Queensland signs memorandum of understanding with PNG
Queensland has strengthened the relationship with its northern neighbour, Papua New Guinea, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk signing a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Prime Minister of PNG, the Honourable Peter O’Neill.
The four-year Memorandum of Understanding outlines priority areas of cooperation developed by Queensland and PNG and builds on successive Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in place since March 1992.
The Premier signed the document alongside Prime Minister O’Neill to coincide with the Papua New Guinea Investment Conference 2018 in Brisbane and said the new MOU would enhance the state’s people-to-people, government-to-government, and business-to-businesses links with PNG.
“Queensland has a long-standing relationship with PNG – our closest international neighbour, with whom we share not just a border, but strong business, cultural and sporting ties,” the Premier said.
“The MOU we have signed today further enhances opportunities for individuals, communities and businesses, with an agreed schedule of cooperative activities for the year ahead.
“With 43.1 per cent of Australia’s total merchandise exports to PNG coming from Queensland, the MOU recognises the desire to further promote our exports and share expert advice on developing agricultural industries within PNG.
“Many activities in the schedule are mutually beneficial in nature and support the Queensland Government’s Our Future State priorities, especially those which centre on trade and health.”
In addition to better business links, further cooperative activities include Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service officers continuing to provide assistance to the Kokoda Track Authority on track upgrades, slope stabilisation and regeneration.
There will be further efforts to promote agricultural exports between Queensland and PNG, and explore opportunities to provide expert advice on developing a range of agricultural industries in PNG including avocados, pineapples, mangos and beef cattle.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services will continue to help PNG Fire Services with emergency response communications in PNG. Agencies will also exploring opportunities to increase training for PNG women in health care and continue the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership Placement Program.
