Minister for APEC, Justin Tkatchenko has officially opened the Informal Senior Officials Meeting (ISOM) this morning.
When giving his opening remarks, Tkatchenko welcome the delegates and told them to use the meeting to get to know PNG better leading to the main APEC Summit in November next year.
He said PNG is ready to host the APEC come November and can no longer be a 'passenger' and look at other economies hosting the Summit.
"PNG is very serious in hosting the APEC and confident to deliver the Summit successfully."
He said just like any other economies facing global challenges, PNG is also facing similar challenges but are managing the challenges amicably.
"It doesn't matter whether you are in a developed or developing economy, our main concern is our people.
"We make sure our people are living a life that is more conducive to the theme of the 2018 APEC Summit which is 'Harnessing inclusive opportunities, embracing the Digital future."
The two day meeting will end tomorrow.
More on TVWAN News tonight.