Speech at the NRI Diploma in Economic Analysis Graduation Ceremony
13 July 2007; National Research Institute (NRI), Port Moresby, PNG
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, HE Mr Chris Moraitis
I would like to offer my congratulations to all the graduands for the Diploma in Economic Analysis.
By completing this course you are adding to the knowledge within PNG on economic analysis.
PNG faces many challenges ahead. The talent, enthusiasm and energy of Papua New Guineans – your talent, enthusiasm and energy – are the key to meeting those challenges.
The PNG Government’s own Medium Term Development Strategy 2005-2010 places a strong emphasis on the development of economic growth. The MTDS refers to a virtuous circle from economic growth, of rising incomes leading to rising tax revenue contributing to macroeconomic stability and increased spending on core services. This further contributes to the enabling environment for growth.
Australia’s Aid program under the White Paper also places a great emphasis on accelerating economic growth in the aid program across the Pacific.
The jointly developed PNG-Australia Development Cooperation Strategy focuses development efforts in PNG on achieving gains in economic growth.
Given the core role macro and micro economic policies play in the development of PNG, efforts to develop and strengthen economic analysis skills within the country are important. Informed decision making and the ability to measure the impacts of those policies must be underpinned by sound economic analysis.
These are not abstract issues – the debate on competition in the telecommunications sector is testimony to this. To quote from the Australian Government's Pacific 2020 report: “The Pacific Islands region seems to be missing the mobile telecommunications revolution that is sweeping much of the developing world, bringing large benefits to producers and consumers alike.”
It is hoped that the analytical tools you have gained will bring reasoned thinking to these important policy debates and in turn underpin sound policy-making by governments for the well-being of all Papua New Guineans.
As graduands of this diploma course you are well placed to play leadership roles by utilising and expanding on the skills and knowledge you have gained from the course and contributing greatly to PNG’s development.
I would also like to congratulate NRI on the success of the EPA Program since its inception in 1989 and particularly the work of the Economic Studies Division for delivering a successful course. NRI plays a unique role in PNG in terms of contributing to social research in the country. Australia is proud to support the work of NRI, including this diploma course.
In conclusion, I would like to repeat my congratulations to all graduands and wish you success in the future.
End