3 Jul 2008

PNG's population expected to be 8-point-1 million in 2028

11:10 am on 3 July 2008

Papua New Guinea's Planning Minister, Paul Tiensten, says PNG's population is expected to grow from six million to 8.1 million by 2028.

PNG's National newspaper says Mr Tiensten said the country's population had been steadily growing since the late 1990s at about 2.3 per cent, the highest rate in the Asia Pacific region.

He says the government is committed to achieving and sustaining high level economic growth on broad bases so that the quality of life of Papua New Guineans will be improved.

He says such growth meant an update in policy and donor agencies focusing on education, health and infrastructure.