K4.1mil Apec study centre opens

By LUKE KAMA
NATIONAL Research Institute director Dr Osborne Sandia says the Apec study centre at the institute should continue after the leaders’ summit next month.
Sandia was speaking on Tuesday when a new office space for the centre was opened by Apec Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu and Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis.
The new K4.1 million office was funded by the Australian government through the PNG-Australia partnership programme.
Sandia said the refurbishment of a new office space was part of the broader plan by the National Research Institute (NRI) to modernise its infrastructure and research facilities as a knowledge hub.
“We thank the Australian government for their support and assistance to fund the refurbishment of this office space for the centre and the adjacent buildings,” he said.
“The Australian government has also provided funding support for research at the centre and the NRI in general.
“Their support has been very helpful over the years.”
Sandia said going forward, the institute (NRI) was hopeful that Government would support the centre in terms of operation, especially funding, to ensure important research concerning trade and economic integration within the Asia-Pacific region were undetaken.
On Loop PNG, he said: “PNG is now part of the Apec study centre consortium with access to over 50 study centres. This is an opportunity we are looking forward to embracing”.
Davis said the Australian government was committed to supporting PNG in terms of research and other aspects of development, such as the K4.1 million refurbishment works.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed by the Australian High Commission and NRI for Australia to continue to provide support in terms of resource and research for another three years, starting net year.
Davis said the Apec summit was an important opportunity for PNG to stand confidently on the world stage and enhance regional trade and investments within the Asia-Pacific Region.
“We are all aware that the 2018 Apec leaders’ summit is the biggest event PNG has held and is an important opportunity for PNG to stand confidently on the world stage, bringing together Asia-Pacific neighbours to enhance
regional trade and investments,” he said.
Davis said Australia remained committed to supporting PNG in the remaining five weeks before the summit.
“This study centre becomes part of the Apec study centres within the Apec community to conduct research on Apec-related subjects and facilitate cooperation between institutions on key regional economic challenges,” he said.