The Motukea Port of PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports) played host to the Federal Member for Cunningham, New South Wales, Alison Brynes on a recent visit to Papua New Guinea. According to a statement, Cunningham’s Federal member was in the country to take on the famous Kokoda Track, outside of Port Moresby had used the opportunity to visit the Port of Motukea, where she was taken on a tour and observed operations at the Motukea International Terminal (MIT), which is operated by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI). She serves as the Co – Chair for the Australian Parliamentary Friends of Ports, a group which plays a leading role in providing a bi – partisan forum for Australian Parliamentarians to engage with stakeholders in the Australian Maritime Port Industry and supply chains. In welcoming Ms. Brynes to the Port, Officer in Charge of PNG Ports, Ian Hayden – Smart stated that it was a privilege to have a Federal Member of the Australian Government visit the port and see firsthand, the strides PNG Ports has made in the development of its infrastructure and the facilities available in one of the biggest ports in Australia’s closest neighbour. “PNG Ports is the recipient of substantial amount of funding from the Government and people of Australia through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).” “These funds are earmarked for the rehabilitation of a number of our community service obligation (CSO) ports, in which the Port of Motukea directly supports,” he stated. “The Ports of Motukea, Lae and Kimbe are the big three that are profitable while the other 12 ports are operated as CSO ports.” “Regardless of this, we are committed to ensuring all our ports are operational and fit for purpose to continue to contribute to the economic development and prosperity of the nation.” Hayden – Smart while acknowledging the CEO of ICTSI, Mr. Robert Maxwell for hosting the small delegation at the MIT facility, stated that the introduction of ICTSI through a 25-year concessional agreement has seen greater efficiencies at the Port of Lae and Motukea, such as quicker vessel turnaround among other improvements, which has allowed for the efficient movement of cargo in and out of our two major ports. Furthermore, Brynes who also represents the port community in Port Kembla, one of the busiest ports in Australia, was given an insight on Port Operations in Papua New Guinea, the challenges faced, and the plans PNG Ports has in place to meet the demands in maritime trade. Meanwhile the visit by Brynes signifies the role ports can play in strengthening not only relations between port communities and authorities, but also building and maintaining bilateral relations with traditional and new trading countries.