Xue Bing

These were the remarks of Chinese Ambassador to PNG, Xue Bing, when handing over vehicles that will be used during the APEC meet.

The international Convention Center, Independence Boulevard, Poreporena Freeway upgrade, UOG, K300m ANGAU hospital upgrade, Kokopo sewerage projects and many others are projects funded either by grants or concessional funding by China.

PNG is the biggest recipient of Chinese Aid in the Pacific region and has consistently held a one-China policy over the years which will continue, says Minister for National Planning, Richard Maru.

Speaking at a recent event in Port Moresby, Xue believes with support from other partners, PNG will deliver a successful APEC meeting.

China, like many development partners, has come heavy to assist the PNG Government prepare for the APEC meeting in November 2018.

“We’ve been doing a lot to help PNG hold a successful APEC Meeting,” he said.

An understanding between the PNG Government and China in 2002 has seen a continued support in addressing specialised equipment, manpower and facilities in the country. 

There has since been at least 8 specialised medical teams to the country to date and a service that has reached almost 100,000 patients in PNG.

Port Moresby General Hospital is one big recipient from this partnership, enabling better service to the population.

CEO Dr Umesh Gupta, who took over the office in 2014, says over this time, he has seen great development.

China has been assisting PNG in most of its infrastructure projects, overseeing renovations and constructions and upgrades.

Hence, while other countries were worried, Ambassador Xue said the Chinese president, Xi Jingping, on the other hand, has remained confident in PNG.

The President of the People’s Republic of China had confirmed his attendance to PNG’s Prime Minister Peter O’Neill back in 2016, when they met in China. 

“That shows our confidence and support in PNG government. China believes that PNG can equally host the APEC meet,” said Ambassador Xue.