Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be hosting for the second time the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting, this time in seven (7) years’ time.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has confirmed that PNG will once again host the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in 2033, marking the nation’s second time to host the prestigious regional forum following APEC 2018.

Speaking from Dubai, Prime Minister Marape said the confirmation provides Papua New Guinea with seven years of preparation, describing the opportunity as a defining moment to showcase a stronger, more mature, and more competitive nation to the global community.

“Papua New Guinea has once again been entrusted with hosting APEC, fifteen years after we successfully hosted APEC 2018,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“This time, we want APEC 2033 to be bigger, better, and more reflective of a nation that has matured economically, fiscally, and democratically.”

The Prime Minister said his government formally expressed interest to host APEC again, building on the foundations laid in 2018 and positioning the country to present a compelling national story in the lead-up to its 60th Independence Anniversary in 2035.

He said his engagements in Dubai are part of broader efforts to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s global economic and diplomatic connectivity ahead of APEC 2033, including the establishment of Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador to Dubai, His Excellency Frank Assi, and the mobilization of new trade linkages between

the Middle East, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Marape said PNG occupies a unique strategic position at the confluence of three major blocs — the Pacific Island countries, ASEAN, and APEC — making it a natural bridge between the Far East and the Middle East.

“Our intention is to link the Middle East with the Far East, where we are located, through our diplomatic presence here in Dubai, alongside our missions in Israel and Europe, to open markets, financing opportunities, and trade pathways for our producers,” he said.