WHPG AND IRC COLLABORATE TO HOST INTERNATIONAL FORUM IN MT HAGEN

Media release 28th July 2023.

WHPG AND IRC COLLABORATE TO HOST INTERNATIONAL FORUM IN MT HAGEN

In an exciting development for the Western Highlands Province (WHP), Governor Honourable Mr. Wai Rapa expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming international forum scheduled from 25th to 29th September 2023. This significant event will be the first of its kind for the region, as the WHP will have the privilege of hosting the PITAA (Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association) Annual Heads Meeting in Mount Hagen. Governor Rapa stated that the Province is honored to be selected as the host and eagerly looks forward to this unique opportunity.

Governor Rapa emphasized the WHP's readiness to welcome delegates and participants from the PITAA forum. The Provincial Government is fully committed to working in collaboration with the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) to ensure seamless preparations for this prestigious international gathering. The event will provide a platform for fruitful discussions and exchanges between member countries, fostering knowledge sharing and exploring avenues for collaboration in the realm of tax administration.

In response to Governor Rapa's remarks, Commissioner General Mr. Sam Koim, OBE, expressed his delight at the WHP's active involvement in hosting the international forum. He applauded the Province for stepping forward to collaborate with the IRC and undertake the responsibilities of organizing such a significant event. As most high-profile events in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are conventionally held in the capital city, Port Moresby, Commissioner General Koim highlighted the importance of bringing such an event to Mt. Hagen, showcasing the region's potential as a capable and vibrant host.

The PITAA Annual Heads Meeting will see participation from 16 member countries, including East Timor, and will witness the presence of esteemed international partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Australian Taxation Office (ATO), New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (NZIRD), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Centre (PFTAC). As PNG holds the chairmanship of the PITAA Annual Heads Meeting for 2023, this event holds particular significance for the nation.

The forum provides a unique opportunity for PNG and its Western Highlands Province to showcase their culture, economic potential, and investment opportunities to an international audience. Additionally, the event will foster meaningful dialogues on tax administration best practices and initiatives to bolster revenue collection and fiscal management among the participating countries.

With the collaboration of the Western Highlands Provincial Government and the Internal Revenue Commission, the hosting of the PITAA Annual Heads Meeting in Mt. Hagen is set to be a resounding success, solidifying PNG's position as a capable host of international events and further strengthening its role within the Pacific region.

As the preparations for the international forum progress, anticipation is building among the local community, stakeholders, and participants alike. The PITAA Annual Heads Meeting promises to be a landmark event that will not only create lasting impacts on tax administration in the Pacific but also showcase the warm hospitality and unique cultural diversity of Mt. Hagen and the Western Highlands Province.

Authorised for Release,

Sam Koim, OBE

Commissioner General