PNG, SI businesses commend Marape for initiative

PRIME Minister James Marape has been commended by the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea business communities for promoting business links between the two countries.
Marape took a plane load of, mostly, business executives on his first official visit to the Solomon Islands last Thursday to Saturday.
He was guest speaker at a business luncheon hosted by the Solomon Islands’ chamber of commerce and industry in Honiara on Friday.
Business links were also forged during the three-day visit.
Solomon Islands chamber of commerce and industry board chairman Jay Bartlett commended Marape for his initiative in strengthening business links between the two countries.
“As we take this opportunity for inter-personnel networking, I do hope this will culminate in closer focus between our countries,” he said.
“I do believe that it’s time that we must seriously consider the establishment of an annual Papua New Guinea-Solomon Islands Business Forum.
“A forum that has alternating hosting cities of Port Moresby and Honiara.
“In fact, this gathering today, is in essence the very notion manifesting itself.
“I believe that it’s not a coincidence that two of our very own prime ministers, who have initiated this opportunity, are here today.
“Whilst we seek their blessing, we also stand ready to progress this forum as partners, as friends, and as wantoks.”
New Britain Palm Oil Ltd country manager and former PNG Business Council president Robert Nilkare said the visit augured well for the future.
“This is probably the start of a business relationship where both the business council of the Solomon Islands and the business council of Papua New Guinea get together on a regular basis,” he said.
PNG Business Council member and Credit Corporation chief executive Peter Aitsi said the PNG delegation appreciated the opportunity made available.