Monday 22 April 2024
Foreign Affairs Minister of the People’s Republic of China H.E Wang Yi, and Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, addressing the Media after the signing of five MoUs between the Governments of China and PNG at Stanley Hotel, Port Moresby, on Saturday 20 April, 2024.
The Papua New Guinea and Chinese Governments, in an important display of cooperation and friendship, have sealed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering various sectors, marking a new era of collaboration between the two nations.
The ceremony took place at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby, with dignitaries from both sides in attendance.
The Memoranda of Understanding include:
- Disaster Relief Funding: Hon. Sir Ano Pala, Minister for National Planning, singed MoU with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Mr. Sun Weidong, securing a substantial funding of 1 million USD for disaster relief efforts in PNG.
This agreement underscores China’s commitment to supporting PNG during times of crisis.
- ICT Cooperation: Hon. Timothy Masiu, Minister for Information and Communications Technology (ICT), signed an MoU with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Mr. Sun Weidong, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in the field of Information and Communications Technology. This agreement is poised to bolster PNG’s ICT sector, facilitating technological advancements and digital infrastructure development.
- Feasibility Study for Free Trade Agreement: Another crucial MoU was signed by Hon. Sir Ano Pala, Minister for National Planning, and Chinese Assistant Minister for Commerce Mr. Tang Wenhong.
This MoU entails funding of USD 270,000 for a joint feasibility study aimed at exploring the potential for a free trade agreement between PNG and China, which could unlock new avenues for economic growth and trade expansion.
- Export Protocols for Coffee Beans: Protocols of Phytosanitary Requirement for the export of Unroasted Coffee Beans from PNG to China were formalized through an agreement signed by Hon. William Bando, PNG Minister for Coffee, and His Excellency Zeng Fanhua, Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China to PNG.
The agreement holds significant implications for PNG’s coffee industry, providing access to the lucrative Chinese market.
- Export Protocols for Cocoa Beans: Similarly, protocols for the export of Unroasted Cocoa Beans from PNG to China were established through an agreement signed by Hon. John Boito, Minister for Agriculture, and His Excellency Zeng Fanhua, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to PNG.
This agreement is poised to boost PNG’s cocoa sector by facilitating exports to China, thereby creating new opportunities for farmers and enhancing economic growth.
In an official statement, Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko expressed gratitude for the collaboration between PNG and China, emphasizing the positive outcomes expected from these agreements.
Minister Tkatchenko highlighted the significance of the ICT cooperation in advancing technological capabilities and the potential of free trade agreements to unlock new markets and opportunities for PNG.
The PNG Foreign Minister commended the agreements, highlighting their significance for PNG’s economic growth and self-reliance. “This is a huge success, as this will allow over 80 percent of our people that live off the land, and the farmers to become self-reliant,” he stated.
Regarding the free trade agreement, Hon. Tkatchenko expressed gratitude for the funding allocated for the Joint Feasibility Study, foreseeing its potential to open doors and markets for various commodities in PNG.
He noted the urgency conveyed by the Chinese Foreign Minister, H.E Wang Yi, urging swift action from PNG’s end.
“We thank the Chinese Government for 1.1 Million USD for grant aid to PNG for Disaster relief for the whole country,” Hon. Tkatchenko acknowledged, appreciating the assistance provided by China during times of crisis.
The enduring diplomatic relationship between PNG and China, established in 1976, was underscored by Hon. Tkatchenko as a cornerstone of their bilateral relations, which would continue to be nurtured into the future.
Furthermore, Hon. Tkatchenko extended his gratitude to the Chinese government for its support towards major projects in PNG and highlighted China’s regional presence in the Pacific as a driver for development cooperation.
The signing of these MoUs signifies a step forward in the partnership between PNG and China, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual benefit in various sectors vital for the growth and prosperity of both nations.