Prime Minister James Marape has invited leading French investors and companies to look at doing business in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The prime minister is currently in France on his official trip and has invited leading French investors, financiers, infrastructure companies, and technology firms to partner PNG as the country enters a new era of economic growth driven by energy, infrastructure, industrial development, and regional connectivity.

Prime Minister Marape made the call during a high-level meeting hosted by MEDEF International in Paris as part of his official visit to France.

The meeting brought together representatives of major French companies and investors operating across the energy, finance, infrastructure, utilities, telecommunications, aviation logistics, healthcare, and industrial sectors.

Companies represented included Global Sovereign Advisory, Matière, Veolia, BPCE, Flying Whales and international telecommunications company iBASIS.

Prime Minister Marape said PNG, now celebrating its 50th anniversary of Independence, was positioning itself for the next phase of national economic transformation and international partnerships.

“The next 20 years for Papua New Guinea will be about building roads, roads, roads and bridges,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“We have major rivers, difficult terrain, and enormous infrastructure needs. We are open to innovative financing and strong private-sector partnerships.”

The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea was returning to a balanced budget next year for the first time since 2010, positioning the country for stronger investor confidence and disciplined long-term economic management.