In yet another show off support and close ties between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia, both nations today signed the Joint Statement of Intent intended to support the PNG's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. The PNG caretaker Minister for Higher education, research, science and technology and sports, Lucas Dekena, following the signing at the PNG- AUSTRALIA Ministerial Forum today in Port Moresby, said the signing now means the TVET sector will be getting the attention to further boost the training of young Papua New Guineans in technical and trade skills to very high international standards. "This agreement reaffirms our shared commitment to enhance Papua New Guinea's TVET sector and to increase Papua New Guinea's chances to seize economic growth both domestically and internationally," said the minister. Minister Dekena said the signing today continues the long standing partnership between the two countries in education, stating that TVET remains a priority under the PNG- Australia Partnership. Meanwhile, the original statement of intent was signed on August 2020 and reaffirmed during the 29th Ministerial Forum in 2023. Minister Dekena concluded by stating that improving TVET across PNG will empower more Papua New Guineans to support the country's growing industries and benefit from opportunities provided by Australia's Labour Mobility programs. The signing of the Statement of Intent today was between Minister Dekena and Australia's Minister for Defence Industry and International Development and Pacific, Pat Conroy. Minister Conroy said the Australian government gives this support because Australia recognizes the vital role that education and training play in national development and in fostering a vibrant economy.