Photo Credit: Canberra Times - Zed Saselja
The Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Zed Saselja, stated that Australia wishes to assist the PNG government in addressing its budgetary and economic issues.
During a press conference, Saselja stated that Australia has provided US$400 million (K1.3 billion) in loans to PNG's budget priorities over the previous two years.
“This is on top of substantial development assistance provided through our bilateral programme,” Saselja said.
“We are working to support PNG’s aspirations to lay the foundation for future growth.
“PNG faces a significant challenge in providing employment and prosperity for its young and rapidly growing population.
“We have heard PNG’s call for quality infrastructure to support development.
“There is now a pipeline of projects under the AU$2 billion (about K5 billion) Australian infrastructure financing facility for the Pacific.
“These will include investments in electricity, roads and ports.”
The Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, he noted, posed a difficulty for cross-border businesses.
“We have worked with Air Niugini to ensure that commercial flights to Australia never stopped. We have also assisted the PNG government to introduce pre-departure Covid-19 testing at Jackson international airport.
“We also worked closely with businesses to support travel exemptions arrangement for workers in the resources sector.”
Travel restrictions from Australia to PNG were restored to global settings on August 11, while Covid-19 limitations remain in place.
Reference:
The National (8 September 2021). “Aust open to help PNG: Minister”.
