PNG Eyes Stronger Trade and Investment Ties with United States

PRIME Minister James Marape says Papua New Guinea wants deeper economic and strategic cooperation with the United States as senior officials from both nations meet in Port Moresby for high-level bilateral talks.

Speaking during the opening of the second PNG–United States Strategic Partnership Dialogue at the Hilton Port Moresby, Mr Marape welcomed visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael G. DeSombre and his delegation.

PNG PM James Marape speaking with visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael G. DeSombre at Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby before the opening of the Strategic Partnership Dialogue between PNG and US Senior Officials. Picture supplied

Mr Marape described the dialogue as an important platform for advancing trade, commerce, energy, infrastructure and investment opportunities between the two countries.

“We intend for this dialogue to become an annual engagement because PNG and the United States are strategic partners with shared interests in regional stability, economic growth, and development,” he said.

The Prime Minister said PNG’s position in the Indo-Pacific region continued to attract global attention due to its proximity to Asia and the Pacific and its involvement in major regional organisations.

“We are a member of APEC, a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, and an associate member of ASEAN,” he said.

“These three important regional groupings place PNG at the centre of major regional discussions on trade, security, economic development, and cooperation.”

Mr Marape said the Government remained committed to policies aimed at attracting investment and creating economic opportunities for Papua New Guineans.

He said PNG welcomed partnerships that promoted business growth and employment rather than dependency on foreign assistance.

“Since coming into office in 2019, our Government has consistently told all our development partners that our focus is ‘not aid, but trade’,” he said.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the longstanding relationship between PNG and the United States through churches, education, development support and private sector investment.

“Many church workers, missionaries, and development partners serving our country over many years have also come from the United States.

“We share important democratic values and strong people-to-people connections that continue to strengthen our bilateral relationship.”