By MATTHEW
VARI
PARLIAMENT has approved the setting up of APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) 2018 Authority during its second last session for the year on Thursday.
In a vote that had 75 members in favor to nil, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, who presented the bill told Parliament that the bill was vital in showcasing the country to the world come 2018.
He told members that the national government was trying not to play catch up, as with the case of the SP Games and other international events, and had leant its lessons to get started on one of the biggest international meets to be ever hosted in the country.
“As many of us are aware, in 2018 PNG will host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Meetings, and this is a unique opportunity for Papua New Guineans to show the world what we are capable of and to show that Papua New Guinea has got warm people with warm hospitality, wonderful towns, breathtaking beauty, and many more to show for,” Prime Minister O’Neill said.
“A great deal of preparation needs to be done between now and 2018, and in order for that to be a successful one it must be done in a professional and efficient manner.”
“This particular bill is introduced so that we can coordinate this work before the even takes place, and I want to inform this honorable house that there will be many related meetings leading up to that by close to two hundred meetings.”
The PM outlined the functions of the new authority to plan and coordinate the many activities in the lead up to the meet in 2018.
“The functions of the authority are to liaise and consult with relevant government departments and other stakeholders so that we can have an efficient and successful outcome in 2018,” the PM said.
“Also to ensure that we enter into some of the work and services that is required to make this event a success.”
“There must be a need for correct protocols that is afforded to all delegates, making sure that all APEC meetings and those related events between now and 2018 are held on time and we must have venues and accommodation that can be able to hose these meetings.”
He pointed out that the authority will not be responsible for policy matters, which he said will be coordinated by the Department of Industry Trade and Investment, Foreign Affairs and the Department of the Prime Minister and NEC.
He also announced the offer and acceptance made after the New Zealand offered its assistance for the event by providing a CEO with experience in hosting the global event.
“I want to inform this house that the government and the people of New Zealand have volunteered to offer us a CEO who has got substantial experience in managing these things,” he said.
“The CEO will also coordinate all the activities that will be done so that we can be able to make sure that we have a successful one.”
“We do not want to leave it at the last minute like we have done in many other international events and that is why we are always in a catch-up mode.”
He concluded that the Authority would cease to exist upon the completion of the meet in 2018.
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