Transport to lead in APEC preparations: Minister

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Malakai Tabar.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, August 28, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

TRANSPORT and Infrastructure Minister, Malakai Tabar, has told parliament of leading role his department will play leading up to the much talked about APEC 2018 meet to be held in the country in two years’ time.

In his ministerial statement to the house, Minister Tabar, said with its success in hosting the 42nd Transport Working Group meeting in Port Moresby in April- positioning the country to successfully deliver APEC will require a recommitment to ensure the transport sector is there to support delivery.

“My department is currently coordinating the estimates of the essential infrastructure requirements across the transport sector.”

“This will encompass items such as runway and terminal upgrading, through to the navigational system which will allow visitors to safely navigate their way into our country.”

“This will be complemented by critical investments in road infrastructure to enable the safe and efficient movement of delegates between venues,” Minister Tabar said.

He said the maritime sector would also be an integral part to delivery in ensuring port infrastructure and services are adequate to meet the additional demands for servicing APEC.

“Setting the transport sector for 2018 will be a key focus of this department in the next two years and the spin-off benefits to the broader population are expected to be considerable.”