The most populous country among the Pacific Island states, Papua New Guinea (PNG) needs to upgrade its existing infrastructure if it wants significant economic growth. Fortunately, one of its staunch supporters in this endeavor is nearby Australia, one of the world’s richest and most stable economies.
According to the Australian Financial Review, PNG will be receiving a total of $384 million (580 million Australian dollars) in aid grants and loans for the repair of existing ports and the construction of new ones starting 2022.
“The investment will improve trade and connectivity in the region, support and economic recovery from COVID-19 and help safeguard the development of critical infrastructure in Papua New Guinea,” then prime minister Scott Morrison said at that time.
For our interest going forward, we have no closer friend
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
than Papua New Guinea.
Outside infrastructure support, PNG signed a security pact with Australia in December 2023 after having sealed a defense deal with the United States earlier in the year.
“For our interest going forward, we have no closer friend than Papua New Guinea,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a report by Al Jazeera.
Aside from these development and defense projects, PNG also receives assistance from other countries like Japan, especially after natural disasters.
Earlier this year, Japan’s Office of Development Assistance provided $1 million to assist PNG following a devastating landslide in Enga province. As the implementing party of the aid package, the International Organization for Migration helped 2,000 individuals affected by the disaster.
With the support and cooperation of progressive nations, PNG can focus on building its future and securing stability.
