Micah attends opening of MSG Leaders' Summit in Honiara

HONIARA: Minister Public Enterprises and State Investment, Hon. Ben Micah, yesterday arrived in the capital of Solomon Islands to attend the official opening of the 20th Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders' Summit.
The opening ceremony was held at the Solomon Islands National Museum Outdoor Auditorium, where many unique traditional dances and cultural exchange of gifts were conducted in the true Melanesian Spirit.
Minister Micah attended the ceremony on behalf of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, who was unable to make it due to other important national commitments.
"I am humbly honoured to have attended this opening ceremony on behalf of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, and in representation of the people of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea,"  Micah said.
He also expressed PNG Government's ongoing efforts in further enhancing connectivity and cooperation with all the MSG countries throughout the region.
Micah was later in the day joined by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rimbink Pato, where they attended a State Dinner hosted by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, at the Honiara Hotel.
O'Neill arrives in the Solomon Islands today to attend the actual MSG Leaders Summit, including the Leaders' Retreat and the Plenary, in the coming days.

Foreign Ministers’ Meeting concludes in Honiara

HONIARA: The Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM) has been successfully concluded and preparations for the 20th Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders Summit are currently underway.
During these preparations, recommendations have been developed from related meetings including measures to further strengthen the MSG 2038 Prosperity For All Plan, and the observers and associated members' status, which will be submitted to the MSG Leaders for their consideration.
Representing Papua New Guinea at the FMM was the Acting Secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs, William Dihm, who participated in the conclusion and signing of its outcomes.
"MSG continues to remain a significant forum to promote collective sub-regional agendas of the group within the framework of the MSG 2038 Prosperity For All Plan.
" Thus, I thank the hard working members of the recently held Senior Officials Meeting for deliberating on the issues and setting the agendas for the Ministers, also aligned with the very fitting theme for the 20th MSG Leaders' Summit and other related meetings," Secretary Dihm said.
He said the theme 'Let us build a strong Melanesia in the Pacific where peace, progress and prosperity is ensured and sustained for all' reinforces PNG's desire to practically and meaningfully assist in the implementation of the various programs undertaken by the MSG Secretariat.
"PNG will continue to work closely with all regional partners including the MSG through constructive engagement and these include extending development cooperation to Small Island states, business, cultural integration, education and employment opportunities, consistent with our fundamental Melanesian principles of sharing and caring.
"We are also aware of the MSG Secretariat's plans to open up more economic corridors to advance and promote trade, investment, business and tourism opportunities, among MSG countries," Mr Dihm said.
On the PNG-Indonesian relations, Mr Dihm said it remains complex given the wide range of issues affecting the two countries; nonetheless, our already robust ties have continued to be enhanced over the last 40 years.
"On the issue of MSG membership, we have noted the recommended processes guiding the screening potential of applicants and that their admission must be addressed responsibly so as to foster cooperation and connectivity and be endorsed by the MSG leadership," Mr Dihm said.
He also acknowledged that the Port Moresby Declaration signed by the MSG Trade Ministers during their meeting in November 2014 underscores the significance of connectivity through aviation and shipping links and reiterated PNG Government's commitment to support in funding the MSG shipping study to give effect to this declaration.
The official opening ceremony for MSG Leaders' Summit will be held today (24/06/15) at the National Museum Outdoor Auditorium in the capital of the Solomon Islands, where the Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare will officially welcome the MSG Leaders.
The 20th MSG Leaders' Summit commences tomorrow at the Heritage Park Hotel.

