A framework agreement was signed yesterday betweenthe Papua New Guineaand Chinese government to facilitatethe roll out ofthe Electronic Identification Card system.
This will see Papua New Guineareceive K231 million fromthe Exim Bank of China under a soft loan arrangement.
The formalities were delayed for two hours, keepingthe Chinese Ambassador, Qui Behua waiting.
The Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Charles Abel finally arrived and swiftly proceeded withthe ceremony.
“The loan is approximately K231 million whichthe government of Papua New Guineais counter parting with K70 million,” mentioned Abel.
“The basic terms ofthe rate are at two per cent interest rate with a five year grace period. The loan will be spread over a period of fifteen years,” Abel said.
The agreement pavesthe way for the implementation ofthe Electronic Identification Card project to be rolled out next year.
The E-ID project basically creates an electronic and information platform that could be easily accessed to facilitatethe governments’ development priorities.
The Chinese government has funded a number of projects inthe country, butthe EID project isthe first inthe region for China to assist with funding.
“We will work togther and make this project very successful,” said Ambassador Behua.
Ambassador Qui Behua hopesthe agreement signed will contribute to Papua New Guinearsquo;s National Development.
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