PNG Investment Forum Promotes Tourism and Connectivity at World Expo in Dubai

Papua New Guinea Investment Forum Promotes Tourism and Connectivity at World Expo in Dubai

THE Papua New Guinea Investment Forum on Ecotourism and Connectivity successfully concluded on Friday, 14th January 2022, at the Expo2020 Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  This was the third investment forum hosted by the Papua New Guinea Expo Team focused on promoting investment opportunities in PNG’s Eco-tourism and ICT sectors.  The Forum ran parallel with Expo2020’s thematic week of ‘Travel and Connectivity’. 

The Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Hon. Timothy Masiu, officially opened the PNG Investment Forum, thanking the UAE Government for the tremendous support given to Papua New Guinea in ensuring its inclusive participation at the World Expo in Dubai. 

Minister Masiu commended the theme of the Expo2020 Dubai, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, and lauded the global event for championing ideas and innovations to facilitate sustainable trade and investment opportunities, including cultural exchanges that Papua New Guinea considers important to its economic development.   

In his speech, Minister Masiu highlighted the need for developing Papua New Guinea’s tourism and ICT infrastructure,

“Papua New Guinea needs integrated tourism, visitor connectivity and infrastructure system. Investors and experts are needed to help plan and deliver a connectivity system in a sustainable way for Papua New Guinea.” 

Hon. Masiu emphasised, “Partnerships are also needed for mutual gains, and such plans should be carried out in consideration of the environment, and in line with the country’s sub-theme at the Expo2020, ‘Connecting Minds and Creating Opportunities in Sustainable Development.” The PNG Investment Forum on Ecotourism and Connectivity was also officiated by the UAE Secretary-General and Chairman of the UAE Chamber of Commerce, H.E. Humaid Ben Salem.

In his speech, H.E. Salem spoke of the PNG Roundtable Discussion on Education, Science and Green Economy, which he attended last month – also hosted by the PNG Expo team.  He spoke of the diverse ecotourism experiences that the UAE shared with PNG, and affirmed technological innovations and infrastructure were key to economic development, and that partnerships were possible through continued communication and cooperation.

The CEO of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Mr. Eric Uvovo, concluded the keynote addresses of the Forum with an overview of the unique tourism potential that Papua New Guinea had to offer, and the immense opportunity for investment.

Mr. Uvovo stated that PNG TPA will be working with the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority and Department of Foreign Affairs to make it easier for UAE citizens to travel to PNG, especially looking into travel visas and developing tour packages for the Arab tourism market. 

There were a variety of presentations delivered at the Forum from Papua New Guinea tourism businesses and organisations – including Immigration Authority, Air Niugini, Trans Niugini Tours, Walindi Plantation Resort, the Enga Show Committee, Vanimo Surf Lodge, as well as the PNG Business Council.  Participants also had the opportunity to discover the technological tools members of the UAE tourism industry were using to promote their products, especially from Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority, and the Louvre Museum of Abu Dhabi. 

The third PNG Investment Forum had over 30 participants in attendance, many joined in virtually, connecting from Papua New Guinea, Australia, the United States, Europe and within the United Arab Emirates. The PNG Expo Team is now preparing for the 4th PNG Investment Forum, which will coincide with the Expo2020 thematic week addressing the global challenge of Food, Agriculture and Livelihoods. 

For more information visit the PNG World Expo 2020 website for updates. 

Pngtpa Dubai Expo Tourism Investment Forum 0

Pictured: (L-R) H.E. Mr. Joshua Kalinoe, Ambassador of Papua New Guinea to Belgium; H.E. Humaid Ben Salem, UAE Secretary-General and Chairman of the UAE Chamber of Commerce; Hon. Timothy Masiu, Minister for Information and Communications Technology; H.E Amna Saber Aldhanhani Vice Chairman of the Board of Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority; Mr. Sajith Kumar, PK, CEO, IBMC International and Resident Advisor to the Embassy of PNG, Brussels, on Trade and Investment.

Dubai Expo H.e. Humaid Ben Salem, Uae Secretary General 0

Pictured: H.E. Humaid Ben Salem, UAE Secretary-General and Chairman of the UAE Chamber of Commerce; and Hon. Timothy Masiu, Minister for Information and Communications Technology

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Oliver Smith

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