Australia to set up consulate in Lae

 AUSTRALIA will expand its diplomatic presence in Papua New Guinea through the establishment of a consulate-general in Lae. 

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said Lae was integral to Australia’s $19 billion investment in PNG

“The consulate-general will also support the delivery of Australia’s $554.5 million aid investment in PNG, as well as offering consular and other services to the thousands of Australians living in the area,” Bishop said in a statement. 

She said the consulate-general would strengthen Australia’s presence in Lae and bolster the growing trade and investment relationship between the two countries.

She said Lae was PNG’s commercial capital, home of its largest port, and the gateway to the Highlands region, where the majority of people live. 

She added that the establishment of the consulate-general reflected the strong ties between the two countries. Bishop’s announcement followed positive discussions at the ministerial forum in Canberra last Thursday.