PM: PNG China ties continues to grow

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the Papua New Guinea/China relationship continues to grow with several new investments coming on stream recently.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting with His Excellency Mr Zhou Tienong, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) at the Grand Papua Hotel last Sunday Mr O’Neill acknowledged China’s role as a significant development partner in the region.

“I would like to acknowledge the increased trade and investment efforts by Chinese entities in PNG recently, in particular development projects such as the Ramu Nickel Project, the Lae Port Development, Construction of the International Convention Centre at the Constitution Park in Waigani and the Highlands Highway Rehabilitation Project.

“These investments are invaluable for PNG and would greatly assist our economy to grow. I am also pleased to note that we have enjoyed positive economic growth in the last eight years,” he told Mr Zhou, who was in the country for an official visit, from the 04-05th November.

Mr O’Neill said the current strong ties have existed since Papua New Guinea established formal diplomatic relations with the Government of the People’s Republic of China in 1976, including a strict adherence to the “One China Policy”.

He also took the opportunity to thank the Chinese Government for the wonderful hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during his recent visit to China in September.

“I was able to have fruitful discussions with Vice Premier Li Keqiang, Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai and major investors such as the Chinese EXIM Bank, China Metallurgical Company, SINOPEC, COVEC and China Railway,” the Prime Minister said.

In response, Mr Zhou said he was thankful for the courtesy extended to him and his delegation and expressed his deep satisfaction about the strong PNG/China relations.

He said PNG and China’s long historical relationship has progressed in practical cooperation through trade, economic development assistance, science and technology.

Mr Zhou proposed for an immediate promotional exchange at the parliamentary level.

Mr O’Neill agreed that a parliamentary exchange by PNG parliamentarians with their Chinese counterparts would be a good educational exercise for both parties to understand each others’ parliamentary systems.

In concluding, the Prime Minister informed Mr Zhou that he plans to visit China mid next year, which Mr Zhou gracefully welcomed.