PNG eyeing opportunities in India

THE Government’s fact finding mission to India is to seek opportunities for business, Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Richard Maru says.
Maru said in New Delhi on Monday Papua New Guinea and India had enjoyed bilateral relations since 1972 but there were no major investments to show for it.
“Our message is clear, we are here to do business,” he said.
Maru addressed the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday.
Members expressed interest in doing business with Papua New Guinea.
The delegation met with the National Institute of Transforming India (NITI) – a policy think-tank of the Indian government established to achieve sustainable development goals.
It also ensures the involvement of the Indian government in the economic policy-making process using a bottom-up approach.
Maru invited NITI to visit Papua New Guineaand participate at the inaugural national planning summit in Port Moresby.
Minister for Energy, Information Technology and Communication Sam Basil met with the interim secretariat of the Institute of Solar Alliance (ISA).
While PNG is yet to be a signatory of ISA, Basil said a submission on a national energy policy was awaiting Cabinet approval.
The major focus of the policy is renewable energy.
Therefore, an opportunity exists for cooperation with ISA to develop a model tailored for Papua New Guinea.
The PNG delegation interacted with representatives of India’s key sectors and industry players with both sides gauging business opportunities.
A communiqué is expected to be signed by the two governments at the end of the one-week meeting.