PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill Expresses Confidence in JX Nippon’s Plans to Expand Investment in Oil and Gas Sector

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, . Peter O'Neill  has welcomed JX Nippon Oil and Gas Company's interest to expand investment in Papua New Guinea's resources sector.Following a courtesy call by Mr Hironori Wasada, the Vice President of JX Nippon, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government's support for the company to pursue investment opportunities and expand operations that employ Papua New Guineans.

"JX Nippon is a long-term investment partner of our nation and we look forward to this relationship continuing," PM O'Neill said.

"The Government of Papua New Guinea values investment in the oil and gas sector by JX Nippon and other Japanese investors.

"JX Nippon's has expressed a desire to expand its operations in Papua New Guinea, particularly in the Elk Antelope LNG project and the development of the third LNG train.

"We look forward to JX Nippon building its relationship with the National Petroleum Company of Papua New Guinea and drawing on their collective strengths in the development of the oil and gas sector."

The courtesy call follows an earlier meeting with the President of JX Nippon when Prime Minister O'Neill was in Japan to attend the 7th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 7) in May this year.

The meeting with Mr Wasada took place at Parliament House in Port Moresby on Wednesday, 3 June.