Da Nang city

When addressing world leaders on Friday in Da Nang city, Vietnam, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says PNG is prepared, with assistance from neighbouring countries like Australia.

He says it will be an honour for PNG to host the international meet since becoming a member of APEC countries in 1993.

In front of over 4,000 journalists and delegates during the APEC Vietnam Summit, O’Neill states PNG is one of the countries in the Pacific that has the largest economy in the region.

He urges leaders to support emerging economies like PNG and the other developing countries.

In a media conference on Friday in Da Nang city, Vietnam, O’Neill stressed on the importance of economic inclusion as a key element of expanding global trade so that smaller countries and their communities are not disadvantaged.

He said increasing access to modern technology platforms will be an important policy issue discussed by APEC leaders.

Meanwhile, the O’Neill-Abel Cabinet is likely to formally announce the theme and the logo of APEC PNG 2018 in the next parliament session.

The week-long Summit began on Monday with various meetings leading up to the main opening ceremony today.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill was accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Rimbink Pato, and APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko.

O'Neill in a media briefing with PNG journalists yesterday said PNG is ready to host the APEC Summit in 2018.

He added the Vietnamese experience will be used as a learning ground in terms of preparation to host the Summit.