APEC 2018: Papua New Guinea hosts forum for first time

World
Europe

02:33

Port Moresby is in the global spotlight this week, as world leaders descend on the capital of Papua New Guinea. It is the first time the country has hosted the event - and faced the kinds of challenges involved with staging a global economic forum. Greg Navarro has more.

No matter what people are doing in Port Moresby this week - whether they are playing, driving, or walking, it's all taking place under the watchful eye of a massive international security effort unlike any seen here before.

It's aimed at keeping some of the world's most powerful leaders safe, in a city widely considered far from safe.

STEVE KIMBO BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR, APEC "We know the challenges we face and we know our difficulties and we've worked around it."

Those challenges include having enough accommodation to house the thousands of delegates, heads of state, and journalists expected to descend on Papua New Guinea's capital city.

The solution - 3 Australian cruise ships docked in the port.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill used a brief stop at a makeshift media center to promote the city, and answer critics who aren't convinced the country is adequately prepared to handle such an event.

PETER O'NEILL PAPUA NEW GUINEA PM "I'm hoping that you are really going to enjoy what we are going to do, the hospitality that we are going to provide. I'm sure that all of the leaders will enjoy it."

GREG NAVARRO PORT MORESBY "This beach is just a short drive from the cruise ships where most of the delegates are staying. With scenes like this, it's easy to forget the massive economic challenges facing this country."

Papua New Guinea is the poorest nation out of the entire 21-member APEC group. The United Nations says almost 40% of the population here lives below the poverty line.

That's partly why the government's purchase of 40 brand new Maserati's raised so many questions, questions O'Neill has grown tired of answering.

PETER O'NEILL PAPUA NEW GUINEA PM "I think it is just overrated discussion – I'm not going to give the credibility or the credit it deserves, I don't think it is necessary. We are obligated by protocol to provide decent transportation for our leaders - I'm certain that your country and every other country wants to do that as well."

Several countries including China and Australia have paid for infrastructure upgrades here - to help Papua New Guinea prepare.

What remains to be seen is whether the months of preparation and planning will pay off for the host nation.

Greg Navarro, CGTN, Port Moresby.