Hawkins promises all leaders royal treatment

THE Apec Coordination Authority says all the 20 economies will be using Papua New Guinea airport space during the leaders’ summit next month.
Chief executive Christopher Hawkins told a media conference yesterday that there might be one or two economies coming on commercial flights, but would be accorded the full respect of arriving leaders.
“We have Pacific Islands leaders coming as well,” he said.
“We will be bringing them in and according them the full respect of an Apec meeting.”
Hawkins said local businesses may be affected during the leaders’ summit.
“We have regular dialogue with the business community,” he said.
“They are aware of such things as disruptions during that week.
“From a business perspective they are able to generate business.
“Its’ a lot of money being spent in PNG because of Apec.
“This year alone with airfares, accommodation, spending by economies, we are looking at about
K200 million in foreign currency coming in. We are working with the business community to see where there are still opportunities for them to take advantage of Apec and generate business.
“Business leads to more employment. It’s obviously a benefit for us all.”
Director-general Sir Charles Lepani said there were great opportunities for small to medium-sized enterprises outside meeting venues and hotels.