Team set for tour in Jakarta

By ELIAS NANAU
A GROUP of businessmen from the West Sepik areas of Nuku, Lumi, Aitape and Vanimo have been selected to undergo a five-day business investment tour in Jakarta, Indonesia, from Oct 17-21.
The team will be led by Sandaun Governor Amkat Mai, who was officially invited by the Indonesian embassy in Port Moresby and the Indonesian consulate in Vanimo.
“The invitation by Indonesia was to foster bilateral treaty between the governments of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia to increase interest in social and economic activities,” Gabriel Deckwalen, an official from Mai’s office, said.
Deckwalen said Indonesian ambassador Andreas Sitepy and Indonesian consulate-general in Vanimo Jahur Gutong had discussed the importance of promoting trade and social relations with the governor.
“Mai believes that increased trade and social relations will reduce fears many Papua New Guineans have on Indonesia, and promote the sense of Indonesia being the closest neighbour to PNG,” Deckwalen said.
He said arrangements for the business investment trip were completed last Thursday at the Indonesian consulate in Vanimo.
The selected businessmen were now finalising travel documents.
Deckwalen said all travel costs would be paid for by the Indonesian government.