PM warning

THE country is working to protect itself through legislation from transnational crime and foreign businesses bent on corruption and exploitation, says Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
He told the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London that the sovereignty of all Commonwealth nations was being threatened by transnational crime.
He said the growth opportunities of emerging economies were attracting many international businesses.
“Most of these economies come to our countries to make a legitimate profit, and in the process stimulate economic growth and create jobs,” he said.
“(But) there are also foreign companies that come to exploit, to take advantage of evolving and sometimes weak financial regulator regimes, and immigration and labour laws.
“It’s important that our governments commit to addressing transnational crime and provide a safe and secure environment for all who live in the Commonwealth.”
He said the country had enacted several legislations to deal with the Proceeds of Crimes, to prosecute the corrupt and those who corrupt them.
“We have new legislation to deal with cyber crimes. We have laws to prevent forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking,” he said.
“But given the transcending nature of all of these crimes, we need to support each other to make sure there is better enforcement of these laws through multilateral cooperation.
“PNG seeks greater co-operation and support through the Commonwealth, and other global forums, to enhance international cooperation as the best means to combat transnational crime.”