The Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson MP, has signed a framework arrangement for improved bilateral cooperation on tourism, and has progressed efforts to establish a framework for bilateral cooperation on resources and energy at the 18
th Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum.
"The tourism framework signals a new commitment to closer cooperation in a sector of fundamental importance to our respective countries," Minister Ferguson said.
The Framework on Bilateral Cooperation on Tourism was signed by Minister Ferguson and the Hon Charles Abel MP during the Ministerial Forum.
The Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum is the annual focal point for progressing Australia's bilateral relationship with PNG.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Stephen Smith MP, is leading a contingent of seven key Ministers to the Forum to discuss matters of mutual interest.
The framework for greater cooperation on tourism will include ecotourism, sustainable tourism development and the protection and preservation of natural and cultural resources as an important part of the tourism experience.
"PNG is a country of immense natural beauty with considerable potential for tourism. Further development of PNG’s tourism industry will make a significant contribution to the overall economic growth of PNG, particularly through the creation of jobs and skills for local people. This framework agreement will strengthen communication between our two countries and allow for a more fluid exchange of information. This in turn has the potential to increase two-way travel and accords with the Australian Government’s commitment to greater engagement with the region," Minster Ferguson said.
The agreement to work toward a Framework on Resources and Energy extends Australia's and PNG's commitment to greater cooperation in the resources and energy sectors in areas such as sustainable development, clean energy policy, and resources policies and regulations.
"Both Australia and PNG are well endowed with resources, and the resources and energy sectors make a substantial contribution to our respective economies. We therefore have much to gain from cooperating to improve and encourage greater interaction, collaboration and cooperation in the resources and energy sectors" Minister Ferguson said.
Contact: Tracey Winters (Canberra) 0439 991 730
Zoe Davies (Melbourne) 0437 733 318