It’s a rare sight to see rugby teams of Pacific countries coming together to share a meal off of the rugby field.
But that was what happened in Port Moresby yesterday when PNG Prime Minister, James Marape hosted a warm and culturally enriched dinner for PNG Kumuls, Fiji Batis, and Cook Islands men’s and women’s teams.
The dinner served as a farewell kaikai for the Cook Islands’ men’s and women’s teams. Who spent two memorable weeks in Port Moresby participating in the Pacific Championship Bowl tournament.
Marape thanked and acknowledged the Cook Islands and Fiji Rugby League Teams for their participation and stay in Port Moresby.
“The contacts that you make today are the ones you will keep forever. We appreciate that you have spent two weeks with us. Take the memories of Papua New Guinea with you as you return home. And consider visiting us again in the future,” Marape told the players.
The Fijian side will still be in country to prepare for their match against PNG this coming weekend.
Marape, while speaking to the players emphasized the potential collaboration between PNG and the Pacific Islands. Asserting that if PNG succeeds in securing its bid for the 18th Australian NRL team, Pacific players will be an integral part of the team, based out of PNG.
“As Cook Islands leave, we thank you, on behalf of the entire 800 plus tribes of Papua New Guinea, including the Motu-Koita people on whose land we stay today,” Marape added.
Speaking as the big brother nation, Marape emphasised the sense of unity among Pacific Island countries.
“We regard the visiting teams as family, and all of us are part of one Pacific,” Marape remarked.
Marape believes the long-lasting friendships and contacts forged during this tournament will be treasured by the players.
” To the young players, he offered words of encouragement, highlighting their promising future in rugby league,” Marape concluded.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape with the Cook Islands Womens team.
Prime Minister James Marape is back in the country after a five-day visit to Hong Kong then onto China. Arriving in Port Moresby, Marape said he has done his part and the responsibility is now on the people of Papua New Guinea to meet the growing demands of the Chinese market.
“I have done my job, and the onus is now on our ministries, departments, public servants and people to start producing more for the huge Chinese market,” Marape said.
Marape, who sees himself as the No. 1 diplomat and salesman for his country, announced securing partnerships with four large Chinese companies for downstream processing of Papua New Guinea’s resources.
“China understands our focus on promoting trade and investment, as exemplified during my meetings with Premier Li and President Xi, and they gave their full support towards downstream processing of our agriculture, forest, and fisheries resources,” said Marape”
While in Hong Kong, Marape met and spoke with various Chinese investors including John Lee, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Republic of China. Marape claims his engagements in high-level meetings is aimed at strengthening the economic relationship between Papua New Guinea and China.
After attending the inaugural Papua New Guinea-Asia Investment Conference early this week, Marape flew to Bejing where he met with Premier Li Qiang on Monday evening and then had an audience with President Xi Jinping on Tuesday morning.
He also participated in the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Development, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
The merchandise trade between Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong Special Administration Region of China has recorded a substantial increase of 34 per cent in the past three years, from US$65 million in 2019 to US$87 million in 2022.
This information was revealed to PNG Prime Minister, James Marape following a brief meeting between Marape and Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administration Region in China, John Lee.
The meeting resulted in an invitation issued for companies listed on the Papua New Guinea Stock Exchange (PNGX) to also be dual listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Hang Seng Index (HSI).
Marape said their discussions on Sunday (15th October 2023) included Papua New Guinean companies having access to capital market in HKSAR, access to technologies and other capabilities that the Special Administrative Region (SAR) has to offer in all areas, including the public service.
John Lee welcomed Marape’s visit to Hong Kong, noting that Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea have been maintaining a close relationship in business despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19 pandemic.
Papua New Guinea was the first Pacific Island Nation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with China for co-operation on the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018.
Hence, more Papua New Guinean enterprises have been encouraged to leverage Hong Kong’s institutional strengths, such as the commitment to the Rule of Law, the free flow of information and capital, a simple and competitive tax system, with a view to seizing opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative.
Prime Minister, James Marape has landed in Hong Kong to officiate at the inaugural Papua New Guinea – Asia Investment Conference today.
Marape departed Port Moresby yesterday morning with the hope to gain enhanced access to the Asian markets for Papua New Guinean businesses and industries.
Before flying off, he said PNG wants to elevate from being an exporter of raw products to becoming an exporter of finished products.
“This is the aim of the PNG-Asia Investment Conference, which will include a number of side meetings,” said Marape.
Papua New Guinea is interested in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, petroleum, mining, and tourism sectors.
Marape said the government would be inviting local businesses, especially those in manufacturing, to participate in the conference and make partnerships with family and corporate businesses in Asia.
Anthony Smare, President of the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Mines and Petroleum said the conference is extremely important to unlock and create opportunities needed to grow the country.
