PNG, China bilateral ties still going strong

CHINA and Papua New Guinea still maintain strong bilateral tie since establishing diplomatic relations 34 years ago, The National reports.

Chinese ambassador Qiu Bohua said this on Wednesday during a function to celebrate the 61st anniversary of the founding of China.

The Chinese community in the nation’s capital, business heads and members of the diplomatic corps were present for the occasion.

Qiu said that PNG had become the largest trade partner and investment destination country of China among the South Pacific island countries.

He said another important event was the historical visit by the Chinese navy training formation to PNG.

“China’s naval voyage of friendship, peace and harmony injected new vigour into the long-lasting friendship between the two countries.”

Qiu said that over the years, the Chinese government had done its best to support and assist PNG in achieving its social developments with the implementation of a dozen of aid projects, including the Sir John Guise Sports Centre, Kandep Agricultural Technical Cooperation project, upgrade of Papa-Lealea Road, Usino Junction-Yamagi Road, the Hagen comprehensive agricultural technical cooperation project, the expansion of students’ dormitory and teachers’ houses at Vudal University, reconstruction of mathematics and computer building of Unitech in Lae, the renovation and expansion of Government House, the Lae fishery processing plant and cold storage project, the Wewak Sports Stadium and the expansion of students’ dormitory of Goroka University.

He said that currently, Pacific Marine Industrial Zone project in Madang and the international conference centre near parliament house in Port Moresby were both underway.

Qiu also pointed out that Ramu NiCo’s US$1.4 billion nickel-cobalt project was a win-win cooperation project between PNG and China.

He also said that this year alone, 26 students were granted Chinese government scholarships to undertake degree studies in China, eight PNG Defence Force senior officers were enrolled for training and more than 60 government officials and technical personnel of different sectors were trained for various programmes.

“The Chinese government always attaches great importance to strengthen friendship and cooperation with PNG.

“With a lot of common views in political field and a lot of complementary advantages to the economy, it is a collective responsibility for us to tap the great potentials in bilateral relations.”