Photo Credit: BBC - Expo2020 Dubai
To ensure the success of PNG’s participation in Expo2020 in Dubai, UAE, the Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has tasked the Vice Minister Assisting him on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Hon. Richard Masere to provide political leadership, guidance and support. The World Expo is of substantial national interest to PNG, and the Prime Minister’s engagement has been well received.
Vice Minister Masere was briefed on expo preparations to date, by the core group of the National Coordination Committee, led by the Commissioner General for Expo2020, Ambassador Joshua Kalinoe.
He was accompanied by key members of the Task Force on FDI, including Special Economic Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Commerce & Industry Dulciana Somare and Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on FDI, Ambassador Gabriel Dusava.
Vice Minister Masere expressed satisfaction on the preparations and gave an undertaking to work closely with the Expo Secretariat and the National Organising Committee to ensure that we achieve an appropriate return on investment from the programs and projects being developed.
With just under 100 days until the official opening of the World Expo, the PNG pavilion contents and interior design will be completed in the next two weeks and the container with display and commercial materials will depart for Dubai on 1 July. PNG intends to use its presence at the expo to attract investment in agriculture, resources, construction, manufacturing, financial services, and renewable energy. It will be an opportunity to showcase the PNG story.
“Expo2020 is participative in nature. PNG will be given the opportunity to tell its story, in business, government, SMEs, academia, the arts, culture, tradition and heritage. It will reflect on the beauty and diversity of our great nation, highlighting our tourism industry. There are several theme weeks throughout the 6-month expo program - each representing an opportunity to present PNG in a different light.”
The Prime Minister is expected to address members of the Business Council and Manufacturing Council, to encourage support and participation at this prestigious event.
Vice Minister Masere said apart from the individual and company participation, the Investment Promotion Authority will also stage weekly roadshows through out the exposition period, promoting the packaged projects and other business opportunities from the private sector and SMEs.
“Participation of Expo2020 in Dubai, is as a whole-of-Government NEC approved national event targeted to tell the PNG story, where 200 countries will come together to connect, exchange ideas, tell their respective stories and develop practical investment prospects. Accordingly, the Government will adequately resource and fund our participation as well as continue to provide appropriate political oversight,” Vice Minister Masere said.
