Hosting of investment forum crucial

By Nathan Woti
HOSTING the regional superannuation investment forum is necessary for investors because of the challenging economic conditions, says Nambawan Super Ltd (NSL) chief executive officer Paul Sayer.
Sayer said the Pacific Island Investment Forum would be an eye-opener for superfunds in the Pacific, including New Zealand and Australia.
“I’m sure many will ask why Nasfund and the NSL have chosen to host this forum at a time when the global and local economies are struggling to cope with the tough economic conditions,” he said.
“We must understand that we are a primarily import-dependent country subject to the rising inflation rates brought on by a combination of supply chain disruptions, rising fuel and energy prices, and the slowed economic growth of the world’s major economies.
“While there is no quick and easy solution, as more international investors partner with PNG business and support development of on-shore processing and a local supply of goods and services, over the long-term we expected to see our import dependency reduced with the cost of living for the everyday Papua New Guinean.
“This forum is an excellent opportunity for PNG superannuation funds and our industry leaders to nature partnership that will benefit the economy for many years into the future, especially in the non-resource and non-energy sectors.”
The forum will be co-hosted by NasFund and Nambawan Super at the Apec Haus from March 24-31.
It will be attended by officials from superannuation funds and international finance corporations in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Cook Islands and PNG.