PNG-NZ partnership hailed

INTERNATIONAL Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru says both Papua New Guinea and New Zealand governments need to negotiate a comprehensive, economic and development partnership under a proper agreement.
Maru made a proposal to the New Zealand Minster for Agriculture, Hunting, Fishing, Forestry and Trade Todd McClay during a recent bilateral meeting in Auckland, New Zealand.
Maru said in a statement that a proper agreement needed to be established between both countries, where there were obligations on both sides.
“The time has come for PNG and New Zealand to seriously sit down and review the past 50 years of our relationship and talk about a new framework that is more comprehensive and one that will bring more benefits to both countries,” he said.
Maru said PNG and New Zealand had a relationship stretching half a century but had not made inroads to boost trade and maximise their interactions.
“For example, we do not have direct flights between our two countries despite having an air service agreement, and our Kumuls do not even play the Kiwis regularly,” he said.
“Trade between our two countries has been in New Zealand’s favour on a ratio of one to 10.”
Maru said New Zealand benefited from PNG’s economy more than PNG had from theirs.
“If they are serious about their future with us, then they need to understand that we need a new agreement like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement we have with Australia.” Maru said it was time for PNG to have such an agreement with New Zealand where there were obligations on both sides because PNG offered New Zealand jobs, market opportunities, and investment opportunities.
“In return, we want to see air services between our two countries, more students studying in New Zealand under their scholarship programme and we want to see more Papua New Guineans going to New Zealand for long-term employment in industries like dairy, inland fishing, poultry, and others.”