Increasing business and creating jobs through engagement with Europe

Creating more jobs for Papua New Guineans will be a positive outcome of advancing the nation's engagement with Europe during the Prime Minister's visit to Brussels and Paris over the past week.
In the course of the visit,  Prime Minister,  Peter O'Neill, met with a range of business representatives and the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk.  
These meetings also included a business breakfast, hosted by the French Business Confederation, with 30 representatives from companies interested in initiating or expanding their operations in PNG.
"There is significant interest in Papua New Guinea from the business community in the cities our delegation visited, and we must convert that interest into tangible business engagement," O'Neill said.
"We cannot think of Europe as being too far away to matter.
"Europe offers a important market particularly for our agricultural products.
"There is also tremendous potential for strategic partnerships in areas that include banking, energy and resources.
"In my meeting with senior executives at Total S.A., they reaffirmed their commitment to developing the third train of LNG in Papua New Guinea.
"Total is a great example of a European company that recognises the potential for investment in Papua New Guinea.
"Total is already employing Papua New Guineans and foreign workers and this number is expected to reach 10,000 at the peak of the construction project.
"With one of the fastest growing economies in the world and being a country with ongoing political stability, businesses are interested in investing at Papua New Guinea."
The Prime Minister said his meeting with European Council President, H Donald Tusk, also provided an opportunity to deepen and widen interaction on important issues.  This includes European concerns in relation to fisheries.
"We discussed action being taken in Papua New Guinea to combat illegal fishing," O'Neill said.
"Papua New Guinea takes these concerns seriously and we are making improvements in our internal systems.
"Both the European Union and Papua New Guinea want to deal with illegal fishing and we are cooperating to achieve a positive outcome.
"President Tusk and I further had the opportunity to further discuss visa issues.  We are working towards having improved visa arrangements for Papua New Guineans travelling to EU countries."
The Prime Minister said following the success of the UK-PNG Trade and Investment Forum last week, and the positive reception in Paris, future forums are likely to include France.
"Next year we are looking at the trade and investment forum being held in Paris and alternate this with London each year."
The Prime Minister thanked the Governments of Belgium and France for their support in facilitating the visit that took place on 17-19 June 2015.

Improved skills to assist survivors of violence

Professionals are now better equipped to deliver essential services to survivors of violence, following a two-week workshop held in Port Moresby.
Spearheaded by the Office of the Public Prosecutor and funded by the Australian Government, the workshop involved OPP victim liaison officers, police officers, members of the national government and non-government organisations working together to strengthen skills, knowledge and collaboration in delivery of services for survivors of family and sexual violence crimes.
"We must all work together to ensure that perpetrators of this crime are brought to justice, and survivors can access not only justice but protection and recuperation," said Deputy Public Prosecutor, Timothy Ai.
Counsellor Michael Sloane of the Australian High Commission, said violence is one of the largest barriers to gender equality. 
"PNG and Australia recognise that one of the best ways to promote economic growth and stronger, more prosperous communities is to empower women and girls," said Sloane.
"Women who are economically secure can better access education and health services, and have expanded opportunities to take on leadership or decision-making roles in their communities and workplaces, boosting economic and political participation."
The workshop was attended by 25 participants and facilitated by the Fiji and Vanuatu Women's Crisis Centres in partnership with the PNG-Australia Law and Justice Partnership – Transition Program.  

O'Neill Invites greater UK Investment in Papua New Guinea

More than 300 business leaders, from the United Kingdom, as well as Europe and the United States, have been given new insight to the economic growth of Papua New Guinea and potential returns on investment.
In his keynote address at the inaugural United Kingdom - Papua New guinea Trade and Investment Forum in London on Tuesday (pictured), Prime Minister Peter O'Neill  provided perspective to ongoing economic development.
"Stability, responsible management and growth is what we offer to you," O'Neill told the opening session of the forum.
"Underpinning our economic growth are our core policies that are building a solid foundation for our country into the future
"These policies relate to free education, universal healthcare, improved law and order, and infrastructure development.
"The opportunities in Papua New Guinea are better than they have ever been.
"Papua New Guinea is open for business and I invite you and your colleagues to join with us is maximising these opportunities."
O'Neill highlighted the relevance of political stability and the independence of national institutions in Papua New. 
"Our democracy remains a beacon of stability that is lacking in many developing countries. 
"Stability is what that the country requires so that economic growth will continue as we give confidence to the business community.
"Alongside a stable political environment in Papua New Guinea, we also have an absolutely independent judiciary.
"The Central Bank is fiercely independent – as the Governor's statements on the economy continue to demonstrate. 
"The Central Bank has made tough decisions but this ensures inflation is manageable, exchange rates are not subject to large fluctuations and interest rates continue to remain stable.
"Our leading national institutions are strong, independent and are shining examples of stability."
The Prime Minister provided perspective on the challenges that nation has faced over the past four decades particularly when it comes to service delivery in remote and regional areas.
"An important change we have made is to genuinely devolve decision-making away from the capital – to empower the levels of government closest to the people. 
"This is principally district level administrations and local and village councils.
"That is bringing our democracy and the delivery of government services even closer to the people - especially our rural majority."
The forum was attended by senior managers from the financial and business sectors who were given the opportunity to engage directly with ministers and senior departmental officials to gain a stronger understanding of the potential offered by investing in Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister O’Neill Has Audience with Queen Elizabeth

Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill , had a private audience with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, (pictured)at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom on June 16.
The audience took place in what is known as the "White Room" in the castle and afforded the Queen and the Prime Minister an opportunity to share perspectives of significance for Papua New Guinea and the Commonwealth.
The Prime Minister said it is not protocol to discuss the specific details of the audience with Her Majesty, but he said he was again impressed the Queen's depth of knowledge and fondness for Papua New Guinea.
"Her Majesty is very familiar with the history as well as current developments in Papua New Guinea,"  O'Neill said.
"The Queen has visited Papua New Guinea in the past, many years ago she sailed to the country on the Royal Yacht Britannia.
"I hope that Her Majesty does have the opportunity to travel to Papua New Guinea again before long.
"Though we recognise that there are a number of countries that would also appreciate visits and she is not as able to travel as often as she did in the past."
The Prime Minister said the people of Papua New Guinea have a special place in their hearts for the Queen and the Royal Family.
"Most people have spent their whole lives only knowing one Monarch and they have great respect.
"I appreciated Her Majesty affording me time to meet with her on this visit to the United Kingdom."
The Prime Minister also met with His Royal Highness, the Duke of York, Prince Andrew while at Windsor Castle.
He said they discussed regional issues of interest, and Papua New Guinea's hosting of major events including the Pacific Games as well as the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' meeting immediately before Independence celebrations.
"Price Andrew has visited Papua New Guinea several times in the past and was with us for the opening the then South Pacific Games in 1991.
"He has fond memories of his visits to Papua New Guinea and he has travelled around our country.
"The Duke of York also was also well aware of a number of regional issues that are of importance to Papua New Guinea and the Commonwealth.
"I look forward to furthering this discussion in the future."

Port Moresby chamber commends Police Commissioner

Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry  has commended incoming Commissioner of Police Baki for his comprehensive and detailed  statement  on how he wishes to bring over-arching  change , discipline and accountability  to the force .
"He will clearly need the full support of rank and file , government and the business community – and he will certainly get the latter ," said POMCCI chief executive officer David Conn.
"We  have to say that we felt a door had opened for radical change of the hierarchy of our police force , but the government in its wisdom has decided not to take this course , and we naturally respect this .
"Any Commissioner needs a reasonable term of office to implement the modernisation programme  that the RPNGC clearly needs and the government should consider giving him a team of , experienced , professional police officers to implement such reform .
"The Commissioner's comments on uniforms are welcome and long overdue , but we still strongly believe  all officers should carry name badges  on uniforms and be clearly identifiable . If this had been done , we might not have the situation at Hanuabada where it has been apparently impossible to identify officers concerned,  in broad daylight .
"While we understand  the added security around the 2015 Games , it is apparent that road blocks  have gotten out of control and are too often an opportunity for malfeisance and standover tactics by rogue officers  seeking illegal and outrageous  on-the -spot fines , which have no basis in law.
"Properly established  and clearly identifiable roadblocks should only be allowed with specific  approval , and under the supervision , of a senior officer .
"It is a sad reality  that many of our city residents are more intimidated by  the very police officers who have sworn an oath to protect them ,  than  the criminals.
"Women , especially at night , are facing regular intimidation , and threat of arbitrary fines or imprisonment  by  police officers .
"The Chamber has issued an invitation to Commissioner Baki to address the business community in the city  at one of its regular breakfasts and sincerely hopes he will take us up on this and consider a proposal we have put to him  to form a consultative committee , along the lines of the Law and Order Committees all major centres in PNG used to have ."