Marape wants to expand trade relations in the Pacific

PNG wants to be on equal footing with Australia in trade relations in the greater Pacific region, Prime Minister James Marape says.
Marape in his address to the 27th PNG-Australia ministerial forum in Port Moresby yesterday, called on the visiting Australian team to pay deeper interest in PNG becoming economically independent.
“If PNG does not set sail in the right development path, then in 2020s we will be forever dependent on our neighbours and friends and bilateral,” he said. “I do not envisage PNG as aid-dependent in 2023 and beyond, but a country that is solid, robust and strong economically so that we can partner Australia in looking after the greater Pacific.
“Conversations will be shifting towards agriculture produces, sustainable forestry and fisheries produces to find their place in the Australian market as they will find their places in Asian markets and the world around us.”