Trade Missions welcome to establish office in Bougainville
Acting President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Hon. Patrick Nisira announced today that Bougainville is open for other countries to establish their Trade Missions in Bougainville.
Hon. Nisira, who is also the ABG Minister responsible for Commerce, Trade and Economic Development explained that the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement (paragraph 79) speaks to this arrangement, and the announcement now also follows the Bougainville Government’s launch of the International Prong of its Independence Strategy launched in September 2022.
While the foreign affairs function remains a sovereign power of Papua New Guinea, Minister Nisira says the ABG has consulted with the National Government to facilitate the rights of Bougainvillle under the Peace Agreement, to invite foreign trading partners to set up its economic missions in Bougainville, and for Bougainville to set up its economic missions in strategic locations abroad.
“These two are critical elements of trade policy empowerment for the region to promote trade and investment opportunities as the key drivers of economic development,” Nisira said.
Minister Nisira said the ABG has begun consulting with several international counterparts to set up these trade and investment offices soon.
“We are talking with Australia, China and Solomon Islands partners to establish trade mission. We extend invitation to these countries and other countries including Czech Republic, South Korea, Japan, France, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates to consider Bougainville as a trade and investment destination to do the same in establishing missions in Bougainville as well,” he said.
Nisira further explained that his Ministry and Department has expanded its scope of work to include industry, investment, trade and commerce to ensure Bougainville’s readiness to participate in different economic opportunities and its integration into regional and international trading systems.
“Our government aims to ensure that any investment into Bougainville would therefore have mutual sustained benefits to the investors, resource owners, government and the economy.”
“We care deeply about doing work that leads to positive change in the world. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to an inclusive work environment where we encourage each investor to learn, develop, and meet their potential benefits with our resources,” he said.
The Autonomous Bougainville Government this year has prioritized law and order as one of its key focus and government initiatives have begun this year to ensure a safe, secure and conducive environment is created for enhanced economic growth.
“We have embarked on rebuilding the Bougainville Police Service through capacity building and infrastructural development that will contribute to good order and peace in Bougainville.”
“We will follow the footsteps of successful countries in the world to make Bougainville safe and secure for investment, and for the people to have a harmonious and prosperous lifestyle.”
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