Papua New Guineas Minister for Finance James Marape says the PNG government will continue to work with Fiji and is confident in our economy.
Marape was in Fiji over the weekend and says they are hoping more investors will find opportunities in Fiji.
PNG businesses have already invested in two of Fiji’s top hotels, the Grand Pacific and the Pearl South Pacific Resort.
“Relationships between nations are built on many aspects and lately one of the fundamental aspects of those relationship is business, commerce, trade and PNG and Fiji has seen a growing rapport in as far as various exchanges are concerned.”
Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has welcomed PNG’s interest in tourism sector saying the industry has grown by nine point five percent compared to the same period last year.
The newly renovated and extended Pearl Resort was officially opened by the Prime Minister.
Bainimarama said the $85 million (US$39 million) transformation is a very welcome milestone in the development of the tourism industry in Fiji.
132 new rooms have been added to the resort bringing the total to 210.
It also now has a new 400 seat Convention Centre, a 250 seat restaurant brasserie, a spa and wellness centre, a gymnasium and a chapel for weddings.
“I had said recently that any number of countries have a stretch of beach and a cold drink to entice their visitors. But the magic of Fiji is the genuine connection our visitors form with the Fijian people and the warmth of the welcome they always provide. It’s what sets us apart and makes us such a compelling choice of destination,”said Vorege Bainimarama, Prime Minister.
The Pearl South Pacific Resort was acquired in 2012 by Papua New Guinea’s Mineral Resource Development Company.