Parties pen agriculture deal

 A MEMORANDUM of Agreement was signed yesterday at Tari, Hela, between local MP James Marape and a representative from Bando City, Japan, to strengthen their agricultural ties.

Marape, the Finance Minister, welcomed 17 representatives from Bando who are looking at investment opportunities.

With a view to deepening mutual friendship, goodwill exchanges will contribute not only in the two communities but both countries.

This agreement will allow Bando and Tari to become sister cities to promote exchanges.

Someya Ryuichi, the director general of the general affairs department of Bando city, said he appreciated Tari’s help in making a sister city relationship with Bando.

“We are honoured that signing the agreement will create a new future of positive partnership, PNG’s LNG export to Japan has just begun and we believe this will strengthen cooperative relationship,” Ryuichi said.

“With 57,000 people (in Bando), our main industry is agriculture.”

 Department of Agriculture and Livestock acting Secretary Dr Potisa Hombunaka urged the government to invest significant funding in agriculture as a key driver to rural development from next year.

Marape thanked the Japanese delegates for their time and effort spent to visit the Tari-Pori electorate.