Access to investors, markets at Apec: PM

The National National
From left: Public Service Minister Joe Sungi, Prime Minister James Marape and Labour and Employment Minister Kessy Sawang in San Francisco, California, US, yesterday – PM’s Mediapic

PRIME Minister James Marape yesterday reiterated the importance of attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders’ meeting because “it is where access to markets and investment opportunities lie” for Papua New Guinea.
“Apec is the biggest block that PNG belongs to, and we value the link and opportunities this forum provides for us,” he said.
“Apec accounts for 48 per cent of trade in goods and services and 62 per cent of the world gross domestic product.
“Our attendance allows us to discuss pressing issues facing us, and explore bilateral opportunities with economies and investors on the margins of the summit.”
Marape arrived in San Francisco, California, United States, yesterday, and will join 20 leaders of Apec economies in discussions which should culminate in the adoption of an outcome document on Friday.
A bilateral meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled on Thursday (tomorrow, US local time).
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to meet with the US Chamber of Commerce as well as environmental NGO Renew West, Source Global, ExxonMobil and International Development Finance Corporation.
Minister Assisting the PM and national events, Justin Tkatchenko, represented PNG at the Apec ministerial meeting ahead of the leaders’ meeting.
It was chaired by the Secretary Blinken who said the 21 Apec economies accounted for nearly 40 percent of the global population, and generated half of global trade.