PNG FPDA Opens New Agriculture Infrastructure Funded by Australian Government

 Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has dismissed claims that Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) bid is tied to security agreements with the Australian Government. Speaking at a press conference prior to his departure to Sydney, Marape clarified that the NRL bid is an independent process, driven by stakeholders and the league itself, with decisions based solely on business interests.

PNG PM Marape Rejects Speculations of Australian Demands in NRL Talks

According to Marape, negotiations regarding the NRL bid are in their final stages, and the league is expected to make a formal announcement by next Thursday. He emphasized that there are no preconditions from the Australian Government regarding the bid. “There are no new security negotiations, there is no condition from the Australian Government that ‘you do this and we will give you the team,’” he stated. Marape further clarified that the NRL bid process is independent of political negotiations, adding that Papua New Guinea already has an existing security arrangement with Australia.

The Prime Minister highlighted the potential economic benefits of having an NRL team based in Port Moresby. He noted that studies project a 1% increase in GDP, job creation, and tourism spinoffs if the bid succeeds. Additionally, he mentioned infrastructure developments such as the Lae-to-Port Moresby highway, which would facilitate travel for spectators from the Highlands region.

Marape will attend the PNG Investment Conference in Sydney, which starts today and ends on Wednesday, December 11. He is expected to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NRL officials following the conference. Both leaders are scheduled to witness the much-anticipated announcement of the NRL bid on Thursday.

Marape expressed optimism about the transformational impact of the bid on PNG, stating, “These activities will be happening every week and will add a new dimension to Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea.”

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PNG FPDA Opens New Agriculture Infrastructure Funded by Australian Government