When giving his opening remarks, Tkatchenko welcome the delegates and told them to use the meeting to get to know PNG better leading to the main APEC Summit in November next year.
He said PNG is ready to host the APEC come November and can no longer be a 'passenger' and look at other economies hosting the Summit.
"PNG is very serious in hosting the APEC and confident to deliver the Summit successfully."
He said just like any other economies facing global challenges, PNG is also facing similar challenges but are managing the challenges amicably.