“Creating jobs is a critical challenge for both government and those in other areas, increased investments mean more employment for everyone,” Smare said.
Prime Minister James Marape added that conversations would also be had on climate change and the conservation of Papua New Guinea’s forest for the Carbon trading market, where the government has introduced a policy to to conserve 30 percent of forests and to replant trees where timber has been harvested.
He assured carbon-conscious investors that PNG is a good place for them to do business because they can offset their carbon footprint by assisting PNG protect its forests.
Papua New Guinea has welcomed yet another head of Foreign Mission into the country. Arriving weeks after Hungarian High Commissioner to PNG, the Ambassador-designated of the Republic of Finland to PNG, Satu Mattila-Budich is in PNG.
PNG Prime Minister, James Marape met with her excellency in Port Moresby and extended invitation for Finnish investment into PNG markets.
Marape told the Ambassador-designate of investment opportunities in the resource sectors of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Green Energy, Information Technology, Telecommunications and Manufacturing.
“Papua New Guinea is a leader among the small island nations of the Pacific. We have a robust democracy and a strong cultural affinity to Asia,” Marape said.
Papua New Guinea and Finland formally established diplomatic ties on 25 August 1977 at a non-resident ambassadorial level.
Despite a minimum level of trade and economic activities between the two countries, Finland and Papua New Guinea, PM Marape is keen on increasing this with the new post being taken up by ambassador Mattila-Budich.
Marape said PNG’s Foreign policy is defined by the philosophy to be a ‘Friend to All and Enemy to None’ because PNG is a nation of huge diversities.
“I invite businesses and companies from your country to ours, whether your businesses want to partner with our State-owned companies, with other businesses in our private sector, or set up on their own; the opportunities are here,” Marape continued.
Meanwhile, Finland has been supportive of Climate Change efforts in the South Pacific with the establishment of the Finnish-Pacific Project through the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SHREP).
PNG Prime Minister, James Marape has cautioned Israel on its response to Hamas, a Palestine faction of Islamic Militants who attacked Israel and killed 384 people and the wounding of 1,697 others at 11:30am PNG time.
Described as a surprise attack, the on-going conflict between the Israeli and Hamas includes the dispute over Al-Aqsa Mosque which is considered sacred to both Palestine and Muslims.
The PNG Government is issuing statements condemning the attack because it recently opened its Embassy in Jerusalem.
Marape who condemned the attack on Israel said war-related violence is out of place in this modern day and age.
“In a world where the modern family of nations are coming together under the United Nations charter and rules on human rights, any issues we may have with each other must be resolved through peaceful means,” said Marape.
Marape said if they engage in war and acts of terrorism the response equals to violence.
“Papua New Guinea has shown this since 2001 when we came together to sit at the table in the Bougainville Peace Process. We settled on a Peace Agreement and we are now working through this process to resolve our issues peacefully,” Marape added.
Hence Marape has encouraged Hamas and others aggrieved in matters in relation to the Nation of Israel to resolve these issues through negotiations that can lead to a peaceful outcome.
PNG Foreign Affairs Secretary, Elias Wohengu, echoed Marape’s comments describing the attack as barbaric, unproved and callous.
“The grim reality of this senseless attack is that the hard yards of tedious gains and achievements would be lost overnight, said Wohengu.
He added that the Middle East is experiencing unprecedented economic and commercial growth and expansion in the region triggered by winds of change and flowers of friendship and springs of peace.
Prime Minister James Marape is expected to attend several more meetings in Hong Kong and China including a Official State Visit to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
With Marape’s increased overseas travels, former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill said it’s surprising to see Prime Minister James Marape head off overseas yet again.
O’Neill said it is worrying when Marape failed to attend the most important dedication of our country’s 48th anniversary, but instead travelled to Tari then flying overseas.
However, Marape said his travels overseas is for national interest and the visit to US is necessary as PNG’s national security takes precedence.
Marape attends the inaugural PNG-Asia Mining & Petroleum Investment Conference in Hong Kong on 16 October and the 3rd Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China on 17 October.
In both conferences, Marape will deliver keynote addresses then depart for the People’s Republic of China on his Official State Visit to meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in bilateral meetings, and attend the forum where he will deliver another statement.
Marape is expected to advocate for Pacific Island Counties being affected by effects of Climate Change at a Chinese university .
His Majesty, King Charles III, has been invited to officiate at the opening of the New Court Complex in Port Moresby next year.
Prime Minister, James Marape made these remarks when meeting the new British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms. Anne Macro.
Macro assumes the role as Representative of the Crown in the Papua New Guinea succeeding outgoing High Commissioner, Keith Scott.
