Press Releases

A common challenge affecting the steady growth of economies in this era is the transition from old to new technology, which is causing disruptions to steady economic growth in any sector of an economy.

Australian High Commission Counsellor Economics, Doctor Chakriya Bowman, describe creative industries in Papua New Guinea as highly innovative.

ASIA Pacific region has some of the most dynamic and promising economies.That’s according to President of the Peoples Republic of China, Xi Jinping during his address at the APEC CEO summit.

The Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison, emphasised on free trade and how togetherness is essential for economic growth in his address today at the CEO summit.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has commended China for the numerous development aid the people of China had offered to PNG over the years.

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Peter O’Neil remains confident about the hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in terms of business and exposure.

The President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping officially opened the Independence Boulevard Drive in a significant handover ceremony today.

The Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, Dr Alan Bollard commends Papua New Guinea for taking a unique approach as the host of APEC 2018 basing on internet and digital economy.

Fresh mural paintings have been added onto the concrete walls around the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium facing the Royal Papua Yacht Club.

The top five risks to the growth of the Asia-Pacific region was highlighted recently by the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC).

Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Director General Dr. Frank Rijsberman says that “Climate change is truly the defining issue of our time”.

APEC has given PNG Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) an opportunity for exposure to the world during this APEC Leaders Week.

Disciplinary forces comprising the PNG Defence Forces, Royal PNG Police Constabulary and the Correctional Service officers have teamed up to ensure a safe and clean city throughout this APEC Leaders’ Week.

Papua New Guinea will focus more on policies that promote renewable energy during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit.

Police personals in the National Capital District who are involved in the APEC operations have been working around the clock to ensure that the general public is abiding by the rules and regulations that are in place during this time of APEC.

Research, Science and Technology is the only way forward for Policy makers and leaders when it comes to decision making in Papua New Guinea.

PNG has potential to excel in terms of tourism. This was emphasized by the APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko, who said that given PNG’s unique location and conducive climate, it has potential to showcase its tourism possibilities.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neil has reiterated that the APEC was crucial as it would provide the opportunity for long-term relationships among the APEC economies.

Close to 15 000 international delegates and world leaders will be in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea this week to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has applauded the efforts put in by young Papua New Guineans towards the hosting of APEC 2018.

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, has met with his Australian counterpart, Prime Minister Hon. Scott Morrison MP, to advance a number of bilateral initiatives.

Over the last decade, we have learned that a serious banking failure with risky balance sheets can feed into a major international financial crisis. That, in turn, is big enough to cause an economic crisis as we saw with the “Great Recession.” The down-turn in growth, trade and productivity that followed also opened up the possibility of a new contagion today.

The 12th APEC Senior Disasters Management Officials Forum in Kokopo concluded on Wednesday 25 September with Senior Disaster Officials agreed to report the recommendations to the Concluding Senior Officials Meeting and the Ministerial Meeting to be held in Port Moresby in November 2018.

The 12th APEC Senior Disasters Management Officials Forum has commenced in Kokopo with the theme "Advancing multi-hazard early warning systems for emergency preparedness and Disaster Risk Management (DRM)."

Director General for APEC Coordination Authority (ACA), Sir Charles Lepani during an APEC Lecture Series at the Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU) in Port Moresby recently stressed on the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the country’s economic engine.

The Minister for Commerce and Industry Hon. Wera Mori has stressed during last night’s dinner at the Laguna hotel that technology and connectivity is extremely important in the MSME sectors

APEC Business Advisory Committee’s (ABAC) Micro, Small to Medium Entrepreneur and Innovation Summit currently underway at the International Convention Centre in Port Moresby is aimed at addressing critical contributions, highlighting partnership and addressing shortfalls within this sector.

“Investment is critical for the development of Papua New Guinea – but it needs to go beyond the resources sector,” says Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Hon. Richard Maru.

The Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Hon. Richard Maru says strengthening of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is essential for Papua New Guinea’s economy, due to the size of the sector and the need to broaden the country’s economic base as the middle class expands.

The 2018 PNG APEC Coordination Authority (ACA) has embarked on a number of awareness programs at educational institutions in Port Moresby.

Reducing barriers to women's involvement in Global Trade was the topic of discussion during the women in economy forum held at recently.

The APEC Women and the Economy Forum has concluded on Friday 7 September 2018 followed by a regional visit to Bougainville to see how women entrepreneurs there are excelling in business.

