↧
Amateurs Amicale topple AFC pros
↧
Kina to gain strenght in 2015
In delivering the 2015 national budget and the 2014 supplementary budget, Mr Pruaitch assured all stakeholders, including business houses, investors, financial institutions and donor partners that the Government through the Bank of PNG in consultation with commercial banks had put up measures resulting in the kina’s value stabilising.
The measures included the exchange rate trading ban that was introduced in the middle of the year.
"Therefore, there should not be any cause for concern as the key fundamentals such as underlying economic growth continue to remain strong and are supported by buoyant private sector business activities," he said.
"In addition, the recent depreciation of the kina has delivered benefits to PNG exporters by making the price of their goods more competitive internationally. Going forward, the value of the kina is expected to strengthen when proceeds from the PNG LNG project exports start flowing into the country.
"The depreciation is attributed to higher foreign exchange outflows for import payments, repayment of foreign loans and dividends payments and also reflects developments in the economies of our major trading partners," Mr Pruaitch said.
Currently, the US dollar is recovering as the US economy improves, which results in the kina falling against the US dollar.
↧
↧
Kramer arrested on ‘conspiracy to kill’
This was confirmed to the media by NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Andy Bawa yesterday about the controversial arrest that has since gone viral on social media.
Supt Bawa said Mr Kramer was arrested on allegations of conspiracy to commit murder. Supt Bawa said he had only been made aware of the arrest after being contacted by the media, adding that the arrest was prompted by a complaint laid by Madang MP Nixon Duban.
The allegations were that Mr Kramer had planned at some point in time to cause the death of Mr Duban, who is Petroleum and Energy Minister in the Peter O’Neill-led Government.
Supt Bawa said the allegations were serious and that questioning and further investigations would have to be made before a statement could be released.
In a text message sent before he was cut off from communications, Mr Kramer had told members of his social media group to publish that he was confident any charges or complaints made against him were all on unreasonable grounds that had no legal standing and were only attempts to put pressure on him to deter his social media work.
The arrest was made at Port Moresby’s Ela Beach Brasserie at 2pm yesterday.
Patrons of the restaurant who witnessed the arrest said uniformed officers arrived at the hotel in two vehicles and made the arrest. The arrest comes straight after Mr Kramer was accused at the weekend of publishing news about the Prime Minister’s referral to a tribunal on social media prematurely.
Prior to his arrest, Mr Kramer made it clear that his publications on social media were only made after a press release from the Public Prosecutor was issued on Friday last week.
Mr Kramer and Mr Duban have contested the Madang Open seat in 2012, the result of which Mr Kramer disputed, leading to last year’s by-election. PNG Today/Post Courier
↧
North Korea threatens nuclear test
 |
North Korea has threatened to conduct a nuclear test in response to a United Nations move towards a probe into the country's human rights violations.
Its foreign ministry on Thursday accused the United States of orchestrating a recent UN resolution calling for the investigation.
North Korea previously conducted nuclear tests in 2006, 2009 and 2013.
Its threat comes as new satellite images emerge indicating fresh activity at a North Korean nuclear facility.
A UN human rights committee on Tuesday passed a resolution calling on the Security Council to refer North Korea to the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.
Pyongyang said the resolution was based on "fabricated testimonies" from North Korean defectors and "slander against Pyongyang".
The resolution's approval was a "grave political provocation" by the US and such "aggression..is leaving us unable to further refrain from staging a new nuclear test."
It added that its military deterrence "will be beefed up limitlessly" to guard against the US.
A US State Department spokesman said in response: "It would certainly be unfortunate to threaten with that kind of activity in response to the legitimate focus on North Korea's human rights situation by the international community."
'Unspeakable atrocities'
North Korea has previously rejected claims of human rights violations.
Following a UN report alleging the country was committing "unspeakable atrocities", a Pyongyang official held a rare open briefing last month where he denied the existence of prison camps, and said there were only detention centres.
Tuesday's resolution drew heavily on the report, which was released in February.
Analysts however say that it is unlikely that the Security Council will allow North Korea to be tried in the ICC, as Russia and China - which voted against the resolution - sit on the Council.North Korea's nuclear test threat comes as a US research institute published new evidence that Pyongyang may be restarting a plant that can reprocess nuclear fuel into weapons-grade plutonium.
The US-Korea Institute posted recent satellite images showing activity at a radiochemical laboratory at the Yongbyon facility on 38 North, its website devoted to North Korea analysis.
