New Zealand and Papua New Guinea Business Council has embarked on strengthening their bilateral partnership in trade.

At the virtual conference meeting in Auckland earlier, the PNG Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko has informed the members of the Business Council that PNG is totally open to do business with New Zealand.

Minister highlighted that PNG has an open-door-policy and a conducive environment suitable for potential investment by New Zealand in Papua New Guinea.

“We look forward to any business opportunities that New Zealand can give to us.”

“This year 2023, is a start of a very good year in agriculture as PNG is the food bowl in the Pacific.”

“We are totally open for investment as New Zealand is a good friend of PNG,” Minister Tkatchenko said.

The New Zealand and Papua New Guinea Business Council consists of New Zealand based business owners and company representatives who have an interest in PNG either through public, private sector and not-for-profit organizations. The Business Council has been in operation for over 30 years with members of about 60-100.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the New Zealand and Papua New Guinea Business Council, Andrew Wilson, said New Zealand will continue to enhance its bilateral partnership with Papua New Guinea in trade and economic cooperation.

“We are a small organization; we try to remain connected to Papua New Guinea and Port Moresby.”

“We have regular monthly meetings with our delegates, high commission and business houses in Auckland to talk about what the Business Council, “he said.

Mr. Wilson also highlighted some of the challenges the council has faced in trade over the years in terms of foreign currency issues and outstanding claims for service rendered.

Minister Tkatchenko while responding to the concerns raised by the Council Chairman, assured the Business Council that he was aware of the issue that were raised and his government will take this into consideration.