By JASON SOM KAUT
BILATERAL relation’s between China and PNG was strengthened over the weekend with the launch of the China-PNG Friendship Association’s Lae chapter.
It was launched by the Chinese ambassador to PNG Wei Ruixing.
Speaking during the inaugural dinner at the Lae Chinese Club, Mr Wei said old records showed that the first Chinese merchants visited PNG in the late 1800s.
The association aimed to promote friendship, mutual understanding and mutual assistance in various fields including economic and social development, he said.
“I believe we could all join hands to achieve our aims,” he said.
Mr Wei said “a good momentum” had been maintained in bilateral relations since diplomatic relations were established in 1976.
“There is good trade and economic cooperation in education, health, agriculture, tourism, investment and other areas. There is also a fruitful exchange of culture,” he said.
The chapter will be headed by fourth generation PNG-born Chinese businessman Ian Chow as its first president.
Present at the ceremony was the president of the China-PNG Friendship Association Inc Stanley Shi, Health and HIV/ AIDS Minister Sasa Zibe, Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, Momase police chief Giossi Labi, business executives and provincial representatives.
Mr Chow vowed to promote friendship and to strengthen cooperation in all fields that would benefit both countries.
He pleaded with the new influx of Chinese immigrants “looking for a better life and opportunities” to contribute to the community as the next generation of PNG Chinese.
“My advice to everyone is that we must all work together to build a strong, friendly relationship between our people just as the old Chinese did.”