Your Excellency, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Papua New Guinea, people of China and Papua New Guinea,
It is a great honour for me to join in the National Day of the People’s Republic of China. This day serves as a reminder of the strong ties between our nations and the spirit of cooperation that has marked our relationship for decades.
Our partnership has continued to thrive. Bilateral trade between Papua New Guinea and China has continued to grow. In 2023, according to the United Nations’ COMTRADE database, Papua New Guinea exports to China totaled US$3.55 billion (K12.02 billion).
This has been driven by strong exports of liquefied natural gas, timber, coffee, cocoa, and fisheries products, contributing to a trade surplus in Papua New Guinea’s favour. As China remains our largest export market, it is clear that our economic relationship is one of mutual benefit and immense potential.
The Bank of Papua New Guinea is exploring the potential of adopting the Chinese renminbi as an alternative currency to the US dollar, reflecting the deepening economic ties and growing trade between China and PNG. This move could further solidify bilateral relations, fostering greater financial cooperation and enhancing the ease of trade between our two nations.
Beyond trade, China’s role in Papua New Guinea’s development is visible across sectors, from infrastructure to energy and agriculture. Our nations have recently signed five Memoranda of Understanding to deepen cooperation in areas such as ICT, agriculture, and disaster relief, further highlighting China’s commitment to supporting our growth.
As we celebrate China’s achievements, I also wish to highlight a significant milestone in our educational collaboration. This week, 54 of Papua New Guinea’s brightest young students, under our Government’s Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme, will be traveling to China to pursue higher education in leading Chinese universities. This is a proud moment for us as we invest in the next generation of Papua New Guinea’s leaders and innovators, strengthening not only our educational ties but also our shared future.
China’s investment in Papua New Guinea extends beyond trade and infrastructure—it is also an investment in our people. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and expanding educational opportunities, China is contributing to the development of skills that will help Papua New Guinea thrive in the 21st century.
As we move forward, we are exploring the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement with China, a partnership that promises to unlock even greater potential for our economy. The joint feasibility study currently underway is another reflection of our shared vision for a prosperous future.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership and people of China for their continued friendship and partnership with Papua New Guinea. I look forward to even greater achievements as we continue to build a future of shared prosperity and opportunity.
Happy National Day to China, and may our friendship continue to flourish.
Thank you.