Papua New Guinean social entrepreneur Shallyn Lomutopa from Eastern Highlands Province has been announced the winner of the “Best Social Impact” category of the APEC Business Efficiency & Success Target (BEST) Award for 2018.

The participation of women in cocoa farming is increasing especially within the Central Bougainville area of the Autonomous Region.

The PNG Symposium on Champions to Promote Women’s Economy Empowerment and Gender Inclusion in the Asia-Pacific Region began this morning as part of the weeklong APEC meeting on women and the economy forum.

The announcement of the APEC 2018 Best Award this morning has brought judges from the selected APEC economies to screen women entrepreneurs in the Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Four Papua New Guinean women-owned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contesting against entrants from the other 20 economies in the region for the APEC Business Efficiency & Success Target (BEST) Award for 2018 which will be judged tomorrow (Wednesday September 5th) during the Women and Economy Forum currently held in Port Moresby this week.

The APEC Second Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy (PPWE2) currently underway-in Port Moresby is aimed at giving Member economies the opportunity to progressive on projects that are designed to encourage female participation in the economy.

The APEC Second Meeting on the Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy (PPWE2) commenced this morning and is the first of a week long program of high level dialogues focusing on empowering women and the economy within the APEC region.

The APEC 12th Mining Task Force (MTF) and the 6th Ministers Responsible for Mining Meeting (MRM6) 2018 has ended on a high note with Delegates taken on a regional visit to Lihir in the New Ireland province to see the Lihir Gold Mine on Friday 24 August.

The world has numerous challenges but none more crucial than Natural Disasters and Climate Change.

The 2018 APEC climate symposium has once again brought together scientist, policy makers, and government officers to share knowledge and experiences this week on some of the most updated climate information services by other APEC economies.

Minister responsible for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change John Pundari this morning officially opened the APEC Climate Symposium on Overcoming the Challenges of an Uncertain Future with Enhanced Climate Information Services saying the symposium aims to tackle climate issues that affects the APEC economies in the region.

The APEC Mine Closure Checklist aims to provide more uniform standards where mine closure will promote safe and sustainable practices and public confidence in mining and industry and improve the investment climate in a number of APEC countries.

The APEC Third Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM3) hosted in Papua New Guinea from August 4th -20th, 2018, has indeed been the busiest APEC meeting cluster hosted by PNG by far with a total of 107 meetings successfully hosted over a 16-day period, says SOM Chair Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu during the conclusion of the SOM 3 cluster.

Members of the Senior Officials Meeting Steering Group (SSG) on Post-2020 Vision Meeting have agreed for community dialogue and involvement to gauge tangible feedback on the impact of the APEC.

Chairman of the APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM), H.E Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu welcomed some new inclusion to the APEC SOM Family during the opening of the third SOM meeting in Port Moresby.

The 8th High-level meeting on Health and the Economy has concluded on a high note today.

APEC has grown to become a dynamic engine of economic growth and one of the most important regional forums in the ASIA-Pacific.

The APEC Women in Transportation meeting in Port Moresby focuses on identifying barriers and best practices to include women in the transportation workforce as well as strategies for enhanced opportunities in five key areas in the Women in Transport (WiT) Framework.

The workshop on APEC Policy Partnership for Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) identifies that technology can develop growth in societies at the community level and service industry through domestic innovation and systems while networking the APEC region.

The Taruma Aquatic and Indoor Centre in Port Moresby will host media from around the world during the APEC Leaders Week in November.

The Third APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM3) and related meetings paves way for the APEC economies to share ideas and experiences in the respective fields of work and industry.

The APEC Life Science Innovation Forum Roundtable discussion on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer during the Third APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM3) brought together professionals from APEC regions to advance discussion in HPV and Cervical Cancer.

Joel Kolam, National Department of Health’s (NDOH) manager for Conservation and Health has called for tougher customs requirements on chemical imports to improve regulatory management and safe use of chemical products by authorised government and industry representatives in Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea Customs Services Director on Intellectual Property Rights and Passenger Policy Tom Vere said the powers of relevant agencies and departments were not clearly defined to effect enforcement, which amounts to lack of networking and effective cooperation among relevant stakeholders.

Intellectual property (IP) rights, including protection and enforcement is a key factor in promoting foreign trade and investment as well as boosting economic development in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region.

