PNG to partner with Guangdong province in China

Prime Minister James Marape has announced that Papua New Guinea will strengthen its economic ties with China’s Guangdong Province.

Speaking before departing for Guangdong today, Mr Marape said China's president, Xi Jinping, had earlier indicated that PNG would partner directly with the province.

“In my bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping a few years back, he said PNG will work closely with Guangdong Province,” Mr Marape confirmed.

He said the focus of the partnership will be on expanding trade and economic opportunities between the two countries, with PNG looking for more access to the Chinese market.

Mr Marape also called for a more open and reciprocal trade relationship, where PNG exports can enter China more easily while maintaining balanced trade between the two nations.

Guangdong Province is one of China’s largest economic hubs, with a population of more than 120 million people. The Prime Minister said if Guangdong were a country, its economy would rank among the top 15 in the world.

He added that the province is a major manufacturing and export centre and is home to Shenzhen, China’s first Special Economic Zone.

“My visit to Guangdong is not just a provincial visit, but one that will further strengthen our country-to-country relationship with China, particularly as we shape our economic future,” Mr Marape said.

Mr Marape said China remains PNG’s largest trading partner, purchasing significant volumes of the country’s LNG and mineral exports.

He added that improved phytosanitary standards in recent years have also opened the Chinese market to more PNG agricultural products.

“Our coffee, cocoa, copra, oil palm, vanilla and other agricultural products can now access the Chinese market,” he said.