O’Neill to address Aussie directors’ group

 PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill (pictured) will address the Australian Institute of Company Directors in Brisbane today.

His speech is part of the Institute’s and Griffith Business School leaders’ lunch series that is held every year.

The series provides the Queensland business community an opportunity to hear speakers of national and international standing share their experience and knowledge.

O’Neill is expected to speak on the strengthening of the partnership between Australia and PNG to address regional and global issues and give a snapshot of how the PNG economy is coping with the global downturn in commodity prices.

He will speak on the priorities of his government and the reforms being undertaken to instil a stable political climate, attracting investors and giving businesses the opportunity to expand in an economy that is expected to take off when the export of LNG begins next year.

O’Neill is also expected to use the speech to propose a PNG-Northern Australia free trade zone aimed to drive growth in commerce and trade between PNG and the part of Australia closest to its shores.

He will also talk on PNG and its role in the Asian Century, and how PNG can be a food bowl for the growing Asian market. 

O’Neill believes that with the right technology and expertise, PNG can unlock and harness its huge potential in agriculture and help contribute to food security nationally and in the region.  

The address in Hilton Hotel in Brisbane today is not the first time O’Neill has been asked to speak at a well respected forum.

Since becoming Prime Minister, O’Neill has addressed the Australian National Press Club in Canberra, the Lowy Institute in Sydney, and the PNG-Australia Business Council, among others.