Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Richard Maru, has called for further strengthening of ties with China.
Following the handing over of the International Convention Centre to the PNG Government and launching of the China-AID APEC Roads Projects, Maru said ties with China should be enhanced through a bilateral agreement focusing on aid.
He said recently the Chinese Government has supported PNG through various aid projects.
And it was only fitting that ties with the country be strengthened through the area of aid.
“Chinese Government has over recent years started to make a lot of investments into our country, not necessarily as loans, but as gifts to our government,” said Maru.
“And I think it’s time both government look at taking the relationship to another level, by looking at a bilateral agreement that covers aid flows from china to Papua New Guinea.”
Maru thanked the Chinese Ambassador to PNG, Xue Bing, his delegates and the Chinese Government for the road projects and the International Convention Centre.
He said the ICC will be used to promote PNG.
“This building provides an opportunity for us to go out and market our country to host international meetings and conference, in such a world class facility.
“I want to thank again the people of China for this gift,” said Minister Maru.
Minister Maru said the Government will ensure they put in place a proper management system to look after the ICC.
(The International Convention Centre in Port Moresby)