PNG opens Trade Office in Taipei, Taiwan

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, today described the opening of PNG’s Trade Office in Taipei as a milestone event in the short history of Papua New Guinea's trade and economic relations with Taiwan. “The Opening of the Papua New Guinea Trade Office in Taipei compliments the Taiwan Trade Mission in Papua New Guinea which is an important source of trade and investment,” the Prime Minister said. “Through this relationship we are facilitating technical assistance and innovation in agriculture, in fisheries cooperation as well as developing Taiwan as a growing market for LNG. “Taiwan is a leading economy in agriculture, which has also served as a strong foundation for building economic growth. 

“With agriculture being a vital sector for our Papua New Guinea, we stand much to gain from the expertise of Taiwan through this arrangement.” “Taiwan has made remarkable inroads in Papua New Guinea’s agricultural sector through the introduction of innovative farming methods and techniques in various Provinces. “This includes working with with the Department of Agriculture in assisting farmers in setting out rice extension seed fields in Morobe, Madang and other Provinces. “There has also been trials of watermelon and melon crops supported by Taiwan, assistance in planting various vegetables and an irrigation system in Erap Farm. “At our correctional institutions, Taiwan technical officers have also assisted prisoners in cultivating maize and developed other agricultural projects in Church run schools in Bumayong and Naweab.” 

The Prime Minister said Taiwan opens a new frontier in trade and development that will continue to grow. “As an APEC member economy, Chinese Taipei and Papua New Guinea participate in ongoing multilateral and bilateral discussions that create new opportunities for trade and job creation. “There is potential to explore new areas of economic cooperation between our two economies including enhancing micro and small and medium size business, and this is being actively pursued by Hon. Richard Maru, the Minister of Trade, Commerce and Industry.” The Prime Minister said Minister Maru will also serve as the key focal point through this Trade Office in our continued efforts to seek new opportunities for trade and investment, technical cooperation and innovation, as well as advancing people-to-people connections.