Before her appointment to PNG, Macro served as High Commissioner to Lesotho from 2019 to 2022. Her diplomatic career included roles as Deputy High Commissioner and Head of Political Team to Lesotho and Swaziland in Africa.
She previously served in Rangoon, Burma, as the Second Secretary for Political, Economic, Press, and Public Affairs from 2002 to 2007 and as Second Secretary for Trade and Investment in New Delhi, India in 2007.
Prime Minister, James Marape officially welcomed Her Excellency, suggesting her to visit other provinces to experience PNG culture.
“After settling into your office, I invite you to take the time to explore our beautiful provinces and get to know the essence of our nation,” said Marape
The British Government has recently increased it’s commitment in Papua New Guinea through Water, Health and Sanitation programs and offered education scholarship in the United Kingdom.
The process in re-opening Porgera Gold Mine is almost at the end, this was made mention by Prime Minister James Marape.
The Prime Minister on behalf of New Porgera received the environmental permit from the Conservation and Environment Protection Agency (CEPA).
The permit is part of the process of the granting of the Special Mining Lease (SML) to reopen Porgera Mine.
Jude Tukuliya the acting managing director for the Conservation and Environment Protection Agency (CEPA) said.
The last three years the Marape Rosso Government has been working hard to reopen the Porgera Mine.
And with the transferring of the environmental permit, this signifies Governments commitment in seeing the mine reopen.
“There has been many legacy issues passed on over the years and New Porgera will still be required by law to attend to a number of regulatory and policy concerns,” Tukuliya said.
He further highlighted that one main issue is the 1995 Ministerial Determination for Compensation for environmental damages caused by discharges of mine wastes including tailings and sediments into the riverine system.
He said NPL will work with CEPA and State Team to undertake a detailed review of the Determination, before a new Determination can be entered into.
“The environment permits are essentially the important management tools the New Porgera Limited will utilize, rely upon and will seek guidance to meet statutory environmental obligations and to better manage the environment in Lagaip Porgera, Strickland River System, all the way down to Lake Murray and the Fly River Estuary,” Tukuliya said.
Prime Minister James Marape said the opening of the new Porgera mine is drawing closer, and the receiving of this permit is part of the process.
“We will allow the process to go ahead so we are almost coming to the end; I just want to indicate to all stakeholders more importantly, to our country, which have been waiting patiently for the reopening.
“If I had it in my own way, by way of voice and direction it would have happened one year ago, when we signed the Porgera Framework, but we are a country that follows the rule of law and process,” Marape said.
Marape further stressed that the New Porgera will ensure they work within the requirements of the environmental permits.
“As the Government I just want to give support to CEPA’s view that continual work on environmental management will be done to make sure that New Porgera Limited does not tamper with the permit requirements and will be done with prudent environmental care and management of the Porgera Valley and the Porgera river system.
“We will not compromise the interests of the future of our Children of Porgera, Riverine the children of Strickland River and the entire foot print of the Porgera Valley,” Marape said
The Prime Minister also announced that plans are in place to have the population within the SML have a better improved living standard as the gold mine progresses.
“Your life as we operate the mine the next 20 years and even beyond that possibly similar to a sustainable facility we have in Ok Tedi will be looked at so that Children of not just of the SML as we relocate you away from the SML Villages to a better life the children of the Porgera river system are protected.
“We will relocate you out to our infrastructure development grant allocated tax credit projects that will impact all of you but more importantly a sustainable development program will be put in place,” Marape said.
Simon Kilepa, Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change said there would be an environment audit to follow suit.
“The transfer of the environmental permit is a milestone for me as a first term Member of Parliament in my first year in office, knowing that what my authority has done something to better the lives of those impacted.
“An environmental audit will be done forthwith in the not so distant future as the mine progresses, even so in the four yeas of its shutdown operator Barrick Niugini Limited has taken the burden of maintaining it thus far without government input,” Kilepa said.
The invitation given by United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Jamal Abdulla Al Suwaidi signifies the support in addressing climate change effects in the Pacific Region.
Suwaidi heads a unique position in the United Aarab Emirates Government and he’s accredited to Papua New Guinea from Singapore.
Marape outlined his intention to lead a delegation to Dubai for COP28, accompanied by the Ministers for Environment Conservation and Climate Change, International Trade and Investment, and Forestry.
In the forestry sector, Marape aims to establish an arrangement for direct trade of timber products to the UAE market.
Marape pledged to amplify advocating for compensation for Pacific Island Forum (PIF) member countries affected by global warming and emphasized the need to safeguard oceans and marine ecosystems.
Marape said, his initial hesitation to attend the conference was rooted in concerns expressed at the One Forest Summit in Gabon earlier this year.
The World Leader’s Summit will be held in Dubai on December 1st to 2nd.
