PNG Opposition celebrates NZ National Day

PORT MORESBY: Papua New Guinea’s Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye has conveyed PNG’s greetings to the government of New Zealand and her people in celebrating the country’s National Day.

Mr Polye said the day signified the country’s birth place where the Waitangi Treaty was signed to protect the interests of the indigenous people.

“On behalf of the people of PNG and our alternative government, it is my pleasure to join in the celebrations to mark the day today.

“New Zealand is not just our bilateral friend but is a strategic partner in our country’s development,” he said on NZ’s National Day.

Polye said both countries enjoyed a friendly, strong and growing relation, which saw each country benefitted in trade and business.

He said NZ’s advocacy on trade liberation within the region could benefit PNG in light of its economic growth.

He, however, urged NZ government, which enjoys a stable and vibrant democracy, to help PNG addresses its ‘erosion of democracy.’

Among others, he said, PNG benefitted in NZ’s seasonal employment scheme, which was piloted by the past government, defense corporations, its influential voice in international climate change, NZ Aid, business and commercial connections, and trade. 

“PNG is the second largest market for NZ whilst ours in NZ is slim and that the challenge now is for us here to level the balance of trade deficit.

“The Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his Commerce, Trade and Industry minister should wake up from their slumber to improve this deficit,” said Mr Polye.

Polye said the Opposition, when in power, would improve the trade imbalance in PNG’s bid to become a secure and prosperous nation in the region.

He added NZ’s private sector was engaging in wide range of industries in the country.