The 39th Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum #39APNGBF, set to be held on the Gold Coast from May 13 to 15, is shaping up to be the most attended in the last ten years, with registration numbers skyrocketing after an initial slow start. According to the event’s booking system, 324 participants have already registered, signalling strong interest and participation from the business community.
“The number of registered participants in our booking system shows this forum is tracking to be the best attended Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum in Australia in a decade – since Cairns 2014,” said Frank Yourn, Executive Director of the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council. This year’s forum has not only seen a surge in attendee registrations but also in trade booth bookings, with 22 secured so far, the highest number in the post-COVID period.
Mr Yourn expressed optimism about the implications of these numbers, suggesting a positive outlook on the business climate in PapuaNewGuinea. “These numbers indicate that despite the challenges of doing business currently in Papua New Guinea, there is an underlying confidence in business that the economy is on the path to recovery and business conditions are likely to improve in the medium term,” he commented.
The forum serves as a critical platform for strengthening business ties between #Australia and Papua New Guinea, offering opportunities for #networking, strategic discussions, and showcasing new business and #trade #opportunities. The increased registration and participation are particularly significant, indicating robust interest and confidence in the economic and business potential of Papua New Guinea despite recent challenges.
As preparations for the forum continue, the significant interest already registered sets a promising tone for what will likely be a pivotal event in enhancing bilateral business relations between the two nations.
Adding to the significance of the event, the forum will be graced by key figures including the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon James Marape, who will address the attendees, highlighting the importance of the forum in fostering bilateral relations. Alongside him, Ms. Elizabeth Peak, Head of the Office of the Pacific within the Australian government, will also speak at the forum.
Ms. Peak has been instrumental in shaping Australia’s strategic and diplomatic engagements across the Pacific Islands. Her expertise and leadership in Pacific affairs have been pivotal in enhancing cooperation and fostering economic and developmental partnerships between Australia and its Pacific neighbours. Her address is anticipated to provide valuable insights into the future of Australia’s involvement in the Pacific region, reinforcing the forum’s role in strengthening economic and diplomatic ties.
Earlier this year, Presidents and executive members of the Australia Papua New Guinea, Australia Pacific Islands and Australia Fiji Business Councils met with Ms Peak in Canberra and had a significant and fruitful discussion about policy issues relating to doing business in the Pacific Islands region.
