Nabilah S
Applications are now open for Indigenous Papua New Guinean businesses to represent PNG as delegates in the World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) 2023.
The event is scheduled to take place in Port Moresby from October 24-26, and Richard Maru, the Minister for International Trade and Investment, made the announcement today.
In collaboration with the Ministry of International Trade and Investment and the National Capital District (NCD), the PNG government will be hosting this prestigious forum. It is expected to attract a diverse participation of a thousand participants worldwide, including PNG. However, there will be limited availability, with only 500 seats allocated for PNG indigenous businesses participating in this significant event.
Minister Maru highlighted that the selection process for WIBF 2023 PNG will be rigorous, with only the top 500 SMEs and local businesses chosen to represent PNG.
The call to participate is extended to local Papua New Guinea indigenous businesses with exportable products, those interested in becoming distributors for new indigenous global brands, and those who could gain from engaging with international customers.
It’s important to note that this opportunity is exclusively limited to indigenous-owned manufacturers, exporters, tourism operators, artists, building and construction firms, retailers, distributors, and professional services providers, as Minister Maru specified.
The deadline for applications is set for August 18, 2023. The Micro Small Medium Enterprise Council will conduct the selection process.
Minister Maru emphasized the significance of this unique opportunity for indigenous businesses and urged them to apply before the specified deadline.
Furthermore, Minister Maru called upon government agencies and the private sector to become sponsors, contributing to the success of this global event. The hosting cost is estimated to be around K7 million.
The Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) has already committed by approving K2 million to fund the event. Additionally, the Special Economic Zone Authority and the Department of International Trade and Investment have each pledged K300,000 to support the initiative.