The 38th APEC Electronic Commerce Steering Group (ECSG) meeting has provided economies with experiences in e-commerce to share their ideas to develop Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with member economies.

Experts in the APEC region meet to address the matter of self-awareness in getting prepared before disaster strikes.

Representatives from the Small to Medium Vanilla Exporters of East Sepik have embraced the Third APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM3) to establish network to expand the future of their vanilla industry in the province.

One of the initiatives that the Papua New Guinea government has put in place which the British American Tobacco (BAT PNG) highly commends is to set up an Anti-Illicit Trade Taskforce to combat the illegal trade of cigarettes into PNG.

The Papua New Guinea public had their say on APEC Food Security week at the third event of the APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct, which was themed ‘Growing the nation: Agriculture, Inclusive Growth and Regional Opportunities’.

The APEC Customs Business Dialogue is basically to generate discussion on securing the business environment for economic development and enhancing cooperation within the APEC region.

A new technique developed by the Morobe Fisheries Corporative Society in Morobe province is picking up interest among communities in the province.

Journalism students from the University of Papua New Guinea have embarked on an awareness campaign to certain areas of the city in Port Moresby to educate students and community groups on the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in November.

The APEC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Expert Working Group Meeting (ACTEWG) on Tuesday 7 August focused mainly on how APEC Economies can address corruption holistically whilst eradicating its rate for a better sustainable economic growth.

The progress on the implementation of anti-corruption preventative measures under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) showcased some encouraging progressive economy reports.

In June, experts and decision makers from around the world gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to focus on the commitment made by nations in 2015 to protect the health of the ocean.

APEC economies have been urged to continue to build and strengthen their efforts to address core issues of the Policy Partnership on Food Security (PPFS).

This year Papua New Guinea will hold one of the most important foreign engagement events in our history when we host APEC says Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill, CMG MP, during the Business Advantage Papua New Guinea Investment Conference in Brisbane today.

The priority of the Policy Partnership in Food Security this year is to focus on food security in the Agriculture and Fisheries sector, Climate Change and gender inclusion PNG through the Department of Agriculture and Livestock has three priorities.

An advocate for women in agriculture has expressed her appreciation for the inclusion of Women in Agriculture and Fisheries in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) after 25 years.

A briefing was held last night by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chris Hawkins to update Port Moresby Business houses on the preparations and the anticipated activities during the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders Week (AELW) in November.

Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) and its stakeholders are all set for the 2018 APEC Food Security Week starting this weekend.

The Base Erosion and Profit Sharing (BEPS) workshop currently underway in Port Moresby emphasised more on strengthening international tax system within the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region.

The second day of APEC Base Erosion and Profit (BEP) meeting was more focused on upgrading and introducing a systemic approach to taxation that would help regulate profit shifting for Papua New Guinea and other Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies.

APEC Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko maintains that hosting APEC in Papua New Guinea this year has benefitted the country in many ways.

APEC 2018 host Papua New Guinea is seeking endorsement to adopt and implement the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), a new guideline of automatic exchange of information, to address bank secrecy and promote tax transparency in the country.

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNG TPA) Director for Policy and Planning Ms Alcinda Trawen said that PNG TPA has initiated an APEC Economic Study for the Cruise Sector focusing on MSME participation.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s (APEC) focus on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is to contribute to a more robust and inclusive business environment in Papua New Guinea.

The APEC Senior Finance Officials’ Meeting (SFOM) has commenced its two days meeting in Madang this morning with topics of discussions under the policy priority on promoting inclusive growth through structural reform.

Digital Government is one of the objectives in the APEC Economies for the government to drive digitisation in the public sector.

Papua New Guinea is looking at establishing a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) system to promote the flow of genuine ICT equipment into the country.

The Seminar on Financial Inclusion in the APEC economies began in Madang this morning (05/05/18) focusing on financial education and inclusion in rural areas.

In light of the World Environment Day and the recent decision to ban plastic bags throughout Papua New Guinea within the next 12 months, a local business has taken the initiative to begin practicing eco-friendly methods by moving away from plastic bags.

One of the APEC Telecommunications and Information working Group (TIWG) crucial role is to embrace new opportunities and foster ICT innovation in the APEC region.

