O’Neill welcomes leader of China’s ‘massive’ province

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill has welcomed Li Xi, the Secretary of the Communist Party in Guangdong Province, China to the country.
He is the highest-ranking leader of the province which has 110 million people and a Gross Domestic Product of US$1.3 trillion (K4.3tril).
O’Neill highlighted the importance of building stronger links with such provinces in China.
“Sub-national engagement with provinces in China is important for building more business and investment in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“Guangdong is a massive province and an economic powerhouse in China that offers great potential for our businesses and for direct investment. We welcome investors from Guangdong to explore opportunities in many sectors including resources and the export of agricultural products to China.”
He wants to see more tertiary education exchanges with Guangdong Province. O’Neill had met Li in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong, during his visit there in June.
President Xi Jinping will be in the country for a State visit before the Apec Leaders’ Summit in November.
“During President Xi’s state visit, we hope to conclude agreements formalised during my visit to China in June,” O’Neill said.
He said PNG was satisfied with the current state of relations with China “that is growing and diversifying”.
Li said China supported PNG’s hosting of Apec.