China open to PNG produce

PRIME Minister James Marape has announced at the closing of a two-day Department of Agriculture and Subsectors Agencies meeting that China has lifted all bio-security issues relating to agriculture produce from Papua New Guinea.
“We will be announcing that bio-security issues have been completely lifted,” Marape said.
“Any produce from PNG can now find its way to the Chinese market. If any countries in the region are slow to changing their bio-security standards, China has opened their markets to us.”
Prime Minister Marape issued a challenge to the agriculture sector, urging heads of the commodity boards and agencies to escalate production to meet the growing demand in the Chinese market.
This landmark development signifies a new era of opportunity for the country’s agricultural sector, opening doors to expanded trade relations with one of the world’s largest economies.
Prime Minister emphasised the forthcoming visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister to PNG, during which further details regarding this development would be disclosed.
This announcement follows a series of high level meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Marape, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
The most recent encounter occurred last October in Beijing on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation where President Xi, reaffirmed China’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with PNG.
Xi expressed China’s willingness to strengthen its enduring friendship with PNG and enhance political mutual trust during the meeting.
He also pledged to expand cooperation across various sectors to benefit the citizens of both countries.