The Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council’s recent networking evening in Port Moresby brought together members, partners and stakeholders from across government and business, providing an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones in support of the Australia-Papua New Guinea business partnership.
The event also marked an important milestone for the Council, introducing members to its new President, Andrew Cairns, Chief Executive Officer of Westpac PNG, and new Chief Executive Officer, Leata Alaimoana-Roberts, who joined the Council in June with extensive experience in trade, investment and economic development across the Pacific.
For Leata, the evening was as much about listening as it was about introductions.
“It was a great opportunity to introduce our new President, Andrew Cairns, and to bring together so many people who are passionate about strengthening the Australia–PNG business relationship,” she said.
The networking event reflected one of the Council’s core strengths: bringing together businesses, government representatives and industry leaders who share a commitment to expanding trade, investment and commercial collaboration between Australia and Papua New Guinea. As the peak business body for the bilateral relationship, the Council provides members with opportunities to exchange ideas, build partnerships and contribute to discussions that shape the future of business between the two countries.
Leata encouraged members who were unable to attend, or who did not have an opportunity to meet on the evening, to reach out and connect.
“If we didn’t get the chance to chat on the night, I’d love to connect,” she said. “And if you’re curious about what the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council does, or would like to become involved in future networking events and business opportunities, I’d be delighted to have a conversation.”
With a busy calendar of events and initiatives planned for the months ahead, the evening set a positive tone for the Council’s next chapter under its new leadership, with a continued focus on building relationships that create opportunities for members and strengthen the Australia–Papua New Guinea business partnership.
