The Immigration and Citizenship Authority and Investment Promotion Authority this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen the ongoing cooperation between Immigration and IPA. The MOU will solidify the relationship between the two State Agencies to share information, improve compliance in the area of doing business in Papua New Guinea and cooperation on operational matters of mutual interests for the country. Chief Migration Officer Mr. Stanis Hulahau said IPA plays a significant role to attract foreign businesses to do business in the country by issuing the businesses the appropriate registration certificates that enables them to obtain other permits and licences that should allow the businesses to operate in the country. “On the other hand, ICA gives foreign business owners the entry permit to live and work in the country,” Mr Hulahu said. “In any case, both the IPA and ICA operations must be independent but both their operations must be seen to be working together in areas where we need each other’s support so this MOU binds that relationship.” IPA Managing Director Mr. Clarence Hoot said they recognize the importance of the relationship and wish to strengthen the relationship further through the provision of timely, effective, and efficient exchange of information arrangements. The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) is a statutory body mandated to promote and facilitate investment in Papua New Guinea by national, citizen and foreign enterprises and ensure of compliance of the laws that IPA administers through the certification and registration of such enterprises.