Prime Minister

Taking part in a two-day Official Visit to the State of Qatar, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Qatar, the Prime Minister said now is the time to work with more partners in the global community to strengthen key sectors of the economy.

Meeting with Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, Ahmed Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al-Thani, in Doha last night, the Prime Minister said there are several opportunities that the two countries will pursue in the coming months.

The applications briefly came before the Supreme Court today and were adjourned to the end of the month.

The application seeking contempt charges were against Sir Mekere Morauta, Patrick Pruaitch, Kerenga Kua, Belden Namah and Bryan Kramer.

It was filed in the two joint appeals that is challenging the National Court’s decision of August 8, which found that the court cannot judicially review the arrest warrant that was issued against the Prime Minister in 2014.

The joint appeals have been heard with a decision pending from a three-man Supreme Court bench.

O'Neill met with all the leaders today, including United States President Donald Trump.

He met with them for the first full meeting of the 2017 APEC Summit in Da Nang city, Vietnam.

This is the second time Vietnam has hosted the APEC Summit. It previously hosted the Summit in 2006.

Papua New Guinea will be hosting the Summit in 2018 followed by Malaysia in 2020.

APEC brings together 21 economies from the Pacific region – the equivalent of about 60 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP).

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.

He’s address during the opening will focus on PNG’s economy in a global context.

In a statement the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum says the conference is set for November 28th to the 30th in Port Moresby at the Stanley Hotel and Suites.

The Chamber says interest for the biennial event is steadily increasing with a total of 600 delegates, both international and local, expected to attend.

A trade exhibition showcasing nearly 40 different companies, and institutions will be running parallel to the main conference.

“The Manus Centre was established for the sole reason of processing asylum claims, now all claims have been processed and the centre has closed,” PM O’Neill said.

“The centre will not be reopened and it will be returned to its former function as a Defence Force facility.

“Given the Supreme Court’s decision, the Government has no choice but to intervene for the wellbeing of both the refugees and non-refugees.

“The budget will be framed to spare goals in the economy and it will not be overly dependent on the resource sector but more focused on agriculture and other sectors,” said Prime Minister O’Neill.

He added a tough stance will be taken on some industries, like forestry and fisheries, to address some of the misuse and abuses that have been going on.

“That is a lot of work that is being done and going before cabinet to try and protect our interest, our people’s interest in these sectors.”

He said they are trying to correct past abuses.

In making the announcement, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said strong and capable leadership is required to overcome a number of challenges that have emerged in the region.

A distinguished officer of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Eluh has been tasked to engage with community leaders to restructure the public service system and restore public confidence in provincial administration.

“As an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Eluh has demonstrated sound judgement and effective leadership,” the Prime Minister said.

This was the assurance provided by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill when addressing the Australia - Papua New Guinea Business Council in Sydney on Thursday (Oct 26).

"Australia is our largest investment partner, and we want to increase business opportunities,” the Prime Minister said to the packed forum.

"We want Australian business to expand investment into Papua New Guinea, particularly into non-traditional areas that are outside the resources sector.

"There are great opportunities in tourism, agriculture and the small to medium manufacturing sector.