Prime Minister James Marape has dismissed Opposition Leader James Nomane’s claim that he is a globetrotter with no foreign direct investment to show for onshore.
As number-one spokesperson of the country, PM Marape said like any other heads of State, he attends international meetings that matter a lot for the country. Related news on investment: https://www.nbc.com.pg/post/30258/marape-reassures-investors-ahead-of-png-investment-week-in-australia
Some of which, he said, his State Ministers and senior government officials attend on behalf of the country.
He mocked that if the Opposition Leader becomes the PM, he will be the most frequent traveler than him.
He justified that his overseas trips continue to generate real economic returns and long-term opportunities for Papua New Guinea. Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/pm-marape-departs-for-png-investment-week-in-sydney/
PM Marape cited the Madang Integrated Economic Zone (formerly PMIZ) joint Tuna cannery venture and Central Lime Project (CLP) led by Mayur Resources are just two examples of foreign direct investments.
He continued that his Marape-Rosso Government is opening up many opportunities for young Papua New Guineans in Queensland, Labor Mobility, Australian Defense Force recruitment and PNG Chiefs joining NRL in 2028.
PM Marape said he does not need to report to anyone but it is good to note that the Opposition Leader is doing his job apart from Section 145 empowered VONCs.
Marape said his foreign travel is strategic and focused on attracting investment, expanding labour mobility and strengthening regional partnerships.
“My travels are not for leisure,” Marape said. “Every meeting I attend is for the country. I fly in, I work, and I fly out. The results are already visible.”
The Prime Minister highlighted several examples of investments he said were secured or advanced through overseas engagements, including a recent K200 million conservation-linked investment stemming from PNG’s involvement in global forums.
He also pointed PNG’s economic growth has been acknowledged by financial institutions in Australia and internationally.
According to Marape, PNG’s economy has expanded from K79 billion in 2019 to approximately K133 billion today, which he says reflects investor confidence and stronger fiscal management.
He said his government is now working harder to grow the economy further to K200 billion size.
Mr Marape defended his attendance at international economic forums, including the World Economic Forum, which he described as the “mother of all economic platforms” where world leaders and investors meet.
“If anything, I should be travelling more,” he said. “Investment does not come to a leader who stays at home.”
PM Marape also emphasised that PNG is now pushing for a minimum 55 percent overall State take in all new resource projects — a significant shift from past agreements.
He said Queensland alone is seeking up to 20,000 nurses, creating significant future opportunities for trained Papua New Guineans.
“Imagine thousands of our young people working in Australia, earning Australian wages, supporting families back home,” he said. “These programmes will change lives.”
Marape urged critics to recognise that economic reforms and investment pipelines take time to mature.
“Rome was not built in a day,” he said. “Decisions made today will bear fruit in the years ahead.”
He said PNG is now enjoying the highest level of international attention in years and warned leaders not to undermine investor confidence.
“The global spotlight is on Papua New Guinea,” PM Marape said. “Let us not destroy this momentum. Investors are watching.”