01 April 2014

Australia to boost work of PNG Think Tank

The Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (NRI) and the Australian Government today signed an agreement to help increase discussion, debate and analysis of economic and public policy issues in PNG.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by NRI Council Chairman Sir Henry Chow and Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Ms Deborah Stokes.

The MoU aims to foster evidence-based public policy, encourage public debate and discussion of PNG’s development challenges, improve awareness of economic principles, and encourage an economic environment which is open and competitive.

Under the MoU Australia will provide up to 8 million kina over two years to the NRI to help improve the quality of research and increase analysis of economic and development issues affecting PNG.

Ms Stokes said cooperation between Australia and NRI will include strengthening relationships between NRI and international academic institutions and supporting the Australia-PNG Network in partnership with the Lowy Institute and The Voice-PNG.

“Australia is proud to support more analysis and discussion of the economic and development challenges facing PNG.

Sir Henry thanked Australia for the support. He said: “The NRI is PNG’s leading think-tank on public policy and development issues, this partnership with the Australian Government will allow the Institute to provide more thorough analysis of economic development issues while helping grow the community who understand and can engage on these subjects.”