Abel wants PNG to make Apec count

Papua New Guinea made a bold undertaking as country to host Apec and needs to take full advantage of it, Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel says.
He was speaking at the 2018 PNG Update with the theme ‘PNG in the Year of Apec’.
Abel said events such as Apec were about global integration, participation and knowledge sharing.
“We need modern capital and technology to develop,” he said.
Abel said the Asia-Pacific region was becoming increasingly significant in terms of global economy and trade.
“I believe the Apec event will cap off a year of recovery for our country in spectacular fashion,” he said.
“Let us have some constructive ideas at this forum: Negative and positive views but always in a constructive, solution-driven spirit.”
The two-day forum at the University of PNG drew participants from different sectors and stakeholders, including MPs.
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird said he was keen to see what happened after Apec.
“Is there going to be a significant improvement in economy, jobs and those sorts of things?” he said.
“That’s what I’m more interested in.”
Madang MP Bryan Kramer said his immediate concern was what Apec was costing PNG.
“My concern is given PNG is facing difficult times, hospitals are running out of medicine, issues of schools, qualify of education, no jobs and many more,” he said.
“How does Apec benefit the country?
“Apec is important, but the question is the timing.
“What it will cost us?
“Welfare of Papua New Guinea must always come before the interest of Apec nations.”