PNG Coffee Festival & Trade Fair makes a comeback

The hugely-successful PNG Coffee Festival & Trade Fair makes a comeback in May this year after a year’s lay-off due to the 2007 national elections.

Founder and president Norman Carver (pictured left with co-ordinator Genevieve Roberts) made the announcement.

“As the president of the PNG Coffee Festival & Trade Fair Inc, it is with great pleasure that I announce that the 2008 event will be staged on the 8th, 9th and 10th May this year in Goroka,” he said.

“The PNG Coffee Festival has truly become a unique event in PNG.

“This has been achieved through the successful partnering of agriculture, tourism, business and government for the common good of promoting social and economic life in the region.

“The event purposefully targets children and school students because the future progression of Papua New Guinea will become the responsibility of this young generation of Papua New Guineans.

“Coffee is lifeblood of the people that live along the Highlands Highway.

“ The coffee industry has become the backbone of the Highland’s economy and generates income for many individuals therefore we continue to promote Coffee as the No. 1 economic activity in the Highlands due to its long successful association with the people of this region.”

The festival is expected to attract in excess of 20, 000 people with more receiving the Coffee Festival message through an extensive media publicity campaign.

Organisers are also expecting an increase in exhibitor and singsing group participation this year as well.

The main event and trade Fair will be held at the Raun Raun Theatre with traditional sing sing groups, cultural performances, and an art s crafts market,” Mr Carver said.

“Coinciding events include an art exhibition, a night show at the University of Goroka and the Coffee Festival Ball at the Pacific Gardens Hotel.”

For more information or to participate in the PNG Coffee Festival & Trade Fair please contact festival administrator Ms Genevieve Roberts on telephone 732 1703, facsimile 732 3302 or email info@easternhighlands.com.pg