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In July, Air Niugini Cargo, a subsidiary of the flag carrier, announced it would offer a 50 percent discount to firms transporting PNG-made products to export markets from mid-2019, increasing access to external markets for domestic suppliers, particularly in the agricultural sector.

It's been four years since the last East Asia Pacific qualifier in the game's shortest format when Papua New Guinea went through undefeated.

Shane Deitz said the Vanuatu squad has been working hard in preparation since returning from World Cricket League Four in May.

Two teams will advance to the East Asia Pacific Regional Final and Deitz expects all four will fancy their chances.

The success of last year's tournament across Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand has opened the door for international games to be showcased in a similar way to the NRL taking clashes to regional areas in Australia throughout 2018.

The annual mid-season Pacific Tests, which have been played since 2013, have been based in Sydney's west for the last five years – an agreement that will continue next season.

Governor Parkop said the visit by the Russian navy officers in their warship was historic, conveying his warm welcome to them.

During a dialogue hosted yesterday in Parliament, he commended them for showing interest in the city which is hosting the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November.

Mr Parkop said the visit was a testament of Moscow placing value in the Indo-Pacific region.

He added that the countries had a long history dating back to the settlement of Russian scientist and traveler Nikolai Miklouho-Maclay in the country from 1846 to 1888.

The Conference will take place at the InterContinental Budapest and will include worldwide water polo experts, Sport Movement, Sports Business Experts and other relevant personalities from different fields linked to sport.

President of PNG Swimming Inc, Liz Wells, said it is hoped that with Murphy’s direction, water polo will grow in Papua New Guinea and the region as per the FINA and Oceania Swimming Association direction.

He said with the Papua LNG project construction phase on focus, the engagement between the two countries will continue to grow. 

“Our Government is working with French company TOTAL S.A. and other partners to advance Papua New Guinea’s next major gas project,” stated PM O’Neill.

“This project will inject billions of dollars into our economy, and employ and train thousands of Papua New Guineans.

“All parties will continue to advance the Papua LNG project and create new jobs for our people.”

This was revealed by Deputy Chief of Mission of the Chinese Embassy, Yao Ming.

He said economic cooperation between PNG and China has grown over the last few years since the state visit by Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, in 2016.

Since then trade has increased under the guidance of both countries leaders.

“Bi-lateral relations between both countries have proceeded very well and fast, especially in the area of economic cooperation, our two countries trade volume reachedUS$2.8 billion in 2017,” said Deputy Ambassador Ming.

Calls for the NRL to expand into Port Moresby are growing louder by the year, given the island nation’s love of rugby league and ability to produce athletes.

Australian coach and league legend Mal Meninga has led the charge, while other figures such as Matty Johns and James Graham have backed PNG entering the world’s best competition.

All these will be possible after Tuesday’s contract signing between Ambassador of Japan to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Satoshi Nakajima, and head teachers from Kil, Kinjibi primary schools and Tatana Elementary School.

These three schools are successful recipients of the grant assistance for grassroots human security projects under Japan’s official development assistance program in PNG.

A late inclusion trying out for a spot in the Palais team was young touch footballer Gemma Schnaubelt.

Schnaubelt first featured at the 2017 National Touch Championships.

She played for the Brisbane based team and was recently invited by the PNG 7s team to try out.

She is the daughter of Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt.

She arrived from Brisbane this afternoon before taking the field.

A little jetlagged, Schnaubelt joined the rest of the players in the selection trials under head coach John Larry.