PNG interested in forging closer economic ties with Indonesia

Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has expressed interest in strengthening economic ties with Indonesia, particularly Papua province.

PNG's Deputy Prime Minister Moses Maladina highlighted on Friday some sectors in which Papua and PNG could work more closely: forestry, fishery, communications, air transportation and mining.

"We still need investors to manage our rich natural resources, and I'm inviting investors from Indonesia, particularly Papua, to get involved in the business.

We have already invited investors from China and Malaysia; why not invite Indonesian investors as we are next-door neighbors?" Moses said, during his one-day visit to the province.

He met with Papua province vice governor Constan Karma during his visit here.

Moses said that PNG's population was only just over five million people, but the country was rich in natural resources.

Moses also hoped that PNG businesspeople would expand into Indonesia. The country could be an attractive market for PNG products as Indonesia had a large population of over 200 million people.

Traditional relationships between the people of the two countries, especially those living along the common border, were formed a long time ago as they share the same ancestors.

It has been customary for those crossing the border between the two countries not to show their passport or apply for visas when visiting, but simply to use their border crossing passes.

PNG nationals do their shopping daily in Jayapura. They usually take with them items to trade in Papua and before returning home buy things for subsequent resale in PNG.

A follow-up visit by PNG government officials was planned in March to discuss details of the planned economic cooperation.

Vice governor Karma has responded positively to PNG's call, as the matter has often been discussed between the two parties.

Cooperation in the education sector has been achieved through student exchanges. "In the near future, at least 17 students from PNG will study in various Jayapura schools," he said.