PNG interested in forging closer economic ties with Indonesia
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.