The pictures show a cooling tower emitting steam, vehicles coming and going, and piles of "grey material" stacked outside a facility believed to be manufacturing fuel.
Previous nuclear tests by North Korea provoked international condemnation and sanctions.
BBC News.
↧
15 year old girl missing since Sunday, mother calls for help
Gracelynne Aihi of Kairuku district, Central Province, fled her family home at Stage 7 following an argument and has not been seen since, despite an extensive search at Gerehu and at her relatives’ homes.
Mother, Imelda Aihi said when her daughter left their house she had told friends that she was going to her grandmother’s house but was not there when they went to check the next day.
Mrs Aihi described her daughter as 168cm tall, has brown-coloured skin and was wearing a black T-shirt with white strips, and a short jeans.
Gracelynne’s mother said they desperately need their daughter to come back home and if anyone has seen her anywhere must contact her on mobile number (+675) 71106581/73776905/73331465.
“To my lovely daughter Grace, please my dear come back home, we love you and miss you so much,” she said.
↧
↧
PNG and China Exim Bank look to new projects on Water Treatment and Broadband Internet
During a meeting with Mr Li Ruogu, the Chairman and President of China Exim Bank, and other leading executives, the Prime Minister highlighted the scope of current Chinese investment, as well as opportunities for further cooperation.
“China Exim Bank already has a very effective working relationship with Papua New Guinea, and we are looking to expand this engagement,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said following the meeting.
“Currently 80 per cent of China Exim Bank’s total loan and project financing commitment in the Pacific region is dedicated to Papua New Guinea. This is both a reflection of our strong bilateral relationship with China, and the ongoing potential of our economy.
“Current funding includes the construction of roads from the Southern Highlands to Kikori in the Gulf province, and significant investment in the Ramu Nickel project in Madang. “With the deepening of relations with China, we would like to see even greater cooperation with China Exim Bank on projects of mutual interest.
“In our discussion we moved closer to agreement on the funding of a water treatment project and the National Broadband System. These projects will provide significant benefit to our people through the provision of additional clean drinking water, and in meeting the growing demand for Internet access used for communications by the public as well as the delivery of education and healthcare services.”
The Prime Minister thanked Mr Li and his executive team for the confidence that they have shown by funding major projects in Papua New Guinea, and highlighted the opportunity for further investment.
“Chinese businesses see the growth potential of our economy, and are particularly interested in investing more in mining, forestry, agriculture, fisheries and ports. “There is also a great deal of interest in investment in the tourism sector with the rising number of Chinese people traveling overseas for vacations. One of the concerns in this area continues to be safety for travellers, and I assured Mr Li that increased budget allocation and training for law and order initiatives is seeing substantial improvements in community safety.
Mr Li assured the Prime Minister that he will continue to encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Papua New Guinea.
↧
Social Media got it wrong on the arrest of Bryan Kramer
 |
| BRYAN KRAMER AND OTHER FELLOW DETAINEES INSIDE BOROKO CELLS. Photo by Paul (facebook post). |
The arrest of Madang businessman Bryan Krammer is nothing to do with Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and the government. According to the Prime Ministers' Media Unit, "Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill has no control over the Police Force or individuals. For the PNG Police Force to act in arresting Bryan Kramer; he must have had a complaint made about him to the PNG Police Force; or the PNG Police Force required his attendance to discuss issues relating to other items currently under investigation" The spokesperson said the Prime Minister has no interest in Brian Kramer and would not waste his time with this person. Our Prime Minister is here to lead the country and to focus on the important issues relating to PNG".
"Once again social media group PNG NEWS got it wrong in blaming Prime Minister O'neill for the arrest of Mr.Krammer. We are sure this will clarify the mis-information relating to the matter posted in the social media channels", the spokesperson said. .
Mr. Kramer has been charged and detained at Boroko cells on allegations of attempted assassination or conspiracy to kill Nixon Duban and three others including the Returning Officer and Assistant Officer of 2013 Madang By-Election. He has been refused bail and is still in Boroko cell.
↧
PNG Science and Technology Secretariat steps up
The national government’s newly-established PNG Science and Technology Secretariat is working around the clock to establish the platform for research and development in PNG.
CEO Professor Teatulohi Matainaho today discussed the roles and functions of the secretariat at the 6th PNG Science, Research and Technology Conference at the University of Papua New Guinea.
