Papua New Guinea will ensure that APEC is truly a Pacific APEC, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said in a historical address to the Fiji Parliament yesterday.

He said APEC is a forum of 21-member economies – including China, the United States, Japan, Australia and Russia – that account for more than half of global trade, and more than half of global GDP.

“It is an enormous trade and investment area – and we need to make much better linkages between APEC and Pacific Island Nations.”

Mr O’Neill said APEC will be more relaxed than in previous years, and have an agenda of real relevance to developing economies.

“As a forum – APEC offers a great deal to its members, particularly developing economies through a number of capacity building programs and initiatives.

“This includes sectors such as forestry, agriculture, fisheries, transportation, SME businesses, as well as anti-corruption, emergency preparedness and counter-terrorism.

“In each of these, and many other sectors, APEC helps to enhance economic activity. For developing economies, this includes technical projects and other working level forums to help build our capacity,” Mr O’Neill said.

He said APEC 2018 in PNG was about ensuring that no one was left behind. “We have to create opportunities for small businesses to expand, we must make sure that education is available for all of our young people.

“It has experienced substantial success in removing barriers to trade and investment, and APEC has stimulated job growth,” he said.

In total, about 9000 government officials and business leaders will be in Port Moresby during the APEC Leaders’ Week.

“In keeping with our commitment to deliver a truly Pacific APEC – I am inviting the leaders of all Pacific Islands Forum members to attend APEC.

“Obviously, Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea are already attending – and I want the other PIF leaders to be there with us. It is important that we highlight the Pacific in Asia-Pacific.” PM O’Neill said

“We must show our APEC members – from Russia in the west to Mexico in the East – that the Pacific has a lot to offer.

“Prime Minister Bainimarama, I extend my invitation to you to attend APEC Leaders’ Week.”