The formation of a Working group on Connectivity Development is a way forward in realising enhanced connectivity in the Southwest Pacific Region.
This is one of the planned outcomes of the 2nd Sub-Regional Workshop on Connectivity Development currently underway in Port Moresby,.
The event was officially opened on Thursday March 16 by Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary, Alexis Maino, on behalf of Minister, Rimbink Pato,
Maino said the two-day event provided an opportunity to discuss and share experiences and best practices amongst experts and officials to improve transportation and telecommunication infrastructures; effective institutions, mechanisms and processes; and people t people contacts.
“Southwest Pacific Dialogue (SwPD) participating countries are mindful of the importance of promoting and facilitating greater inter action among people and the flow of goods and services and investment in the sub-region.
“As such this workshop and the formation of the working group on connectivity development that will be established after the workshop is a way forward to cooperate on developing connectivity in the region.
The Sub-regional Workshop on Connectivity Development is held between members of the SwPD.
The SwPD brings together Foreign Ministers from countries of the Southwest Pacific that are also members of the ASEAN Regional Forum to promote dialogue for cooperation on political and security issues of mutual interest to the members.
The discussion for more connectivity within the region started in 2011 but it was in 2014 that the first Workshop on Connectivity Development with the theme of promoting Public-Private Partnership on Connectivity Development in the Southwest Pacific Region began.
At the 28th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in 2015, Minister Pato made an undertaking for PNG to host the 2nd Sub-Regional Workshop.
The 2nd Sub-Regional Workshop on Connectivity Development will end on Friday 17th.