JOINT STATEMENT ON SIGNING FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ON ENHANCED ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT STATE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA
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On 21 May 2026, the Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Wentao, and the Minister for International Trade and Investment of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Richard Maru, signed the Framework Agreement on Enhanced Economic Partnership in Suzhou, China during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting. The two sides agreed to strengthen and elevate China-Papua New Guinea economic and trade relations.
1. Both Parties acknowledge the bilateral economic and trade relations have witnessed sustained growth guided by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Featuring Mutual Respect and Common Development. Both Parties reaffirm their firm commitment to deepening bilateral economic and trade relations through mutual respect, common development, exchanges and cooperation in a broad range of areas, for the greater benefit of the two countries and peoples.
2. Both Parties acknowledge the completion of the Joint Feasibility Study on a Free Trade Agreement between the People’s Republic of China and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. Both Parties agree that the Report of the Joint Feasibility Study will be an important source of reference for future trade negotiations and practical cooperation plans.
3. Both Parties agree to explore new opportunities to strengthen economic and trade relations, and will launch subsequent module negotiations as soon as possible according to the Framework Agreement on Enhanced Economic Partnership. Both Parties recognize that the future trade deal shall be a mutually beneficial bilateral trade arrangement.
4. Taking into account the different levels of development between the two countries, the Parties will work to ensure that negotiations on the future trade agreement is fair, transparent and reflective of the needs and capacity of the Parties. China recognizes the needs of Papua New Guinea as mentioned in the Joint Feasibility Study, especially its trade capacity, and both parties will work on pragmatical outcomes in future practical cooperation.
5. Both Parties agree to further synergize development strategies and expand practical cooperation in a wide range of areas of mutual interest, striving to achieve concrete outcomes. Both Parties will promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment and jointly foster new drivers for global development.
6. Both Parties are committed to enhancing coordination and collaboration under the frameworks of the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and other international fora.
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