Foreign affairs boss wants business at border boosted

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK, the National PNG

Papua New Guinea and Indonesia have to develop economic activities along the border, Foreign Affairs and Trade Secretary Barbara Age says.
This is for West Sepik and Indonesia’s Papua Province.

Age was speaking yesterday during an economic development cooperation forum between PNG and Indonesia in Port Moresby

“We are seeing huge opportunities along the border in Batas/Wutung,” Age said. “There is greater potential to enhance business activities along the border by establishing the necessary mechanisms.

“For instance, establishing an economic zone along the border, and the necessary infrastructure and facilities, could contribute to greater cross-border trade.”

Meanwhile, a senior Indonesian government official said there was more economic potential to be developed between the two countries,

“The potential is there, but unfortunately, not many people from both countries know about it and also that we share the same land border,” Asia-Pacific and African affairs directorate general-secretary Rossy Verona said.

“That’s why we are having such a meeting so that we will identify the challenges and move on.

“We want to share a lot of cooperation with PNG, we want to share the potential of our state-owned companies, we want to develop more cooperation along the border .
“PNG is an important partner to Indonesia and we need to develop our border to develop well.”

Verona is leading the joint Indonesian government and business delegation to meet with their PNG counterparts to discuss potential economic activities between both countries.

Age has praised Indonesian Ambassador Ronald Manik for his effort in finalising the extradition treaty between Indonesia and PNG.

“This treaty, which came into force in 2018, is promoting relationships between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia,” she said

Age also thanked the Indonesian government for helping PNG host a successful Apec Leaders’ Summit, help with the supply of formal attire for staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, protocol training and training for Apec Joint Security Task Force members in small arms and light weapons.

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