Government signs five Mou’s with China

By JESHER TILTO
PAPUA New Guinea stands ready to benefit from a high-level bilateral relationship with China aimed at promoting economic trade and development, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko says.
During his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi’s third visit to the country on Saturday, he said discussions on several bilateral issues of mutual interest were held and five agreements between the two countries were signed.
“I want to reaffirm PNG’s support on the One China Policy established in 1976 when both countries began diplomatic relations and which has been a cornerstone of PNG-China relations, will be maintained going into the future,” Tkatchenko said.
“I acknowledge the continuous support of the Chinese government in its implementation of projects in PNG that has greatly contributed to our development aspirations
“China’s presence in the Pacific is to promote development cooperation and enhanced collective efforts toward addressing challenges faced by Pacific Island countries and China as a developing nation as well.
“PNG values China as an important bilateral partner and the friendship that has been built on trust.”
He said the five agreements, which were signed after the bilateral meeting at The Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby on Saturday, included the following:

• PROTOCOLS of phytosanitary requirement for the export of unroasted coffee beans from PNG to China;
• PROTOCOLS of phytosanitary requirement for the export of unroasted cocoa beans from PNG to China;
• INFORMATION and communication technology (ICT) cooperation;
• JOINT feasibility study for the free trade agreement worth US$270,000 (about K1 million); and,
• PNG disaster relief grant of US$1 million (about K3.7 million).

“This is a huge success and we look forward to seeing the benefits going forward,” Tkatchenko added.
Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi said PNG was one of China’s biggest trading partners in the Pacific and reaffirmed its support for the country.
“China’s market will be opened to PNG and its people.
“China is ready to strengthen its cooperation with in PNG in key areas such as trade and investment, ICT, agriculture, energy and climate change solutions.
“China sees Pacific Island countries as an indispensable partner.
“We also call on the international community to pay more attention to the special vulnerability and legitimate concerns.”