Professor Matainaho admitted that despite the lack of capacity, he is adamant that the secretariat will bridge this gap and improve the country’s research and development standard sooner than expected. The national government, under the Department of Education’s Office of Higher Education, Science, Research and Technology established the secretariat last year to improve not only the standard of research and development in the country, but also create wealth and grow the economy through research and sustainable development.
CEO of PNG Science and Technology, Professor Teatulohi Matainaho heads the new secretariat.
When giving an overview of the secretariat’s roles and functions in research and sustainable development at the UPNG today, he admitted there was a big gap that needed to be bridged in terms of funding and infrastructure capacity to achieve the vision of creating a wealthier, healthier and smarter future PNG.
Professor Matainaho said there are a total of 15 research projects that come under the secretariat’s care.
The impact projects include the Pacific Adventist University’s bio-fuel project and renewable energy development; the biodiversity natural products and oils development at the School of Natural and Physical Sciences UPNG; drug discovery and herbal medicines development at UPNG’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the snake bite and anti-venom clinical trial by the same school.
These projects are the first to be funded by the secretariat this year.
He told the conference that the secretariat will work collectively with the national planning and monitoring department and other government departments and research institutions to build the country’s research and development capacity in the next 5 years.
The secretariat was allocated K4.2 million in its operation budget for 2015 and is awaiting its Public Investment Program, or PIP funding upon thorough discussion with the planning department this week.
↧
Enga's Capital shut down after killing
He is one of two people reported to have been killed yesterday, with a third man in critical condition at the Wabag General Hospital.
As tribal fights continued to disrupt business and life in the Highlands, the Karl and Kii tribes took over Wabag, with businesses and properties destroyed and vandalised and fighting continuing. The town is under threat, a witness said.
Wapenamanda district administrator Simon Wais said the conflict started over a trouble that occurred a few weeks ago when the man killed in public view had chopped the hands of a man from the Kii tribe and threatened to kill others.
He said of the six suspects involved in the killing yesterday, two were arrested by police. The other four had escaped.
Wais said the Kii tribesman tried to kill the chopped up man on Wednesday but he managed to escape.
They found him yesterday morning selling betel nuts at Wabag town.
Councillor Joe Karlkali, of the Karl tribe, told The National that the fighting resulted in the closure of businesses in Wabag yesterday and instigated a bigger tribal fight between the two tribes.
“The father of a little child was chopped by the Kii tribesman,” Karlkali said.
“Properties worth millions of kina have been destroyed. Two lives gone and another will die soon because he is critically wounded.”Karlkali said tension was high and fighting was continuing yesterday evening.
He said a few soldiers and police came up to the fighting area but they could not do anything to stop it so they retreated because high-powered guns were visible.
Karlkali said that the Karl tribe lived around the Wabag town and Kii tribe at the back of the Karl tribe.
↧
↧
PNG Power staff attacked
PNG Power Ltd is calling on the general public in the country to respect its personnel who are working in the rural areas to deliver electricity supply to villages.
This follows the brutal attack on two PPL employees engaged in Rural Electrification (RE) Projects in Enga Province.
The employees were attacked by man from Pele Paspas Village just outside of Wabag while they were working at their job site. The two linesmen were taken to the Wabag General Hospital for medical attention and the mater reported to the Wabag police on the same day.
Since then, no arrests have been made since the incident on Sunday October 19. The RE project team is in Wabag to construct various power line projects for the Wabag District at the request of local MP, Robert Ganim. The PPL Management will not hesitate to cease work at similar projects nationwide if such cowardly actions are put on our employees.
PPL continues to experience such attacks on its employees nationwide who are working hard behind the scenes to bring electricity services to the people of Papua New Guinea.
I condemn such attacks that happened in Wabag and will not hesitate to withdraw from the projects if PPL employee’s lives are at risk.
I appeal to the good citizens of this country and the provincial leaders to support the work of PNG Power and create a conducive and safe environment for PPL employees to complete electricity projects around the country.
↧
ORO BRIDGE PROJECT STARTS
The Multi million kina "Oro Bridge Re-construction project" in Northern province has formally commenced, after years of delay.
The bridge project was funded by Australian government, at the cost of 130 million kina through the Transport and Infrastructure Support Program.
Unfortunately the big project was launched yesterday, without the presence of elected provincial leaders including the Governor, Garry Juffa.
