Building to host conferences, Tkatchenko says

THE K120 million Apec Haus in Port Moresby will be used for conferences after the 2018 Apec meeting, according to Minister for Sports, National Events and Apec Justin Tkatchenko.
He said during the ground-breaking ceremony for the Apec Haus at Ela Beach yesterday the construction should be completed by July 2018.
Apec is scheduled for November.
“This building will show the traditions and cultures and the aspects of the Motu Koitabu people,” Tkatchenko said.
“Through the design of this building, it shows the Lagatoi sail, and shows off the traditions and cultures of the Motu Koitabu people – of course interacting with our people from Gulf.”
He said Apec Haus would be used for the Leaders’ Summit and Apec meeting in 2018.
“But after that, it will be used for conferences, exhibitions, meetings – whether government or private or public,” Tkatchenko said.
“(It will) also have little cafes and restaurants facing the sea where people can come and enjoy or exercise around the perimeter of this building.
“The whole idea is not just for Apec.
“It is also for the benefit of our private and public sectors.”
He said the National Capital District Commission was tendering and awarding contracts for the Ela Beach redevelopment project.
He said Ela Beach was going to “change” over the next 24 months.
“By 2018, this side of the city will be fully redeveloped, something that we can all be proud of,” Tkatchenko said.
“I would like to recognise Peter Botten (Oil Search managing director), Gerea Aopi, (Oil Search executive general manager), (Oil Search) chairman Rick Lee, Global Construction who won this contract through an Oil Search tender process.”