PM O’Neill Receives Update on General Electric Plans to Expand Business Operations in Papua New Guinea

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, has received an update on the expansion plans by the General Electric (GE) Corporation in Papua New Guinea across areas that include electricity generation, healthcare and sanitation.

Following the meeting with GE executives on Wednesday this week, the Prime Minister said he was impressed with GE’s plans to expand their engagement in sectors where there is increasing demand.

“GE is a company with global reach, a well-earned positive reputation, and is a company that recognizes opportunity in Papua New Guinea’s growing economy,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said. “Our meeting provided the opportunity to gain a better perspective on GE's progress in different sectors since opening a dedicated office in Port Moresby in July last year.

“As our economy and population grows, more advanced solutions are needed to generate sufficient electricity to meet demand into the future. “GE has been active in this sector supplying generators that have boosted power generation in Port Moresby and Lae, and there is great potential for further engagement in this area.

“The delivery of healthcare continues to improve in Papua New Guinea, we need better access to healthcare technology that includes the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). “As part of their ongoing operations, GE is also training a number of Papua New Guineans to operate new equipment and technologies.”

Geoff Culbert, GE’s President and Chief Executive for Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, assured the Prime Minister that GE plans to be a long-term partner with the Papua New Guinea Government and local businesses. "Over the last year, we have expanded our local presence and delivered additional electricity generation units for Port Moresby and Lae as well as critical healthcare equipment," Mr Culbert said.

"We want play a key role in delivering the critical infrastructure needed to address Papua New Guinea’s biggest challenges in terms of access to electricity, quality healthcare, clean water and sanitation, as well help to convert resource opportunities like LNG into long term prosperity.” General Electric is incorporated in New York with global operations in areas that include infrastructure development, healthcare technology, energy production, sanitation and aviation.