Europe mission on tour

 EUROPEAN countries can help Papua New Guinea address social challenges, particularly through investments in infrastructure, education, training and agriculture, Independent Public Business Corporation chairman Paul Nerau says. 

On the security of European workers in the country, Nerau said the Government was addressing the issue, including the law and order sector. 

Speaking at a dinner at Parliament last night, he welcomed a high level business delegation from Belgium and the Netherlands on a fact finding mission to the country.

“I take this opportunity to express, on behalf of the PNG Government, our sincere gratitude to the European delegation here in PNG for their unfailing commitment and support in pursuing our country’s development aspirations,” Nerau said. 

“I understand that this visit is part of the connect Europe strategy of the Government implemented by the PNG Embassy in Belgium and the Department of Foreigners Affairs. 

“I wish to assure you all that PNG and European countries and their private sector will have made connections and I am confident these connections will be harnessed and more linkages will be made going forward. 

“I understand that senior executives from five European companies engaged in civil aviation, agriculture, seaport and airport infrastructure development are on this mission,” Nerau said. 

Managing director of chocolate factory Belgian, Marc Pauwels said he was looking at investing in the cocoa industry to help local farmers.

Pauwels said he was on a fact finding mission to Papua New Guinea for his chocolate company.

On behalf of the European mission, he thanked the Government of PNG for the visit.