Australian Assistant Minister for Trade and Trade Assistant Minister for Manufacturing, Senator Tim Ayers will be travel to Papua New Guinea this week to attend the 38th Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo. The Senator said Australia and Papua New Guinea are close neighbors, partners, and friends with shared ambition to boost business, trade and investment relationships. “Australia is proud to be Papua New Guinea’s largest economic, security and development partner, with two-way trade reaching $5 billion in 2021-22.” Senator Ayers explained that his trip is part of the work needed to strengthen both nation’s business links and to continue to work of the Australian Government in ensuring a mutually beneficial economic partnership. “I am looking forward to representing the Australian Government at the 38th Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo, where I will deliver a keynote address and chair a number of roundtables on manufacturing, agriculture and renewable industries.” The Senator will be accompanied by a delegation of Australian business leaders from major industries, including agribusiness, infrastructure as well as the National Rugby League. “Australian businesses are well placed to contribute to achieving Papua New Guinea’s economic ambitions and sustainable and inclusive growth.” He will also meet Ministerial counterparts across a range of portfolios and discuss key outcomes from the Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum held in Canberra earlier this year. “The Australian Government is investing in skills development in the Pacific both to meet PNG’s domestic needs and to support labour mobility.” “Australia and Papua New Guinea are working together to deepen economic and trade ties, and in the interests of a safe, peaceful, and prosperous region.