The Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC) organised a roundtable discussion while welcoming Australia’s new Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, Ms Jenny Grant-Curnow.
Hosted at the offices of leading global firm Dentons’ Brisbane offices on March 13, the event aimed to facilitate dialogue on Australian business interests in Micronesia and future prospects.
R to L: William Blank (Vice-President, Australia Pacific Islands Business Council)( (Associate Director Development, Hall Contracting), Frank Yourn (Executive Director, Australia Pacific Islands Business Council), Jenny Grant-Curnow Australian Ambassador-designate to Federated States of Micronesia, Mr Andrew Morris (Treasurer, Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (Business Development Manager, Pacific Marine Group), Mr George Fraser, former Australian Ambassador to Federated States of Micronesia).
Craig Chapman, Partner and Head of Office for Brisbane at Dentons, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with APIBC representatives and Ambassador Grant-Curnow. He emphasised Dentons’ commitment to nurturing connections with the business community across the Pacific region.
The discussion provided a platform for Ambassador Grant-Curnow to receive insights into Australian business activities in Micronesia.
Joining the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2004, Ms. Grant-Curnow has held positions in the Pacific Branch, South East Asia Division, and Middle East and Africa Branch. She holds a Masters in International Relations from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor in Communications from the University of Technology Sydney. She served with the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations from 1999 to 2003, including roles in East Timor and New York, earning recognition with the Australian Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal in 2000.
Attendees included William Blank, Vice-President of APIBC and Associate Director of Development at Hall Contracting; Frank Yourn, Executive Director of APIBC; Andrew Morris, Treasurer of APIBC and Business Development Manager at Pacific Marine Group; and George Fraser, former Australian Ambassador to Micronesia.
Business Council representatives present thanked Dentons for their hosting of this meeting, and acknowledged the support provided since 2020 for Australian business by the outgoing Ambassador to Micronesia Ms Jo Cowley.
The gathering underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in fostering economic partnerships between Australia and Micronesia. Dentons’ role in facilitating such discussions reflects its dedication to promoting business growth and development in the Pacific region.
