PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island nations should “stay engaged” with China because it is an “important global player”.
He was speaking after a forum between China and the Pacific Island countries in Fiji on Saturday. “China remains an important global player and it is very important that we stay engaged with them,” he said. He said it was important to interact with China in not only trade and relations but in security and climate change. He said the visit by President Xi Jinping to meet Pacific island leaders in Suva was significant and an indication of China’s desire to engage with the island countries in business, trade and investment. O’Neill invited Xi to visit PNG, and thanked China for pledging its support to PNG in hosting the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders meeting in 2018 in Port Moresby. He discussed access to the Chinese market with zero tariffs on PNG exports, plus an air service agreement to allow direct flights by Air Niugini to Beijing. This is to encourage more Chinese tourists visit PNG, O’Neill said. “China is looking at building strategic partnerships of mutual respect and common development with the Pacific community,” he said. The meeting between China and the Pacific Island nations takes place every three years to discuss issues affecting the Pacific region and how China can assist island countries in addressing development issues. Comments are closed.
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