Expo opens Asia market: PM

PRIME Minister James Marape says the China international import exposition held last Wednesday would further open the Chinese market to products from Papua New Guinea and other countries.
He said the expo was an opportunity for Papua New Guinea to be connected to China and Asia which would benefit the local companies. “It will also give much-needed boost to global trade and economic growth at this difficult time,” he said.
The main products that PNG exports to China are liquefied natural gas (LNG), wood and nickel smelting products, sea food, coffee and copra.
Marape thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for leading the way to economic recovery through the expo.
PNG had participated in the first two expos in 2018 and 2019.
Marape said the Covid-19 pandemic, which had impacted countries severely, could be defeated through solidarity and cooperation.
He said this was the way towards global economic recovery.
“It is, therefore, timely and commendable to hold this great expo at this critical time,” the Prime Minister said.
“As the world’s second largest economy, China’s economic recovery is significant to the rest of the world.
“We are encouraged by the positive growth figures in China, which International Monetary Fund forecasts will be the only major economy to register positive growth this year.
“This expo, as a major international procurement platform under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, will undoubtedly open up new horizons for other countries to share the opportunities generated by China’s recovery and growth.”