Stability key to PNG’s standing in the world

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, September 18, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

IN his sixth Independence Day National Address to the country- Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has laid the country’s new found standing on the global front on stability in its leadership.

He said stability in all levels of government is vital to bring in vital investment along with global recognition, as evident through the hosting of major sporting and economic events in the coming years.

“We continue to do that because we have stability- we have stability in government, we have stability in policy, and we have stability in the bureaucracy,” the Prime Minister said.

“Today as a result more and more people around the world know where Papua New Guinea is. People who never knew us before see our country in a very positive light.”

“Investors are learning that Papua New Guinea is a safe place to invest and of course it is a sound place to invest and get a good return.

He said even despite global challenges, with the downturn in commodity prices- other economies are facing recession, whereas, Papua New Guinea we continue to have growth.

O’Neill reminded citizens of the coming events that will be staged in the country. Calling for all to participate in promoting the country when it is showcased to the world starting in November with the FIFA Womens Under 20 World Cup tournament.

“In the coming years of course the global community will be focusing on papua New Guinea as we host major events both sporting and economic,” he said.

“We welcome the world class competition of the FIFA World Womens Under20 soccer competition that will be held here is Port Moresby in less than 2 month.”

“Next year we will have matches that will be played for the rugby league world cup again played in Papua New Guinea.”

“And of course in 2018 our country will host the APEC meeting where leaders of the 22 largest economies in the world will be here in Papua New Guinea.”

He said APEC would not be just one meeting- but will be up to 200 separate meetings that will be held in 2018.

“This is a unique opportunity to showcase to the leaders who control 50% of the global trade, that Papua New Guinea is a country worth investing in.”

“I am very proud of the steps we have taken so far, so that we can secure a strong and healthy country.”

“As we continue to build a modern Papua New Guinea I know that every citizen will join our government, our leaders and of course our children in achieving a modern Papua New Guinea.”

“Today I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very happy and safe independence day to each and every one of my fellow citizens of Papua New Guinea and extend our most sincere appreciation to all the distinguished guests from afar who have joined us here today.”