PNG asks China for free trade deal, and debt re-financing

Posted by Radio New Zealand

Papua New Guinea's prime minister has asked China to enter into a free trade agreement with his country, and for help in restructuring his government's debt.

PNG's requests came as James Marape met with China's Ambassador, Xue Bing, in Port Moresby. While the debt re-financing would first require consultations and collateral negotiations, PNG is pushing hard for a Free Trade Agreement in the hope it could be signed on an upcoming visit to Beijing by Mr Marape.

The prime minister suggested that if China opens up free trade with Pacific Island countries like his, it will help build thriving economic corridors in the region.

The new PNG leader is seeking to elevate the two countries' development cooperation, and boost Chinese investment in his country.

Mr Marape also requested China's assistance in re-financing PNG's US$7.7-billion debt.

Both the Bank of PNG and China's People's Bank are expected to consult with Papua New Guinea's Department of Treasury over the re-financing.

Mr Marape's discussions with China's ambassador also focussed on the upcoming 3rd China-Pacific Islands countries Economic Cooperation Forum to be held in Samoa in October, and the forthcoming Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Tuvalu, this month.

"I also suggested for Chinese investment in the Agriculture and Fisheries sector, and in particularly establishing down streaming processing plants for products in forestry, fisheries, mining and petroleum, and general food production and supply in PNG," Mr Marape said in a statement.

Ambassador Bing briefed Mr Marape on China's investments in PNG, the main two being the Ramu Nickel Project and the Porgera Gold Mine Project which Chinese companies are involved in.

In the case of the Ramu mine, the project is in the process of being extended

Mr Marape and Ambassador Bing also exchanged views on global food security and discussed views on entering into an Agricultural Cooperation Arrangement to supply PNG organic food and vegetables to the Chinese Market, as well as a Fisheries Agreement for Chinese investors to build fisheries processing plants in PNG.

Ambassador Bing extended an invitation for Mr Marape to visit China, with a proposed official trip expected to feature signing of Memorandums of Understanding and other technical agreements.

"These will include developments in the field of air services, tourism, mining and petroleum, electricity, construction of roads, ports, airstrips, technical and vocational education schools, and the Chinese language curriculum to be introduced in schools, and more importantly encouraging business investments from China," PM Marape said.

Go to this link for more: https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/396125/png-asks-china-for-free-trade-deal-and-debt-re-financing

MISSING CHILD RETURNED TO FAMILY

By Lae Metro Command - Elizah Palme

This three year old girl namely Rebecca Andrew was returned to her biological father this afternoon at about 1.30pm.

Yesterday without her family noticing she had ran after her elder brother who had gone to Kamkumung market. While on her way there she was enticed by a young man believed to be from Highlands, when he gave her a K2 and told her that they would buy lollies. He then got her on a PMV bus with him and travelled to the Raun Wara area.

At the Raun Wara he met a young lady from Eastern Highlands and gave her the child telling her to take it.

The young lady sensing that the child did not belong to the man, took the little girl and went straight to Eriku Police Base.

Police waited for a Missing Person Report to be broadcasted on Police radio for the whole day. This did not eventuate so Probational Constable Ishmael Wera , who is stationed with the Eriku Beat Unit took the child to his home where she was taken care of by his family.

Rebecca gave some information of where she lived, her parents and siblings names after she was made to feel comfortable by the family.

PC Ishmael Wera and little Rebecca returned to work this morning.

The father , after lodging a Missing Person Report at Lae Central Station and on his way back to Kamkumung decided to call into Eriku Police Base.

He was shocked to see his daughter sitting with PC Wera at the duty counter. She had been fed well and taken care of.

PC Wera verified all information with the father regarding Identity. Rebecca also identified her father.

Father and daughter have been reunited and have returned home.

While this is a positive story, there are many toddlers who have been taken away.

We appeal to parents and guardians, please look after small children and be sure that they are secure at home. Do not lose sight of them as strangers can easily entice them and take them away.

We are glad that young Rebecca was not harmed in anyway.

We also appeal to members of the public, if you see anything suspicious like this situation, please call 70903300 or stop any passing Police Patrol.

#ForASaferLae

Picture 1- PC Wera and Rebecca
Picture 2- Rebecca reunited with her father