Hosting Apec seen as sign of maturity

By HELEN TARAWA
PAPUA New Guinea is honoured to host Apec for the first time this year, says Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel.
Abel, who was chair of the finance ministers’ meeting yesterday, acknowledged Vietnam for its hosting of the finance minister’s meeting lat year and the leadership it showed.
“We are very proud to be hosting Apec this year, our country’s first time to host Apec,” he said.
“It’s part of the maturity and growth of PNG. I would also like to acknowledge Chile as Apec 2019 host. We all look forward to your presentation on next year’s finance ministers’ process.
“Our two economies have worked closely together this year to ensure a successful 2018 and a smooth transition into 2019.”
Abel, on behalf of all member economies, expressed sincere condolences to Indonesia for the earthquake disaster that hit Sulewasi last month.
“We were reminded of that tragedy in Bali last week when there was another earthquake,” he said. “It brought closer to home the challenges that some of us are facing in the region.”