The 57th APEC Telecommunications and Information Working Group (APECTEL 57’ 2018) Meeting has commenced in Port Moresby on Monday 4 June 2018 with focus on Information, Communication and Technology to be the foundation for regional connectivity.

The host economy’s national policies and legal frameworks across APEC economies needs to be harmonized to enable cross border transactions and trade as well as collaboration.

The APEC Senior Finance Officials are gathering in Madang to discuss ways to advance financial inclusion, accelerate infrastructure development and financing, foster international tax cooperation and transparency, and improve approaches to disaster risk financing and insurance within the APEC region.

The APEC Security and Prosperity Steering Group (SPSG) held the first workshop from its six-day program focusing on promoting security conscious internet usage in the APEC Region.

There is much to cover. Papua New Guinea is currently leading APEC’s membership in addressing even issues emerging for mature economies such as middle-class urban populations, ageing demographics, data privacy and anti-globalization pressures.

Papua New Guinea is quite unique to the other economies around Asia that has wonderful material culture with great things to see but there is still more work on connecting up the country to the rest of the world.

The 10th APEC Tourism Ministers Meeting concluded on a high note with a regional trip for delegates and to visit Kavieng, New Ireland Province.

Host Chair and Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Emil Tamur has described the 10th APEC Tourism Ministers Meeting held in Port Moresby recently, as a huge success with positive outcomes for sustainable and inclusive growth for tourism in the region.

Showcasing Papua New Guinea’s cultural identity to the world is not always an easy task. Multiple cultural identities and varying traditional practices makes Papua New Guinea (PNG) a unique member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

The 52nd Tourism Working Group (TWG) began its meeting today in Port Moresby with discussions on endorsing several key tourism policy initiatives to promote best practice while promoting inclusive community based sustainable tourism initiatives.

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority is privileged to be involved in APEC 2018 and the APEC Women in Tourism Dialogue on is our first planned major work program for this week.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been a constant focus throughout the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings this year.

The APEC Economic Committee Chair sees the Regional Visit to Lae, Morobe Province as an opportunity for cultural interaction and technical display by business with economic potential.

The APEC Food Security Cooperation Forum (APEC FSCF) is working towards establishing a Food Safety Modernization Framework that looks at delivering safer food to consumers, both domestic and internationally imported food.

During the APEC Group of Friends of Disabilities symposium (GOFD), the Patron of the Papua New Guinea Assembly of Disabled Persons (ADP) and wife of the Host Economy’s Prime Minister, Mrs Lynda Babao O’Neill said that Papua New Guinea is broadening its support to ensure there is inclusion for the disabled community to expand.

The Oceans and Fisheries Working Group (OFWG) commenced its meeting on Friday 18 May 2018 focusing on improving the MSMEs placing on the value chain for job creation and business for economic growth and development.

Advances in information technology and the digital economy creates a more equal environment, new equipment, smarter applications, and improved systems break down barriers and facilitates inclusion.

The symposium on Group of Friends on Disability (GOFD) began this morning (18/05/2018) with the main focus on plans to develop action plans, collaboration amongst GOFD economies and share ideas with other APEC sub-foras to advance human resource development.

The PPWE is set to develop a new set of goals through the development of a new strategic plan and to inject ambition into its development.

The ultimate aim of the research and policy presentations during APEC Study Centers Consortium Conference (ASCCC) is to enhance people’s livelihood within respective economies

Regional Economic Integration and Connectivity is a very important part of negotiations through the APEC Region in developing the rural communities.

Papua New Guinea has not shied away from the digital discussion because it welcomes the idea that technology has the ability to provide opportunities that have the potential to change the way women participate in the economy.

As part of APECs drive for inclusivity, the Second Senior Official’s Meeting (SOM2) and related meetings began with the 2018 APEC Study Centre’s consortium conference under the theme “Inclusive growth opportunities in an increasingly connected region.”

The PNG APEC Study Center represents a huge opportunity for researchers at the Papua New Guinea National Research Institute, in PNG and abroad to collaborate and bring regional experience to solve local issues.

The APEC 2018 PNG Coordination Authority held their first regional protocol training session in Kavieng, New Ireland province, to prepare young officers for the upcoming regional visit next month.

Commonwealth countries have agreed to further enhance efforts to deal the threats posed by the spread of malaria, particularly in developing nations.

Chinese President Xi Jingping has been confirmed to attend the APEC leaders summit in November.