The quite and beautiful Oro Bay Beach side came a live with traditional singsing groups and live bands put up by the locals, who came in from all over Oro.
Organized by Canconstruct PNG, the company that will construct the bridges, together with the office of the Provincial Governor, the event attracted hundreds of locals and business houses within the province.
The gathering was basically to celebrate the commencement of the major development project, the "Oro Bridge Re-construction project" .
Inset....
Present at the occasion includes,representatives from AusAID, Owner of Canconstruct, Robin Murphy and his executive team , and local community leaders.
Unfortunately, there were no presence of elected provincial leaders, despite invitations and numerous attempts by the organizers to bring them in.
Governor Gary Juffa was expected to do the official ground breaking ceremony at the Eroro bridge, one of the four bridges that will under go re- construction, but was notably absent due to other urgent commitment.
However that did not stop the locals from their planned program as they took ownership of the project as this is something they have been waiting for in years.
The bridge project has been funded by Australian government at the cost of 130 million kina after Cyclone Guba hit the province in 2007, but work has been delayed for some years.
Provincial works manager John Puri briefly told NBC News from the site, the long delay is mainly due to procurement processes involved in awarding the contract.
Meantime the four bridges, which includes, the Eroro, Girua, Ambogo, and Kumusi bridges were among many other bridges in Oro that were damaged by Cyclone Guba.
These bridges will now be re- constructed to much stronger and bigger with two lane each.
According to the project site manager, the new bridges should be ready for use by mid 2016.
↧
Grace 'PNG's first TV drama coming soon
Grace is a Television Drama Series in ten parts. This first ever PNG TV Series produced in Papua New Guinea by local talent. Will be showing in cinemas next month.
TribalVoice ArtsLink, the company of McPolly Koima, initiated Grace to address and advocate for family violence and girl’s right to freedom and education.
The film was shot in Port Moresby and Simbu. The series is also edited into a 2hrs film version, which will be launched at the Paradise Cinema on the 26th November. The TV series will be broadcast on a TV station next year.
The Grace story evolves around a young girl who chases her dream to become a lawyer. During her pursuit she confronts challenges that exist in the society. Among the challenges is the male-dominated culture she lives in.
In this film, through the eyes of Grace we see all these social and family issues unfold.
The film was written, directed and produced by McPolly Koima. McPolly has also acted in a 2010 German Film 'Jungle Child' which was distributed by Universal Studios.
↧
Solomon Islands Caretaker PM unseated in major election upset
He was unseated by new comer Jimson Fiau Tanangada in what is by far the biggest upset in the 2014 national elections.
Returning Officer Patrick Toiraina announced the results for the Gizo/Kolombangara Constituency just after 11pm last night in Gizo after a marathon ballot count.
Mr Toiraina could not disclose the winning margin, saying this will have to be relayed to the Governor General first.
However, the Solomon Star understands Mr Tanangada, a member of the United Democratic Party), polled more than 2,000 votes, with a winning margin of over 200 ballots.
Mr Lilo, who was overly optimistic of winning a fourth term in parliament before hitting the campaign trail, was not around in Gizo when the results were announced last night.
But it’s understood he was informed by his supporters.
Mr Tanangada, a secondary school teacher who holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) in Papua New Guinea, strongly advocated for “change” during his campaign.
His final campaign on the eve of polling day at Gizo was believed to have swayed a lot of undecided voters to his side.
He was not around at Gizo when the results were pronounced last night.
Mr Lilo has been the MP for Gizo/Kolombangara since 2001. He had served three terms in parliament, including three years as prime minister in the last House.
The final bill he brought to the last parliament, before it dissolved was the Prime Minister’s (Pensions and Benefits) Bill 2014.
The bill stipulates that a former Prime Minister who has held the Office of the Prime Minister on or after the 7th of July 1978 will be paid a pension at an annual rate of 60% of the current salary payable to the incumbent.
Solomon Star
↧
↧
Australian Scholarships Awardees set for study
The 154 Australia Awards recipients, of whom 85 were women and 69 men, gathered from across PNG for pre-departure briefings in Port Moresby this week.
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Ms Deborah Stokes said an Australia Award represented the culmination of many years of effort, sacrifice and commitment.
“Education brings tremendous opportunities. It opens up the range of choices we have. It is transformative,” said Ms Stokes.
