The Star Mountain Plaza officially opened Stage One of its completion on 12th October with dance, colour and fireworks.

The event marked the completion of planning, design and construction of the Hilton Hotel and the Kutubu Convention Centre ahead of the APEC Forum.

The event was attended by MRDC Managing Director, Augustine Mano, Hilton Hotels Vice President Operation Australasia, Heidi Kunkel, and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

It was an evening splashed with colourful traditional dancing and singing.The joint venture between the PNG Government and three major landowner companies was attended by ministers, governors and other dignitaries.

Hilton Hotel’s Vice President Operations Australasia, Heidi Kunkel, said PNG joins the long list of country in nearly a century to join the Hilton brand.

MRDC Managing director, Augustine Mano, said the economic downturn in the last three years was a challenge but they have successfully completed phase one, which he says is an achievement.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill stated that the even signified a new beginning for landowners and their companies in the country.

The K700 million investment is a joint venture between the PNG Government, Petroleum Resources Kutubu Limited (PRK) (45 percent), Mineral Resource Star Mountain (MRSM), and Mineral Resource Ok Tedi (MROT), under the trusteeship of MRDC.

MRDC says the investment is part of the company’s initiative to invest in sustainable projects that will provide stability and wealth for the next generation.

Source: The Loop – http://www.looppng.com/business/star-mountain-plaza-stage-1-complete-80154