Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has urged participants of the three-day World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) in Port Moresby to “think globally and act locally” in as far as international commerce and trade is concerned.

This message was conveyed today as Prime Minister Marape inaugurated the three-day WIBF, hosted at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby. The prestigious international event is attended by 150 international delegates from 14 countries, along with 350 participants from throughout Papua New Guinea. The event has been organised by the Government, under the leadership of Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, in collaboration with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC). Prime Minister Marape commended the efforts of Minister Maru and NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop, along with his dedicated team from ‘Amazing Port Moresby’.

The WIBF commenced with a grand opening ceremony hosted by NCDC and the Amazing Port Moresby team at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 5pm to 9pm. The official forum proceedings were inaugurated today by Prime Minister Marape. The event will culminate with an official closing ceremony, orchestrated by NCDC and the Amazing Port Moresby team, at Ela Beach on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 6pm to 9pm.

Prime Minister Marape, on behalf of the people of PNG, expressed gratitude to WIBF for choosing Port Moresby as the host city and extended a warm welcome to all international delegates. He also thanked Labor and Employment Minister, Hon. Kessy Sawang, who attended the 2022 WIBF as Vice-Minister for International Trade and Investment and played a pivotal role in bringing the event to PNG.

In his address, Prime Minister Marape emphasised the importance of thinking globally and acting locally, asserting, “Every human being must blend and coexist. The world out there needs us to interface and relate with them.” He highlighted Papua New Guinea’s rich diversity, with over 800 languages spoken by its people of Melanesian, Polynesian, and Micronesian descent.

Prime Minister Marape stated that PNG has placed significant focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) over the last four years to stimulate economic growth, investing K200 million annually since 2020. He committed to reviewing these efforts to ensure benefits reach as many MSMEs as possible.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Marape encouraged investors to explore opportunities in Papua New Guinea, stating, “Papua New Guinea is in the most-exciting part of Earth as far as commerce, trade, and business are concerned. Our accessibility to the Asian market is second to none.”

In addition to the international attendees, the Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm for local businesses to seize the opportunity to showcase their products, establish global connections, forge partnerships, and explore market prospects among the diverse array of countries represented at the forum.