Goroka preparing to host five Apec meetings

GOROKA will host at least five Asia-Pacific Econimic Corporation (Apec) meetings next year and the town is preparing for it, acting provincial administrator Samson Akunaii says.
He told The National the Apec Secretariat in Port Moresby had confirmed that five meetings would be held in Goroka.
“We are very excited about it. We already have excellent facilities for meeting purposes at the University of Goroka auditorium which can hold up to 1000 delegates at one time,” he said.
“Within the auditorium, we’ve got areas where smaller meetings can be held.
“The University of Goroka mess recently underwent an extensive rehabilitation. It can be used to cater for lunches and other events for delegates.
“The other venue that is being considered is the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (IMR) auditorium at Red Corner.
“This facility was also recently renovated through the Australian Incentive Fund and has visual system to cater for any meetings at the IMR.”
Akunaii said the Goroka Airport runway rehabilitation should be completed in time for the Apec meetings.
“The extension work on the runway will allow it to take in jet aircraft,” he said.
“Work is progressing very smoothly and it should be completed by the first quarter of next year.
“In addition we have a terminal building facility.
Work on this has been completed and they are now working on the interior,” Akunaii said.
“This facility should be ready early in the new year and will be commissioned for use, while waiting for the runway to be completed.”