Prime Minister James Marape says talks with other leading APEC economies have seen keen interest in further development of PNG’s resources.
PM Marape made these remarks upon his arrival in Port Moresby from the APEC Summit in Bangkok Thailand.
“I want to let the country know that Papua New Guinea is on the verge of expanding more bilateral agreements in trade and business. There is an opportunity never seen in the past APEC meetings”, said PM Marape.
“We not only talking about trade and business but also in energy generation and its sustainability,” said the Prime Minister.
He added that more leading APEC economies now understood the development agenda of the Marape-Rosso Government. “We are bringing to the table our challenges and possible solutions to improve our local economy”, PM said.
The Prime Minister said talks with the United States concluded with a keen interest in developing PNG’s fisheries sector. “We are not looking at just exporting our products but allowing for downstream processing”, said PM Marape.
He further said that his bilateral meeting with China was also welcomed by the Chinese President with China committing to buy and produce in Papua New Guinea.
“I am satisfied that our attendance at the APEC Summit in Bangkok has achieved more. The Government will continue its intervention programs to support people and Provincial Governments to ensure benefits reach rural communities,” said Marape.
The Prime Minister added that France, Canada, and Japan including close neighbors Australia and New Zealand have also pledged to extend more cooperation in business and trade.
PM Marape concluded his reflection following the APEC Summit that people must now assist by tapping into agriculture and business.
“I urged all citizens to get their hands dirty and contribute by farming their land. If a family can produce more, this means more income and adds value to the growth of our economy,” said PM Marape.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said unlike before, there are more opportunities for Papua New Guinea to access markets in APEC member countries.
“I can guarantee you all that there is more market available for our products, it’s our we can convert to finished products and trade with other nations,” said Marape.
The Prime Minister said more dialogue with other APEC economies will eventuate in 2023 to bind trade and business agreements so we can develop our people and nation.
