US to invest in infrastructure, says PM

By GYNNIE KERO
PRIME Minister James Marape says the United States (US) is expected to invest billions of dollars in infrastructure in Manus and Lae, apart from signing security deals with Papua New Guinea.
Marape said a group of investors in the manufacturing industry was expected to arrive with US President Joe Biden next Monday.
“We want more commerce and trade, not just Government-to-Government bilateral (deals),” he said.
“We want to grow our economy, and have PNG products find their way to US markets.
“They have given me assurance that they are bringing in a pool of manufacturers during the President’s visit.
“They have taken heed of our push towards manufacturing.
“Our fish (tuna) needs to be processed and sold to the US and other markets.
“They indicated they are bringing billions of dollars’ worth of investments into our country in terms of key infrastructures.”
Biden will also meet the 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum who will be in Port Moresby.
Reuters revealed early this month that Papua New Guinea would see a doubling of US development assistance to US$32 million (about K112 million), including US$25 million (about K88 million) to tackle its security priority on climate change, State Department documents submitted to the US Congress show.
Marape yesterday said Biden was also expected to sign defence and surveillance agreements with the country.
A separate agreement will allow the US Coast Guard to patrol PNG’s vast exclusive economic zone, with PNG officials on board as “ship riders”.
“The defence cooperation will specify what level of arrangements and relationship we will have with them.”
Marape said the US was also looking at Nadzab Airport and the Lae Port.
“They are looking at setting up a regional and PNG disaster mitigation center.
“We are pointing to them other areas, look at Manus and the Komo Airstrip in Hela.”