Prime Minister Peter O’Neill

‘Strong signs of economic recovery’

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says they expect this growth trend to continue into the next medium term.

Business houses at this morning’s Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry breakfast were told that the Government intends to ensure that the economy continues its steady growth over a long period of time.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill also used the opportunity to reveal that Cabinet approved the 2019 budget yesterday.

“And that again shows a strong sign of recovery. The indications are very, very positive,” he said at the Hilton Hotel this morning.

Master tourism plan being developed: PM

Speaking at this morning’s Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry breakfast, the Prime Minister laid out his government’s plans to attract investors and strengthen PNG’s economy.

He said the Government’s tourism master plan will begin with investment in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.

“That will be a special tourism zone which will give incentives to potential investors in that industry,” stated PM O’Neill.

PM O’Neill clears air on Maserati vehicles

This will be conducted in a transparent process right after the APEC Leaders’ meet.

PM O’Neill said the Government is doing nothing secret but is prepared to host a successful APEC Summit next month.

When asked by this newsroom to give a response to a statement by Australian politician, Pauline Hanson, in regard to the 40 Maserati bought by the Government, he said he does not respond to racist Australian politicians who have no idea about our country.

Ialibu families connected to power

Electricity connection in these districts ushers in endless economic opportunities and other improved services.

Electricity coverage in the country is as little as 20 percent with more efforts required from the government, PNG Power and other relevant agencies to increase it to at least 70 percent to achieve the government’s vision 2030. 

“Yumi opim ofis blong Ialibu long traim long provaidim sevis blong PNG Power long eastern end blong kantri,” stated Peter Nupiri, Board Chairman of PPL

Aust visa requirements discriminatory: PM

He said this when responding to Kavieng MP, Ian Ling-Stuckey, why there were more Pacific Islanders taking up the Seasonal Workers Program than Papua New Guineans.

The Prime Minister said one of the issues affecting the country’s participation in the program was the visa issue.

The Kavieng MP said since the inception of the Seasonal Workers Program in 2008, PNG participation has not increased, compared with the other Pacific Island nations.

O’Neill extends APEC invitation to Fiji

He said he intends to make the APEC Summit lean towards the Pacific way, as it is an enormous trade and investment area – and needs to make much better linkages between APEC and Pacific Island nations.

O’Neill, when addressing the Fiji Parliament on Monday, stressed that it is very important for Pacific island nations to embrace each other in such big events as APEC.

He said APEC will be more relaxed than in previous years, and have an agenda of real relevance to developing economies.

PM acknowledges APEC’s platinum sponsors

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. 

PM condemns calls for his resignation

O’Neill said now is the time for parties involved in the court decision that preceded the unrest to work together.

In a media conference yesterday, PM O’Neill said the leaders of Southern Highlands have organised themselves, particularly those involved in the election dispute, so they can work together to manage expectations of the people in the province.

He said every time there is an incident around the country, the Opposition always calls for his resignation.

PM to lead over 90 delegates to China

Apart from that, Minister for Planning Richard Maru will also be signing instruments to review the Exim Bank loan for the revival of the Pacific Maritime Industrial Zone (PMIZ) in Madang and One Belt One road initiative with China.

Announcing the trip yesterday afternoon, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the trip is important as it will certainly free trade opportunities between the two countries.

He added that PNG must step in and be part of China’s economic growth, since it is the second largest economy in the world.

Power to suspend not with NEC: PM

He said this is a parliamentary decision.  

The Prime Minister’s clarification comes after demands from William Powi’s supporters to uplift the suspension of the Southern Highlands Provincial Government.

Following reports of the suspension, angry supporters aggressively showed their disapproval by marching through Nipa with weapons and placards, demanding for the PM to lift it. 

But it seems there has been a misunderstanding as Prime Minister O’Neill said NEC does not have that power.