More than a thousand delegates from APEC's 21-member economies are expected to attend the Second Senior Officials Meeting (SOM 2) to be held in Port Moresby from May 11th to 24th this year.

Preparations are well underway for the Second Senior Officials (SOM 2) meeting in May while focus of discussions lean towards the Trade Ministers meeting.

Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister, the Hon. Julie Bishop MP, has applauded Papua New Guinea for hosting APEC 2018.

The APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting began this morning in Port Moresby with a seminar on Accelerating Infrastructure Development and Financing.

In a bid to improve access and participation in digital economy, Papua New Guinea as the host economy is considering plans to improve competition in the telecommunication industry to deliver lower costs and more innovative digital products.

APEC Protocol Officers in Papua New Guinea received 1,700 international delegates attending the First Senior Officials Meeting (SOM1) and Related Meetings in Port Moresby.

Papua New Guinea has successfully secured funding and has improved its ratings in the World Bank.

A number of APEC economies have supported Papua New Guinea's initiative for policy dialogue on promoting women in agriculture and fisheries.

Exchanging views and ideas within fellow members of the Investment Experts' Group (IEG) is the most important concept right now.

A business enterprise that harnesses technology with beauty and talent is taking a step further to promote its products to APEC delegates at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby.

Focusing on digital platforms in the higher education sector is key to producing future qualified and competent workers in Papua New Guinea and to improving the abilities of the current workforce.

The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) will play host to 20 other member economies in the Investment Experts Group (IEG) Meeting in Port Moresby this weekend.

Small businesses within the APEC member economies are thriving and connecting to the regional and global market with assistance from the APEC SME working group.

The APEC Data Privacy Subgroup of the Electronic Commerce Steering Group (ECSG) is looking forward to revising the APEC Privacy Framework (2015), which aims at promoting electronic commerce throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

APEC's Economic Committee will be participating in several meetings and workshops in Port Moresby that commenced on Thursday 1 March through to Tuesday 6 to share economy experiences.

Papua New Guinea's leather craft is getting its own exposure in the sidelines of the ongoing APEC First Senior Officials' and Related Meetings in Port Moresby.

Hanamoa Organics, the proud producer of local virgin coconut oil (VCO) from Abau in Central province hopes to expand their market opportunities during APEC meetings.

Papua New Guinea delegates gained strong support from fellow Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation members when they proposed a couple of projects during the Sub-committee on Standards and Conformance (SCSC) Meeting at Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby.

The micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) set-up at Laguna Hotel, one of the APEC meeting venues in Port Moresby, has captured the interest of delegates from member economies.

Multi-hazard 'monitoring and warning systems' best practice is a way forward for Papua New Guinea to prepare for national disasters digitally.

The first-ever Chemical Dialogue hosting of Papua New Guinea welcomes discussions to improve systems in the chemical trade in the region.

The APEC Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade (EGILAT) is formulating a multi-year plan to combat illegal logging while promoting legal trade of timbers and its products within the region.

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and APEC Chairman, Peter O’Neill, preparing for climate change panel discussions with former United States Vice President Al Gore at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit in November and related officials meetings is an opportunity for further investment in the agriculture sector.

Gilbert Woimba and small business owner who operates APMA Carvers, says he puts Papua New Guinea first and the rest of the opportunities in business fall into place.

Senior Officials will convene on the 5-6th of December in Port Moresby to detail their priorities areas of cooperation during Papua New Guinea’s inaugural APEC chairmanship in 2018.

Port Moresby: An update on Papua New Guinea’s preparations for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2018, as well as an overview of the different occupational health and safety (OHS) systems managed by the PNG mineral and petroleum industry will be some of the key highlights of the PNG Mining and Petroleum Conference.

The Joint Task Force comprised of the Papua New Guinea disciplined forces, key stakeholders and the Australian police and military personnel have successfully completed a cooperative exercise to create a plan for the command and control centre of Security for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2018 (APEC) here in Port Moresby.

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea reassures the nation that APEC will be hosted and leaders of the 21 Economies of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will come.

A combined forces exercise will see 15 participants receive certificates as trainers in a Public Order Management Course at the McGregor Special Services Division base here in Port Moresby.

Papua New Guinea is contributing in small ways to sustain the environment and is taking a community level approach through tourism solutions for climate change.