Prime Minister Hon. James Marape departed today for Palau, where he will attend the inauguration of President Surangel Whipps Jr. He will return to the country on Friday, January 17, 2025, before departing for the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
The visit underscores Papua New Guinea’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships with Pacific Island nations, particularly in the areas of fisheries and economic cooperation.
Accompanying the Prime Minister is Fisheries Minister Hon. Jelta Wong and National Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop. Minister Wong will participate in discussions around regional fisheries management and other regional fisheries frameworks.
The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of working with Pacific nations to sustainably manage tuna resources and promote regional economic growth, particularly through cooperative fisheries agreements.
“These Pacific Island nations may have limited landmass, but they are significant in terms of their maritime resources. Papua New Guinea stands ready to offer special economic zones to support fisheries processing and other industries that can benefit the region,” said Prime Minister Marape.
PNG plays a key role in the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), a leading regional body that focuses on the sustainable management of tuna stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.
Prime Minister Marape further noted the cultural and historical connections between PNG and Palau, adding that many PNG families have ties to Palau.
Following his visit to Palau, Prime Minister Marape will return to the country before traveling to Davos to attend the WEF.
The Prime Minister has been invited by Dr. Klaus Schwab, the founder of the WEF, to participate in discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on global economies.
“It is a privilege for Papua New Guinea to be invited to such a prestigious forum, where global leaders gather to discuss the future of technology, innovation, and sustainable development. Our presence at the WEF demonstrates that PNG is ready to engage in global conversations and contribute to shaping the future,” said Prime Minister Marape.