PNG stands proud

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PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill yesterday wished all citizens a happy and safe independence anniversary, saying “we have much to be proud of”.
“We are a unified country, a Christian country, and we do pledge to stand together as one people, one nation. I am proud of the steps we have taken to secure a strong and healthy nation,” he said.
“In the time of a single generation, we are changing from traditional communities to being an emerging economy in the global community.
“We have achieved more since our Independence than we could have imagined – and we have only just begun that journey.”
He said the global spotlight would be on PNG during the 2018 Apec meeting.
O’Neill said the scheduled 200 meetings for the event would be held “not just in Port Moresby, but in locations from the islands to the highlands”.
“Thousands of people from Apec’s other 20 countries will visit Papua New Guinea and meet the real people of our nation,” he said. “Hosting Apec will have a very positive impact on key sectors, including our marine resources, agriculture, mining and tourism.
“When we host the summit at the end of the Apec, we will welcome the presidents and prime ministers of countries such as the United States, China, Japan, Russia and Korea. We will also welcome our Pacific Island leaders as special guests during the leaders’ summit.” O’Neill said the Government was focussing on growing the economy and expanding national participation in that growth.
“This means that many more school-leavers and higher education graduates will gain meaningful employment,” he said.
“We are raising living standards and broadening our economy for the benefit of as many Papua New Guineans as possible.”