The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea highlights the importance of drawing on internal strengths and capabilities to build partnerships in order to enhance economic development
The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, has highlighted the importance of ensuring countries draw on their own internal strengths and capabilities and build partnerships in order to enhance economic development.
PM O’Neill was speaking at the Eight Pacific Islands Leaders’ Meeting (PALM8) in Iwaki City, Japan, where he said co-operation is essential but countries must take charge of their own responsibilities.
“While overseas assistance plays an important role in achieving our development goals, we must rely more on ourselves,” the Prime Minister said at the PALM8 Meeting.
“Driving our own economic growth is fundamental to the development in our country.
“And as we have learned in Papua New Guinea, economic growth must be inclusive.
“This is an essential part of APEC in 2018 that has the theme of Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future.
“Delivering true economic growth is all about building partnerships across the country.
“Government cannot advance an economy alone and we must work with the private sector, NGOs and Churches to achieve better health outcomes for our people.
“This is particularly important in delivering the foundations for any healthy economy, particularly such as sectors including education and healthcare.
“We must look at better ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of healthcare, including the way we deal with infectious diseases.
“This includes the fight against tuberculosis through the provision of medical equipment and better communication.
“PALM, since its inception in 1997, has contributed to critical key development areas in infrastructure, education, health and transportation.
The Prime Minister further welcomed the proposed PALM Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy that aims to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“This is based on values we all share and the three pillars of the strategy are consistent with our policy agenda.
“These include the Pursuit of economic prosperity and Commitment to peace and stability.”
