PNG Prime Minister Peter O'neill to begin European Trade Mission, meet HM Queen Elizabeth II and British Prime Minister David Cameron

PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to meet
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and British
Prime Minister Hon.David Cameron. 

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill  will lead a business and government delegation to London, Brussels and Paris over the coming week that will expand investment and stimulate increased business engagement with Papua New Guinea.

The Prime Minister will also meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, where on behalf of the nation, he will thank the Queen for HRH the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, visiting Papua New Guinea in the coming weeks to officially open the Pacific Games.

The program will begin with a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister, Hon. David Cameron MP, and the Trooping the Colour with the Royal Family on Saturday, 13 June, before the inaugural United Kingdom – Papua New Guinea Trade and Investment Forum in London next Tuesday.

"Around 250 businesspeople and investors from Europe and North America will attend the UK-PNG Trade and Investment Forum, with many hearing about the potential of Papua New Guinea for the first time," PM O'Neill said.

"Sources for investment in Papua New Guinea continue to expand beyond our traditional markets, particularly with LNG production and mining opportunities.

"We operate in a truly global market today that is not bound by geography, and companies from Europe and North America are attuned to investment opportunity.

"Papua New Guinea offers investment potential with an expanding economy that is withstanding the impact of global economy challenges, and has a demonstrated stable political environment."

The Prime Minister and his delegation will also meet with President of the European Commission, H.E. Jean-Claude Juncker, and the French Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development, H.E. Laurent Fabius, before meetings with business representatives in Paris.

"There are ongoing trade issues that we will further advance during meetings with the European Union and we anticipate progress will be made," PM O'Neill said.

"Europe is an expanding market for Papua New Guinea that offers increasing business potential.

"We need to ensure that we progress these opportunities to increase investment in areas that include energy production, and expand trade through our fisheries, oil palm, agricultural and tourism industries.

"These growing sectors employ millions of Papua New Guineans through direct and associated economic activity, and there is further room for expansion."

The Prime Minister will meet with the senior management of French Oil and Gas Company, Total S.A., and Puma Energy in Paris as well as speaking at a business breakfast in Paris.