By GINNAH MINI
The 5th European Union-Papua New Guinea Business Forum will convene on 2nd-3rd June, bringing together high-level policymakers, private sector leaders, investors, and development partners and PNG and EU to strengthen economic ties, advance sustainable investment, and unlock the full potential of the EU-PNG trade partnership under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
The forum will be hosted in Port Moresby and will be attended by approximately 400 participants of which 40 representatives will be from European companies aimed to foster more trade and investment by European Companies in PNG.
Speaking at a press conference regarding the upcoming forum, the Ambassador of EU to PNG, Ms. Erika Hasznos, stated that during the forum, EU will not only act as a facilitator for business-to-business and business-to-government contacts, but will also represent itself as a developer of major upcoming infrastructure and investment projects under the Global Gateway strategy in collaboration with PNG Government.
“Global Gateway focuses on on sectors like digital sector, connectivity, renewable energy-in which Papua New Guinea has a huge potential and transport, because it is key for connectivity,” Ms. Hasznos said.
The forum will be held in cooperation with National Trade Office (NTO), Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), and the PNG-Europe Business Council.
NTO’s Chief Trade Officer, Richard Yakam, noted that the forum is important as it will strengthen trade and investment relations between PNG and the EU.
“We acknowledge and commend the continual support and partnership of the EU in PNG through initiatives that support trade development, sustainable agriculture, rural economic growth and private sector development,” Mr.Yakam said.
Mr. Yakam noted that the EU-PNG Business Forum underscores the collective efforts to translate trade agreements into tangible development outcomes for the people and the future.
The forum will be held under the theme “The EU Global Gateway for sustainable investment, connectivity, and growth in PNG.”