ASIA-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) countries and PNG’s trading partners have been invited to invest in the Ihu Special Economic Zone (ISEZ) in Kikori, Gulf, an official says.
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade secretary Elias Rahuromo Wohengu said the ISEZ concept began during the Apec Leaders’ Summit in 2018 in Port Moresby.
Wohengu rubbished news reported overseas that China was intending to establish a military base in either Daru, Western or within the ISEZ.
PNG has invited Apec economies such as the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the People’s Republic of China “to invest in this large national economic project”.
Wohengu said the ISEZ promoted sustained, inclusive, broad-base economic growth and downstream processing in the country.
He said only China had responded to be part of the national project.
“We want shipping ports open for international shipping line to export the products that would come out from the Ihu Special Economic Zone Project,” he said.
“Allegations that China would use their involvement in this national project to establish a military base is unfounded and very harmful to PNG-China bilateral relations.”
Wohengu said PNG’s priority was on realising economic independence for the country, and not on building security as claimed by the international media.
“All bilateral and development partners are welcome to work together with PNG in the ISEZ as well as other important national economic projects to assist PNG achieve this economic goal.”
