PM welcomes Fiji investments

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has welcomed the increase in interest by Fiji businesses to invest in PNG’s agriculture, processing, tourism and communications sectors.
He told the Fiji-PNG Business Council in Suva on Monday that the level of two-way trade between the two countries had not peaked.
“It (trade) is far from reaching its full potential. I think it is now time that we look at advancing a free trade agreement between our two economies,” he said.
“This has been discussed in the past, but to date, we have not seen any real traction.
“Now is the time to advance discussion, to look at the costs and benefits, and to consider the feasibility of a free trade agreement.
“We also have to develop plans for the advancement of regional airline and shipping networks.
“This will strengthen, improve and promote business, as well as investment in tourism – to enable our citizens and businesses to have greater ownership of these key sectors.
“In Papua New Guinea, we will always have mining, and oil and gas resources as an anchor for our economy.
“But we are broadening and diversifying our economic base. We can learn from your vast experience and success in areas such as tourism and hospitality – which today underpins Fiji’s growth, and future, in so many tangible ways.
“Papua New Guinea invites Fiji professionals in tourism and hospitality to work together as we expand our tourism sector.”