Tkatchenko appointed Minister for APEC

Cabinet has appointed Moresby South MP, Justin Tkatchenko, as Minister Responsible for APEC as 2018 approaches.
The responsibility for APEC will be added to the Minister’s current portfolio of Lands and Physical Planning.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill announced this yesterday afternoon, saying that with less than two months remaining before the start of APEC 2018, it is timely for the Minister to resume the portfolio he held before the national elections.
“Minister Tkatchenko has substantial experience in the coordination of major events at the ministerial level,” Mr O’Neill said.
“As minister, he oversaw the successful delivery of the Pacific Games and the Pacific Islands Forum.
“Hosting APEC is of much greater magnitude, and Minister Tkatchenko is well placed to ensure the successful delivery of all of the components that must be delivered for APEC in the coming year.
“Over the past three years, Minister Tkatchenko has had a core role in planning for APEC 2018 in Papua New Guinea, and particularly as APEC Minister prior to the elections.”
Mr O’Neill said the start of the APEC year is only months away, and the government’s preparations continue to increase.
“Beginning with the Informal Senior Officials Meeting in December, the focus of APEC member economies and the regional business community will be on Papua New Guinea.
“Through the year we will hold a range of technical and ministerial meetings concluding with the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November 2018.
“In this time, there will be substantial attention on the delivery of major projects including the construction of APEC Haus, the Hilton Hotel and the renovation and upgrade of Morauta House and the National Convention Centre,” Mr O’Neill said.
“In the delivery phase of APEC, we will see the ongoing increase in personnel and the training regime for staff who are delivering APEC logistics, security and the policy agenda.
“Papua New Guinea will experience significant gains from hosting APEC, which will not only include the promotion of trade, investment and tourism, but in capacity strengthening in economic sectors.
“The APEC policy agenda and technical support covers a wide range of areas critical for development and the creation of more jobs.
“This includes agriculture, forestry, transportation, tourism and resources that are all essential for future economic growth in the country.”