Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has confirmed that Papua New Guinea will once again host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in 2033, marking the nation’s second time to host the prestigious regional forum following APEC 2018.
Speaking from Dubai, Prime Minister Marape said the confirmation provides Papua New Guinea with seven years of preparation, describing the opportunity as a defining moment to showcase a stronger, more mature, and more competitive nation to the global community.
“Papua New Guinea has once again been entrusted with hosting APEC, fifteen years after we successfully hosted APEC 2018,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This time, we want APEC 2033 to be bigger, better, and more reflective of a nation that has matured economically, fiscally, and democratically.”
The Prime Minister said his government formally expressed interest to host APEC again, building on the foundations laid in 2018 and positioning the country to present a compelling national story in the lead-up to its 60th Independence Anniversary in 2035.
He said his engagements in Dubai are part of broader efforts to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s global economic and diplomatic connectivity ahead of APEC 2033, including the establishment of Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador to Dubai, His Excellency Frank Assi, and the mobilisation of new trade linkages between the Middle East, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea occupies a unique strategic position at the confluence of three major blocs — the Pacific Island countries, ASEAN, and APEC — making it a natural bridge between the Far East and the Middle East.
“Our intention is to link the Middle East with the Far East, where we are located, through our diplomatic presence here in Dubai, alongside our missions in Israel and Europe, to open markets, financing opportunities, and trade pathways for our producers,” he said.
STRONGER ECONOMY, BALANCED BUDGET, DEBT REPAYMENT
Prime Minister Marape said APEC 2033 is expected to coincide with a period of significant national transformation, including the full repayment of Papua New Guinea’s sovereign debt and the achievement of major economic milestones.
“By 2033, our economy will be much stronger. We expect to have passed our K200 billion economy target, fully repaid our sovereign debts, and firmly established ourselves as a reliable trading partner in a robust free- market economy and a solid democracy,” he said.
He noted that the Government is on track to deliver a balanced budget next year, following consistent fiscal consolidation, reduced deficits, and steady economic growth averaging around four per cent over recent years.
“This is not coincidence. It is discipline. If we stay the course, APEC 2033 will be held at a time when Papua New Guinea can confidently tell the world that we are stable, reliable, open for business, and ready to trade.”
EARLY PREPARATION TO BEGIN IN 2026
Prime Minister Marape announced that the Government will establish a national APEC 2033 preparation committee this year, stressing that early planning is essential to avoid rushed delivery.
“Six to seven years is not a long time for an event of this magnitude,” he said. “Preparation is not just about physical infrastructure. It is about city planning, safety, transport systems, airports, hospitality, and how we present ourselves as a nation.”
He said planning will align with broader national initiatives, including urban renewal, airport expansion, public safety improvements, and lifestyle changes required to support sustained international engagement.
JACKSONS AIRPORT, AVIATION LINKS AND REGIONAL HOSTING OPTIONS
Prime Minister Marape confirmed that the reorganisation and expansion of Jacksons International Airport will be a key focus of APEC preparations, alongside consideration of hosting selected APEC events outside Port Moresby.
He said discussions are also underway on strengthening global aviation connectivity, including the long-term possibility of establishing a direct flight route between Dubai and Port Moresby.
“Opening direct links to global hubs such as Dubai is part of opening up our economy and positioning Papua New Guinea as a serious trading nation,” he said.
“We are also looking at spreading some APEC activities to centres such as Lae, Kokopo, Madang, Alotau, Goroka, Mt Hagen, Kimbe, and Manus, allowing more Papua New Guineans to participate and benefit.”
SHOWCASING PNG’S MATURITY AND INVESTMENT STORY
The Prime Minister said APEC 2033 will provide a platform to present Papua New Guinea as a mature exporting nation, supplying global markets with rare earth minerals, oil and gas, agricultural products, and fisheries, at a time of growing global demand.
“By then, projects such as Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu will be well established, other mining operations will be running, and we will be more mature as an exporter and trading nation,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea is also engaging potential partners from the United Arab Emirates, which has proven global expertise in building airports, ports, and logistics hubs, including through public-private partnership arrangements.
“We are exploring partnerships to support airport upgrades, seaport hub development, and trade-enabling infrastructure to strengthen our role in global commerce,” he said.
A NATIONAL STORY TO THE WORLD
Prime Minister Marape said APEC 2033 will allow Papua New Guinea to tell a powerful national story to the world — of a country that struggled, stabilised, reformed, and emerged stronger.
“Few nations have maintained democracy for over fifty years while undertaking deep economic reform,” he said.
“As we prepare for APEC 2033, we do so with confidence, discipline, and a clear vision — to present Papua New Guinea as a modern, prosperous, and globally connected trading nation.”