Country’s economic progress recognized

Caption:  ACP Assistant Secretary General Leonard Ognimba. 

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, June 5, 2016 (PNG)

THE country’s economic progress over the last decade was acknowledged by the Assistant Secretary General of the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group on Tuesday this week.

Leonard Ognimba, assistant for political affairs and human development, stood in for the ACP Secretary General Dr Patrick Gomes who was not present at the 8th Summit in Port Moresby.

Ognimba expressed the group’s gratitude of the country hospitality which reassured the members of the country’s commitment to the group.

“Thanks to prime minister and the people of Papua New Guinea for their warm welcome and hospitality they have shown in hosting this summit,” Ognimba said.

“The people of Papua New Guinea is showing once again its attachment to the ACP group as well as to the values of unity and solidarity on which it is founded.”

“I would also like to congratulate you Mr Prime Minister (Peter O’Neill) and people of Papua New Guinea on the celebration of the 40th Independence Anniversary of your country.”

He acknowledged the sustained economic growth experienced by the country over the last decade being in line with the aims of the ACP group.

“The economic progress which this marvelous archipelago has accomplished over the years is proof of the persistent and resolute efforts towards development, a key actor in the ACP family.”

“Papua New Guinea has also made considerable progress in the Asia-Pacific region, in 2011 being ranked 6th amongst the fastest growing economies in the world.”

“You successfully hosted the pacific games in 2015 and September of the same year the 46th forum of the leaders of the pacific. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you success of the organizing of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) taking place here in 2018,” the assistant secretary general said.