Blessing in disguise

ALLOW me space in your column to contribute to the discussions surrounding Papua New Guinea’s hosting of Apec and its perceived benefits.
First and foremost, the pinnacle of all activities is really bringing the leaders of the 21 Apec economies together annually in a host economy to mingle with private sector business leaders from Fortune 500 companies down to SMEs.
The intention is to grow new business opportunities across the Apec region.
PNG, as current host, has already benefited from the erection of infrastructures and facilities that will be left behind for use while the human resource capacity building and upskilling will enable PNG to host other international events.
Some businesses that are providing goods and services are also benefiting from the event.
An event like Apec promotes the country as an ideal investment, business and tourism destination when world business leaders see for themselves what is available.
First impression matters and that’s why every Papua New Guinean needs to embrace this event because it will benefit your children and relatives in terms of work and business opportunities.
Apec is a blessing in disguise for this country.
For PNG to grow into the future it has to think big like expanding the Jackson Airport runway or allowing the service trade component of GDP to take the lead from the goods component as has been seen in Singapore and, now, Dubai.
Food for thought.

Gala Spencer
NCD