**** Trade and Investment Forum to Generate Trade, Investment and Jobs ****

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, will further expand trade and investment and the creation of jobs from European business when he attends the Papua New Guinea Trade and Investment Forum in Paris, France, this week.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by senior representatives of Papua New Guinea’s private sector and Government and will seek to create opportunities for increased business engagement.

“Following last year’s successful trade and investment engagement in London, this is the second time the Government of Papua New Guinea will have engaged with the European business and investor community,” the Prime Minister said on the eve of the forum.

“Our message is clear, that commodity process are rising, the Government is managing regional headwinds, and we are emerging from unfortunate global conditions.

“Despite the current pressures, we are making economic progress wile other commodity exporting economies are struggling.

“At the forum in France we will have the opportunity to showcase our mineral resources potential, and also highlight the opportunity that is arising in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, health and education.

“There is a lot to be said about the economic potential of Papua New Guinea and the world is starting to to take notice.

“Capital is being invested in Papua New Guinea and this is creating jobs for our people.

“Papua New Guinea is open for business and we will continue to deliver new business and new jobs for the nation.”