2018 APEC

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, in acknowledging partnership with local companies towards their support in hosting APEC 2018, recognised Newcrest for their platinum sponsorship towards the event.

Earlier this year, Newcrest became the first company to sign up as a Platinum Sponsor for the APEC CEO Summit, with a contribution of USD250,000 (K800,000).  

This signaled a strong commitment to supporting the PNG Government at this important moment in the country’s history. 

The two-day meeting, which commenced on Thursday June 7, discussed the policy priority on promoting inclusive growth through structural reform.

A lot of discussions were focused on advancing infrastructure development financing, inclusive growth and tax incorporation.

On the first day, the Senior Finance Officials talked about global and regional economic and financial outlook, including key issues and risks for APEC economies and appropriate policy responses.

That is why the police have been given 10 days – starting on May 22 – to arrest and bring to court the 6 men who attacked Dr Dean Wahembari on Saturday evening.

Dr Wahembari was at North Waigani to pick up his son when he was attacked by a PNG Defence Force soldier and his cohorts.

Pomaleu said hosting several significant meetings, including the Leaders’ Summit, presented many challenges to PNG before, during and after the events.

He highlighted both domestic and global challenges during his presentation of the PNG Policy Priorities for APEC 2018 in Port Moresby today.

Speaking at the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce hosted breakfast, Ambassador Pomaleu said hosting the APEC summit presented several challenges both on the domestic and international front.

China has been assisting PNG in most of its infrastructure projects, overseeing renovations and constructions and upgrades.

Hence, while other countries were worried, Ambassador Xue said the Chinese president, Xi Jingping, on the other hand, has remained confident in PNG.

The President of the People’s Republic of China had confirmed his attendance to PNG’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill back in 2016, when they met in China. 

“That shows our confidence and support in PNG government. China believes that PNG can equally host the APEC meet,” said Ambassador Xue.

Eda Ranu has advised that all of Town area, Paga Hill, Ela Beach Hotel, Crowne Plaza, Ela Makana, Grand Papua and Touaguba area will be affected from Saturday (Jan 20), 12pm – Sunday (Jan 21), 6am.

“This is necessary for Eda Ranu to carry out new water supply connection line, 450mm and 250mm, onto the reticulation system to APEC Haus and other associated works in preparation for APEC 2018,” says the firm.

“Eda Ranu apologises for any inconveniences caused and requests your cooperation and support.”

Minister for APEC Justin Tkatchenko revealed this on Friday but says the arrangement is yet to be confirmed.

He told this newsroom that security preparation is of paramount importance for the Government and Australia is stepping in to provide security on air and sea.

“We want other countries to know that our security preparations are fully intact.”

Minister Tkatchenko said people outside of our country are considered threats, not PNG residents.

New Zealand High Commissioner Sue Mackwell officially signed the documents today in Port Moresby with APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko.

New Zealand was one of the first economies to support PNG’s bid to host APEC 2018.

In 2017, the New Zealand government established a NZ$8 million APEC Fund to support PNG’s host year.

“We have now completed the assessment of the first round of applications to the fund.

Chile APEC Coordination Authority CEO, Mario Artaza, said this during a tour of the APEC Haus in Port Moresby.

Artaza and officials from Chile are in PNG to see how the country is preparing for the Summit.

Chile will host the 2019 APEC Summit, its second time to do so.

The Chilean officials arrived in Port Moresby on Saturday and are currently touring the capital to witness preparations for next year.

Accompanied by APEC PNG Coordination Authority CEO, Chris Hawkins, Artaza says he is impressed.

An overview of the different occupational health and safety (OHS) systems managed by the PNG mineral and petroleum industry will also be on the agenda of the PNG Mining and Petroleum Conference.

The event, which alternates between Sydney, Australia, and Port Moresby, is set to kick off at the Stanley Hotel and Suites on November 28.

The three-day conference will feature sessions ranging from mining, oil and gas updates, proposed petroleum developments, exploration and Government initiatives in the resource industry.