Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has urged Papua New Guinean-owned businesses to maintain a strong presence and foster ongoing commercial relationships between Papua New Guinea and Samoa.
Prime Minister Marape highlighted that both countries share similar values and aspirations for development, and PNG-owned businesses operating in Samoa have significant potential to benefit from their investments.
“I encourage our PNG-owned businesses already established here, as well as those exploring new opportunities in finance, banking, tourism, and construction, to broaden their investments in Apia.
“I see the achievements of PNG businesses like Bank South Pacific (BSP), which has established a solid presence in Samoa, and the Constantinou Group of Companies, which has invested in the construction and hospitality sectors.
“PNG offers a solid foundation for regional business engagement. I encourage businesses to seize the opportunities available here in Samoa and across the Pacific Islands,” said Prime Minister Marape.
He made these remarks during a business breakfast meeting organised by the Samoan business community at the Taumeasina Island Resort in Samoa.
Prime Minister Marape also informed the Samoan-PNG business community that the PNG Government is actively working to create a more conducive economic environment for businesses to invest and operate both in PNG and across other Pacific nations.
“As a government, we are committed to addressing barriers and enhancing the ease of doing business to benefit your operations.
“We have an effective business arbitration system in place that facilitates mediation in disputes over business contracts, providing a fair outcome for all parties, including the government, developers, and landowners. This ensures that interests are safeguarded in the event of conflicts.
“PNG anticipates continued expansion and a lasting presence of PNG businesses here in Apia, Samoa, and a strengthening of our people-to-people relations, especially in tourism,” he added.
The Samoan business community spoke highly of major PNG companies like BSP and the Constantinou Group of Companies, noting their contributions to the Samoan economy. The Constantinou Group owns and operates the Taumeasina Island Resort, and its subsidiary, Hebou Construction, is actively exploring opportunities in the Samoan construction sector.
The PNG Government also holds shares in Bank South Pacific and the Taumeasina Hotel through landowner investment interests.
Prime Minister Marape held the business community meeting in the morning prior to attending the official opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), followed by the Executive Session.
The meeting was attended by notable figures, including the Executive Director of the Australia-PNG Business Council, Frank Yourn, Group CEO of BSP Financial Group, Mark Robinson, William Blank of Hall Contracting (who has completed dredging projects for major PNG ports like Lae and Port Moresby), and PNG’s Honorary Consul to Samoa, Fiona Ey.
Business representatives and the broader community expressed their appreciation for the PNG Government’s support for PNG companies like BSP and the Constantinou Group, particularly their investments in Samoa, and encouraged further investment in the construction sector.
Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged BSP as a PNG-based bank for its support of the Samoan Government as a key sponsor of CHOGM. He noted his satisfaction in seeing leaders from the 56 member countries accommodated at the Taumeasina Island Resort, which is largely owned by PNG investors.
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