By Meriba Tulo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Diplomatic and economic cooperation between China and Papua New Guinea continue to grow, with trade relations surpassing the US$2 billion mark in 2017 alone.
This was highlighted at an event marking the 69th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China. Members of the Chinese community in Port Moresby gathered on Tuesday evening (September 25, 2018) to commemorate the 69th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Also present were members of the diplomatic Corp, as well as several Government Ministers.
In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to PNG, Xue Bing, highlighted the growing relationship between China and Papua New Guinea.
In recent years, Papua New Guinea has become China’s second largest trading partner, and its largest investment destination in the Pacific Region, with trade levels surpassing the US$2 billion level in 2017. This relationship between both countries is being further strengthened, with the impending State Visit of China’s President Xi Jin Ping in November, just prior to the APEC Leaders’ Summit.
2018, also marks 42 years of diplomatic relations between Papua New Guinea and China.
According to Minister Responsible for APEC, Justin Tkatchenko, this relationship is growing stronger, as demonstrated by the increasing interaction between both governments, his relationship based on the “One China Policy”. He added that this was more evident in recent years through Chinese support for Papua New Guinea in many areas of development – and more so recently with support for critical infrastructure for the upcoming APEC Leaders Summit.
