Minister explains deal

The National Business

THE memorandum of understanding for a fisheries industrial park in Western by a Chinese company does not constitute an approval of fishing permits or licenses, says Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Dr Lino Tom.
He said the assessments, business plan, feasibility reports, environment and disposal plans would be submitted by China’s Fujian Zhonghong Fishery Ltd in the next six months.
It will be reviewed by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and State authorities before the proposed investment project on Daru Island can proceed.
Dr Lino was responding to concerns reported in the Australian media regarding the proposed US$150 million (K518.36mil) project.
There were concerns over China’s true intentions in the 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.
“The Government welcomes all genuine foreign direct investments where investors have the liberty to choose where to invest and set up operations as long as they abide by the country’s laws and regulation,” Tom said.
“The proposed project is timely in that it complements Papua NewGuinea’s recent success in gaining direct market access in the Chinese seafood market. Let me make it clear, especially to important bilateral and development partners,
that the Chinese investment in one of our more under developed border provinces is welcomed
as a means to boost economic
activity in the area, increase Government services in the area and as a result, increase the presence of government agencies in the project area.”

3 comments

  • Does the Governor of Western province knows what really he is doing. Please read more happenings in the World so you will know what is really happening in the World. Don’t turn the blind eye on the Australian Government. Don’t sell your history and your Independence to the foreign Nations. Yes we want developments, but remember China is here to stay. Don’t see what China is offering to you, but think about Tomorrow.

  • This investment maybe a strategic blunder if we down play out strategic national interests as the result attracting FDI from China. We can get caught in chinese fishing nets that is difficult to untangle.

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