Prime Minister O’Neill applauds Nippon’s initiative in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has welcomed the commitment by JX Nippon to Papua New Guinea’s oil and gas sector that includes training programs for local staff. The Prime Minister assured Papua New Guinea’s continued support for JX Nippon during a courtesy call by its president Shunsaku Miyake and his delegation yesterday in Port Moresby. JX Nippon, an important partner in the PNG LNG project, is Japan’s largest oil and gas
exploration production, importing and distribution company. “The government thanks JX Nippon for its commitment to investing in Papua New Guinea,” Mr O’Neill said.

“I encourage JX Nippon to engage with our newly established Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited. “There needs to be ongoing dialogue in relation to prospects for participation in Papuan LNG project. “A permanent team would be appointed shortly to focus on the P’nyang Agreement.” Mr Miyake thanked Mr O’Neill for recognising his company’s matters of interest and expressed their commitment to participating in the project. Mr O’Neill also thanked JX Nippon for offering PNG university students scholarships in the mining sector and urged and encouraged for more opportunities to be provided as the country required a skilled workforce in the mining sector. “I commend JX Nippon for instituting a training program for Papua New Guineans, with the most recent students graduating only two weeks ago. “I thank JX Nippon for your support in enabling our students to learn more about this industry,”  he said.