PNG asks US for help on money laundering, terrorism laws

THE United States government has been asked to assist with technical advice on the review of PNG’s anti-money laundering and counter terrorism legislation.
Ian Ling-Stuckey, the minister assisting the prime minister on treasury matters, discussed the matter with US ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock at Treasury Haus, and the US Chargé d’Affaires for PNG Matthew Bunt in Port Moresby.
Ling-Stuckey explained the Government’s reform programme encompassing the 13-year plan for budget repair and reconstruction, and the three-year programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He said strengthening the central bank and addressing foreign currency shortages were important.
He said the US was increasing its commitment to PNG with a new USAID office at its embassy.
“We want to increase engagement with US organisations that can support PNG,” he said.
“This includes the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
“We will work with our development partners including the WHO, UNESCO, World Bank and IMF.”
According to the US Embassy website Yastishock, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, most recently served as Senior deputy assistant administrator, Bureau for Asia, USAID.
Previously, she was the USAID mission director in Hanoi, Vietnam.
During the transition to the new Administration, she served as the chief adviser to the acting administrator for USAID.
Prior to that, she was the Acting Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia responsible for USAID missions and programs in East Asia and the Pacific.
Before that, she oversaw USAID activities in South and Central Asia as the deputy administrator in the Bureau for Asia.