Prime Minister O'Neill seeks access to Chinese market for PNG products

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill inspects Guard of Honour by China's army. Mr.O'Neill is in China
for further trade talks. Photo credit: People's Daily China

Papua New Guinea Prime  Minister Peter O’Neill is seeking greater access to the Chinese market for Papua New Guinean agricultural produce.

It was part of the discussions at a bilateral meeting between O’Neill and the Premier of China Li Keqiang in Beijing yesterday.

He was pleased with the outcome of the meeting which also saw a number agreements signed between the two governments. “We have now agreed to elevate our relationship through the signing of a strategic partnership of mutual cooperation and development,” he said.

“Working at a strategic partner level will bring about greater people-to-people engagement between businesses from PNG and China.

“This means more trade and greater opportunities for the export of Papua New Guinea products.

“Papua New Guinea acknowledges the outstanding economic development that has taken place in China over recent decades.

“This makes China a prime market for the sale of agriculture products from PNG. This will provide a large boost to our farmers. 

“We have also approached China to expand their importation of LNG from PNG when the Papua LNG project is completed.

“China is already a customer of PNG LNG and has found our country to be a reliable supplier.”

O’Neill said the proposal put forward by China for a free trade agreement was being carefully considered.

“We thank China for this offer to enter into negotiations for an FTA.”