Prime ministers discuss labour mobility in MSG nations

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says he is looking to members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to work  together on advancing labour mobility in the region.
He met with his Solomon Islands counterpart Manasseh Sogavare in Port Moresby yesterday.
They discussed MSG membership composition, expanding trade and enhancing operations of the MSG Secretariat.
“There is tremendous opportunity before MSG members to enhance the capacity for people from around our region to work in different countries,” O’Neill said.
“The world is getting smaller and people want to travel between countries for work and business.
“We do not have a territorial model in our own country and we believe in creating opportunities for travel.
“By establishing the right procedures, we would like to see people bring their skills to PNG and for our people to travel to strengthen social interaction.” O’Neill stated PNG’s position on MSG membership as an issue that would continue to be discussed between members.
“There are sensitivities to consider if we are to continue this dialogue in a respectful manner, and to build mutual understanding in order to make progress,” he said.
O’Neill said he would like to see an increase in trade between MSG countries that would grow the regional economy.
“Papua New Guinea is ready to expand regional trade while respecting the developing nature of many sectors in our countries,” O’Neill said.
“When we open up further trade, this must also create jobs in each of our countries, because if we do not stimulate employment and business, our countries will not develop well.”
On the issue of improving the management and output of the MSG Secretariat, the prime ministers agreed that ongoing reform and review was essential.