Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said he is looking forward to working closely with the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that he hopes will see increased cooperation between the two nations.
Papua New Guineas are involved in a range of technical training programs offered by the Government of India, while cooperation is expanding in trade and investment.
“Around 600 Papua New Guineans have gained skills from development programs in India that are now delivering benefits to sectors that include agriculture, information technology and human resource management,” the Prime Minister said.
“India is a world leader in many of these areas and we look forward to expanding our partnership in this training.”
The Prime Minister further noted that more than 200 Indian professionals are currently working in Papua New Guinea as medical practitioners, academics, accountants, IT and software professionals, human resource managers and missionaries.
“The contribution that Indian nationals make to business and economic development in Papua New Guinea is welcome and has the opportunity to expand.”
Investment by Indian companies has increased in recent years, especially in areas such as wholesale and retail activities, manufacturing and real estate, and has tremendous potential in the resources sector.
“India has also shown considerable interest to invest in the PNG LNG Project,” PM O’Neill said.
“Investment in LNG would help India to increase supply to meet growing domestic energy demand that is needed to sustain its growing economy.
“Our two governments and business representatives will continue to discuss options to expand investment opportunities in Papua New Guinea’s resources sector.”
PNG’s main exports to India are copper, gold, tea, logs, sawn timber, waste and recyclable metals including aluminum, tin, iron and steel.