“PNG needs all of its citizens educated and able to participate in the nation’s development. In 2015, more than 50 per cent of Australia Award recipients are women, and almost 10 per cent are to people living with a disability.
“Australia Awards also provide recipients the opportunity and responsibility to show leadership in their community, their organisation, or in the political sphere. We want to support the next generation of PNG leaders,” Ms Stokes said.
Most of the group are first time recipients of Australia Awards and will be supported to return to PNG with a qualification and skills they can use to effectively contribute to furthering Papua New Guinea’s development.
Since 1996, more than 2000 Papua New Guineans have studied in Australia on scholarships.
Australia Awards promote knowledge, education links and enduring ties between Australia and PNG and are part of Australia's commitment to providing education opportunities to improve living standards and stimulate economic growth.
↧
Youth Healthy Lifestyle Advocate, Author, and Medical Expert to Visit Papua New Guinea
As part of its Women’s Empowerment Speaker Series, the U.S. Embassy will host Dr. Jeri Dyson, an American medical professional who advocates for teens and young adults to raise their awareness on issues of self-esteem, reproductive health, emotional and physical violence, and HIV/AIDS. Dr. Dyson will visit Papua New Guinea November 22 - 29, 2014.
Dr. Dyson will meet with a variety of youth audiences, civil society members, and health professionals to share her experience and knowledge helping to help teens and young adults lead successful lives.
Dr. Dyson is an adolescent medicine physician who specializes in sexually transmitted infections. As an advocate for teens and young adults, Dr. Dyson’s expertise is not limited to these topics but also includes obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Her life motto "Helping Teens Become Successful in Every Area of Life" is to properly arm youth with information needed to make healthier life choices.
A dynamic lecturer for audiences of all ages, Dr. Dyson has a way of making difficult concepts simple and is highly sought after for her presentations. She speaks nationally and internationally and is the resident medical physician for Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) Rap-It-Up HIV/AIDS Campaign. She is also the featured medical expert for BET's 106 & Park 2-hour World AIDS Day Specials. She has made appearances on Trinity Broadcasting Network’s (TBN) Doctor to Doctor series. Dr. Dyson is the host of the Dr. Jeri Speaks Talk Show which highlights "HOT TEEN TOPICS" and features well-respected national guest experts. Dr. Dyson is co-founder of The Soul Sisters Mentoring Program for African American Girls. This program pairs high risk adolescent females one on one with professional African American women who have made positive impacts within their community
A native of Washington, D.C., Dr. Dyson received her medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, then went on to complete her pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit. She completed a dual fellowship program in adolescent medicine and sexually transmitted diseases at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her undergraduate degree from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/drjeridyson
↧
Pato shares PNG perspective with G20 Ministers
As part of his intervention, he proposed a more effective means for communication and the sharing of information between G20 states and developing nations.
The Foreign Minister Pato attended the G20 Foreign Ministers’ dinner at the invitation of Australia’s Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop .
“In discussion with Foreign Minister counterparts, I elaborated on Papua New Guinea’s engagement with close regional partners to ensure collective attention on significant challenges,” the Minister said following the meeting.
“This included discussion of collaborative efforts with Papua New Guinea’s close partners Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand to combat terrorism associated with transnational crime.
“This includes the terrible issues of human trafficking and people smuggling in the Asia-Pacific.
“I further shared Papua New Guinea’s perspective on sustainable development issues relating to matters such as climate change, and preparations to deal with Ebola if it was to ever be detected in Papua New Guinea.
“It was a frank and open discussion in which I appreciated the insight provided by G20 Foreign Ministers, and I feel the Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island perspective was enlightening to my counterparts.”
Minister Pato advised that developing countries were looking to tangible outcomes from the G20 Leaders Meeting on sensitive development issues.
“Many of the economic issues to being considered by G20 Leaders have a direct impact on Papua New Guinea and developing economies in the Pacific.
“Papua New Guinea has recommended that G20 could adopt some practices from the APEC process where ministers meet and provide recommendations to Leaders.
“The proposal was well received by ministers and endorsed by Indonesia’s new Foreign Minister, Retno L.P. Marsudi.
“Papua New Guinea appreciates being invited to speak at this event for G20 ministers and sharing views that are representative of the interests and aspirations of developing economies around our Pacific region.”
↧
JUFFA : WISE DECISION VITAL FOR PNG's FUTURE
Papua New Guinea must make decisions based on free fundamental principles, to preserve and conserve its vast natural resources.
