We bring greetings from the National Alliance Party of Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is a Pacific Island State strategically located where Asia meets the Pacific Islands nations. Improved relations between our countries and the advancement in information and transport technologies and systems have made geographical and ideological divides less divisive. Indeed increased trade and transnational investments had brought the world closer and closer together.

We look forward to learning from the collective experiences of the Political Parties present here to guide the development of National Alliance in entrenching itself as the premier political force in the advancement of our country, and to maintain peaceful co-existence between our countries and peoples.

Papua New Guinea is a Melanesian country with a very distinct and unique characteristic. It has 864 different language groupings and as many tribes within one nation. The rural people represent 85% percent of the total population of the country.

In recent years, the country has seen significant shifts in the way most Papua New Guinea live. We are undergoing a phase of transition from a simple subsistence livelihood through to a cash driven economy. The changes impose further challenges for us as we continue to struggle with the delivery of the most basic services to our people.

Papua New Guinea carries a classification of being a developing country with low socio-economic indices. The challenge for us, is to continue to reassess ourselves whilst focusing on removing impediments and obstacles to National Development. This can only be done in partnership and through continuing dialogue with those who have overcome their adversaries and prospered on the way. That is the way forward.

Political stability and stability of policy, re-establishing and maintaining a healthy public service delivery mechanism are all important ingredients for National Development. The role of the party would be to provide a road map for governments to follow. Through the development of policies and strategies by government, we would hope that we would meet our objectives to provide appropriate levels of services to the people. NA has a further role to re-assess the performance of those policies and make adjustments where necessary to reach the targeted objective of that road map.

We are developing our own peculiar style of managing our affairs especially given the unique sets of circumstances and peculiarities that are uniquely Papua New Guinea. We are mindful at all time of the need to maintain the principles of good governance when applying solutions to our problems. We have much to learn and gain from you.

An effective political party with well developed policies is a prerequisite for political stability, national security and development in a new country like ours. A political party with clear vision for development supported by resources and broad base support should ensure continuity in government to bring about implementation of its policies. With stability and certainty brought about by continuity in government, commerce, business and investments should flow on.

The National Alliance-led Government desires to move beyond its traditional allies to tap on the opportunities and experiences gained in Asia. Asian commercial investment in Papua New Guinea in the sectors of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining and petroleum is being made with renewed vigor as a follow-on from our enhanced cooperation with our bilateral partners from within the region. Asian made products are readily available in the country. More and more of our people are receiving training in Asian institutions.

We are watching the way Asian countries blend their cultures with business and politics. We have learnt and could learn much from the successes and shortcomings of the Asian countries.

National Alliance Party is determined to be the political party that will lead the country forward.