PNG can expand Japanese tourism: PM

There is great potential for expanding Japanese tourism in Papua New Guinea, says Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

The Prime Minister made the statement while extending his best wishes and thanks to the outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Papua New Guinea, H.E. Morio Matsumoto.

“There is a lot of interest from Japanese tourists to come to Papua New Guinea.

“This is for cultural visits, and importantly, visits to memorials and resting places for Japanese military personnel who died in World War II.”

The PM says PNG will always extend its highest respect for Japan’s war dead and the monuments that have been erected to honour their memory.

“To increase the opportunities for people to visit, we are talking with investors who are looking at hotel projects that will cater for the needs of Japanese tourists and we hope to see developments start before too long.”

Meanwhile, O’Neill says Japan continues to make a very important contribution to development in the country.

“A number of jobs have been created through the projects that Japan has undertaken in Papua New Guinea, and these projects have delivered long-lasting benefits to the people of our country,” PM O’Neill said.

“This has been particularly apparent in education projects that have helped rural communities.

“Japanese development support has created a number of opportunities for our people and communities while Ambassador Matsumoto has been in Papua New Guinea.

"Ambassador Matsumoto has also worked hard to promote Japanese investment in Papua New Guinea and we very much appreciate his commitment to advancing economic ties between our countries.

“We are working together to expand LNG sales to Japan and this benefits both countries.”

Finally, O’Neill thanked Japan for its support to Papua New Guinea hosting APEC in 2018.

“Papua New Guinea thanks Japan for its contribution to APEC preparations, and I have asked Ambassador Matsumoto to extend my appreciation to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for his confirmation that he will attend the APEC Leaders’ Summit in Port Moresby in November 2018.”

Author: 
Press release