As a lead-up to the Indo-Pacific Business Forum October 28-29, American businesses operating in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and companies interested in U.S. markets will soon have the opportunity to join the largest global business network – the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). U.S. Embassy Port Moresby and key founding members officially kicked-off the creation of a local chapter of AmCham, enabling businesses to participate in increasing trade and investment between the United States and PNG. The kick-off event was held on October 27 at the Hilton Hotel where representatives from companies, including ExxonMobil PNG Limited and Coca-Cola, attended. Once fully established, the AmCham will deepen the trade and investment relationship between the United States and Pacific Islands by providing information and trade connections to members. The AmCham will also act as a platform to advance women’s and marginalized communities’ economic empowerment by actively recruiting women and minority-owned businesses and advocating for rights and protections across PNG. The AmCham will facilitate connections with U.S. educational institutions, as well as support partnerships in the areas of management, business development, and entrepreneurship. “American businesses embody entrepreneurship, promote equality in the workplace for women and the disabled, and are considerate of their impact on the oceans and land,” said U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands Erin E. McKee. “American businesses seek to strengthen the economies and livelihoods of the countries in which they do business, and this new AmCham will leverage the collective power of all of the member companies to bring sustainable and fair business practices to PNG.” ExxonMobil PNG Limited’s Managing Director Peter Larden said, “ExxonMobil PNG is proud to be a founding member of the AmCham in PNG and we look forward to working with other AmCham members to promote investment in Papua New Guinea.” Coca-Cola PNG General Manager (GM) Philippe Mondada added that Coca-Cola would “strongly support the establishment of an AmCham to advance community engagement and partnerships between business and development partners.” AmCham is a collective platform for Pacific and American businesses that helps members reach their full potential to advance the civic and economic development of PNG. The AmCham will provide its members and their employees with access to relevant sources of information, reliable business partners in the United States, and forums to promote their collective knowledge and experience. To boost prosperity in the region, the governments of the United States of America and the Republic of India are holding the fourth Indo-Pacific Business Forum (taking place online October 28-29). The Forum is an opportunity for high-level business executives to meet virtually with senior U.S. officials and business executives from throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Small and medium enterprises can also network and engage with business leaders from around the world. The free virtual panels and discussions center around resiliency and innovation, economic recovery from the pandemic, climate action, and digital innovation. Speeches during the Forum also focus on public health, supply chain diversification in key economic sectors, smart sustainable cities, digital connectivity data flows, climate awareness, and women’s leadership and empowerment. Learn more and register here: https://indopacificbusinessforum.com/