The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG) Hon. James Marape and Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Tosihimistu Motegi signed a Statement of Intent between the two countries. The Statement of Intent reaffirms the strong bilateral relations between PNG and Japan since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975. The Statement also recognizes the importance of expanding and strengthening trade and economic relations between the two countries, as it acknowledges substantial Japanese investments in PNG. The document also recognizes the increased level of development cooperation between Papua New Guinea and Japan. Mr. Marape marked that the Statement of Intent is a political commitment and is not intended as financially or legally binding, but nonetheless provides a framework to strengthen the two countries’ bilateral relationship going forward. PNG Prime Minister also noted that the discussions in the meeting revolved around opening the market in Japan to agricultural product producers in Papua New Guinea. According to Mr. Marape, Japan’s contributions to Papua New Guinea over the years is valued at K4 billion (US$1,13 million). [1-2]
Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Tosihimistu Motegi also talked with the PNG government about the opening PNG air links with Japan. The PNG Prime Minister said the request would be considered and would be part of the country’s measures to restart business activity in PNG. The Foreign Minister of Japan was in the country on a two-day Official Visit. Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi also met with the Treasurer, Ian Ling Stuckey. [3]
The multi-billion kina Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PIMZ) in Madang (Madang Province) will come under the Special Economic Zone project, with the Government to sign a Chinese Exim Bank loan agreement for the project. As Mr. Peter O’Neil said, Madang town and Madang Province had enormous potential and the project was to create a regional tuna processing hub for the Pacific region, create jobs and assist small-medium businesses in Madang and PNG. It’s expected that the project would host 10 tuna processing plants and generate 30,000 jobs once fully developed. The PMIZ project was established 16 years ago. [4]
[1] https://www.kalangfm.com/news/prime-minister-marape-and-japan-minister-for-foreign-affairs-sign-statement-of-intent-between-the-two-countries-932
[2] https://postcourier.com.pg/png-japan-sign-intent-to-strengthen-relationship/
[3] https://www.thenational.com.pg/govt-considers-japans-request-to-resume-flights-amid-pandemic/
[4] https://www.thenational.com.pg/projects-scope-delays-work/
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