Northern Governor, Gary Juffa said, the decisions made today will determine the future of the country's children.
Juffa expressed this, citing foreign influx as a threat to P-N-G's environment and natural resources.
He said, the country has the largest landmass in the Pacific Region, making up about one-fifth of the World's surface area and has every right to make responsible decisions.
Juffa further urges Pacific Island nations, to join hands in enacting laws that can harness the concept of preserving resources.
↧
↧
WORKS MINISTER FRANCIS AWESA REFERRED TO POLICE PROSECUTOR
This is for alleged breaches under the Leadership Code.
Mr Awesa also the member for Imbongu was investigated by the Ombudsmen Commission for allegations of misconduct in office.
The O-C say this arises from his failure to uphold his duties and responsibilities of office as required under Section 27 of the Constitution and the Organic Law on Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.
They didn't specify the allegations made against Mr Awesa, however, he was made known by the O-C through a letter last Tuesday of their intention to refer the matter to the Public Prosecutor Pondros Kaluwin.
The O-C is satisfied there is a prima-facie or strong case for the member to answer.
Mr Kaluwin will independently assess evidence presented to him and request the Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia, to appoint a Leadership Tribunal if he's satisfied.
Recently, a tribunal was asked to be set up for Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and Manus M-P Ronny Knight.
A hearing was conducted this week into the allegations against Knight, whilst a tribunal is yet to be appointed for Mr O'Neill.
Mr Knight's tribunal was adjourned on Wednesday, in Port Moresby and will continue in Manus on December 2.
↧
Prime Minister O'neill arrives in Fiji for China-Pacific Islands Countries Economic Development Forum
The China-PIC Leaders meetings take place every three years to discuss issues affecting the Pacific region and how China can partner with the island countries in addressing development issues.
Papua New Guinea and China have long standing diplomatic relations with since 1975 and the relationship has continued to be strengthened over the years through exchange of high level visits, people to people contacts, business, trade and investment. The PNG Government strictly adheres to the “One China Policy.”
China is PNG’s third largest donor apart from Australia and Japan with a total value of aid estimated at USD$220 million that is provided through Grants, Technical Assistance, and Concessional Loans under the Chinese Government and PNG Economic and Technical Cooperation Program.
The meeting with President Jinping will further enhance PNG/China relationship as well as with other Pacific Islands Forum Countries that have bilateral relations with China.
The Chinese presence in the Pacific region is indicative of the strategic importance and is based on mutual respect and cooperation as is evidenced in the many development assistance programs provided by the Government of China.
Prime Minister O’Neill apart from the meeting will witness the signing of various Development Assistance Agreements to be formalized by Minister for Foreign Affairs Rimbink Pato and National Housing Corporation Managing Director Mr John Dege.
These Agreements are as follows:
· Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation
· Framework Agreement on the provision of Concessional Loan
· Government Concessional Loan Agreement
· Preferential Buyer Credit Loan Agreement
· PNG Affordable Housing Construction Project
· PNG Edevu Hydropower Plant Project Investment
China continues to remain an important bilateral partner for PNG and the Pacific region as a whole through its various development assistance programs.
China’s growing presence in the region is evident and individual Pacific Island Countries should focus on expanding relations through business and trade and investment, capacity building, tourism, agriculture and fisheries with China.
↧
Fijian Prime Minister holds talks with Chinese President
FIJI Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama led bilateral talks with the President of the People's Republic of China, H.E Xi Jinping at Nadi in Fiji.
During the bilateral talks, President Xi congratulated the Fijian Prime Minister on the success of the 2014 Fijian elections. He also commended the Government on achievements in nation building and economic and social development in recent years.
The bilateral talks were followed by the exchange of Memoranda of Agreements and Memoranda of Understandings between Fiji and China, which included a visa exemption that means that Fijians no longer require a pre-entry visa to enter China. The others include;
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Fiji and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the Establishment of a Chinese Cultural Centre in Fiji;
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of National Defence of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Defence, National Security and Immigration of the Republic of Fiji;
- Memorandum of Understanding Between the National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Fiji Concerning the Provision of Goods for Addressing Climate Change in Fiji;
- Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation Between The Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Fiji;
- Exchange of Letters about the Construction of Vunidawa Sports Complex Project.
The Prime Minister will hold further talks this afternoon with the Chinese President and Pacific leaders who are in the country for the China State Visit.
↧