K600 million budget clarified

APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko says the K300 million allocated for Apec this year brings up the total allocated in the past three years to K600 million.
The amount is for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings leading up to the leaders’ and chief executive officers’ summit in November.
“A total K600 million has been allocated and about K400 million has been spent so far – which is in line with all budget approvals from Parliament.”
Tkatchenko said the 2018 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting would be held “the Papua New Guinea way”.
“We will live within our means and ensure that what we spend is justified for the benefit of our economy,” he said. “We will also ensure that this event is done properly and correctly as per the requirements of Apec – but in a Pacific way where all our world leaders can enjoy their time in Papua New Guinea.”
Tkatchenko said all leaders expected to attend the summit in November are confirmed to attend.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will arrive on November 15 for his State visit – two days before the summit.
Tkatchenko said most of the world leaders who would be attending had never been to PNG before and it was important “that we make their stay enjoyable”.