and NEC, they have established an authority to take charge of the preparations.
Mr O’Neill said PNG is working closely with APEC member countries to build its capacity. APEC PNG 2018 will make a positive contribution to advancing ongoing APEC‘s policy agenda. It will also expose Papua New Guinea’s diverse culture to visiting member countries.
At the summit, Papua New Guinea aims to present important issues that are confronting the region – issues such as environment, management of the Pacific Ocean, increasing trade and investment and infrastructure development.
The coming years will be testing times for the country as it prepares not only for the APEC Leaders’ Summit in 2018 but also the 2015 Pacific Games and the Pacific Islands Youth Meeting in the same year.
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