Prime Minister Hon. James Marape will officially inaugurate the inaugural Papua New Guinea – Asia Investment Conference in Hong Kong later this month. This significant announcement was made by Prime Minister Marape during a press conference held at his Parliament Office today.
Joining Prime Minister Marape at the press conference were Minister for International Trade and Investment Hon. Richard Maru, Chairman of the Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, Anthony Smare, and the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Air Niugini, Gary Seddon.
“The objective of hosting all the Trade and Investment Conferences that we have been hosting is to promote investments and trade to grow the economy and create employment for Papua New Guineans,” stated Prime Minister Marape.
“We will be looking at bringing in investors and businesses that will help realise the government’s strategy to go into downstream processing, grow the economy, and create jobs for our people.”
Minister for International Trade and Investment Hon. Richard Maru emphasised the growing trade partnership between Papua New Guinea and China, highlighting China as the number one trading partner of PNG. He expressed confidence in the expansion of this partnership, particularly with new LNG projects and food exports on the horizon.
Bringing the Investment Conference to Hong Kong, a key business hub in Asia, aims to foster trade and investment in PNG while building bridges between Asian investors and businesses in PNG.
Chamber of Mines and Petroleum Chairman, Anthony Smare, underscored the critical importance of investment in job creation for the country’s youth. He praised the collaboration that led to the inception of the PNG – Asia Investment Conference, anticipating its immense success.
Air Niugini has partnered as a sponsor for the conference due to the significant number of attendees traveling from PNG to Hong Kong. The airline will provide a special flight to accommodate participants attending the conference.
The conference, scheduled for October 16, has garnered substantial support from the corporate sector, not only in PNG but also in Asia, Hong Kong, and China, promising a fruitful gathering of investors and businesses.
Mr. Smare extended gratitude to Prime Minister Marape for his commitment to opening the conference, sending a clear message that Papua New Guinea is open for business.