On Wednesday, September 10, an international symposium titled “Towards Sustainable Development and International Cooperation : Papua New Guinea at 50 Years of Independence” was held at JETRO Headquarters. Organized by Institute of Developing Economics (IDE-JETRO) and supported by Pacific Islands Center and Japan-Papua New Guinea Association, PIC Director Saito participated as a panelist.

(For the detailed program, please see here).

Following a keynote address by Dr. Osborne Sanida, Director of PNG NRI (Papua New Guinea National Research Institute), Director Saito presented a panel report titled “Current Status and Future Prospects of Business between Japan and PNG – Through PIC Activities.” After reports from three panelists, a lively panel discussion on the theme of “Challenges in Sustainable Development” took place for about an hour before a large audience of participants from industry, government, academia, and civil society.

September 16 this year marks the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Papua New Guinea.

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