Embassy calls for fair business

THE Chinese Embassy wants Australia to take an objective and fair view of the normal business cooperation between Chinese companies, PNG and other Pacific island countries.
It was in response to recent reports on the planned fisheries industrial park in Western.
A statement from the embassy said: “Focus on really helping the development and prosperity of the island countries, instead of wearing coloured glasses and unreasonably interfering with relevant cooperation.”
A memorandum of understanding was signed between the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) by Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Dr Lino Tom, China’s Fujian Zhonghong Fishery Ltd general-manager Tommy Yan and Western Governor Toboi Awi Yoto for the US$150 million (K518.36mil) project.
“The fishery industrial park planned by Fujian Zhonghong Fishery Company on Daru island in Western is a normal business investment project carried out by a Chinese private enterprise in PNG,” the embassy statement said.
“The business plans of the project have been approved by the PNG authorities.
“This project will help tap into potential for PNG’s fishery industry, promote local economic and social development and create jobs to the local community,
“It fits in with PNG’s development policies and interests and has been welcomed and supported by the PNG national and provincial governments and the local community.”
According to an article on news.com.au there were grave concerns over China’s true intentions in a plan to build the fishery complex in an area where there was no commercial fishing just 200km away from mainland Australia, sparking fears China has secret plans to turn it into a naval base on Australia’s doorstep.
Attempts to get comments from NFA and Yan were unsuccessful.