Papua New Guinea (PNG) has further strengthened its growing relations with the United Arab Emirates through a Visa Waiver Agreement signed this week, which comes as great news for trade and investment between the two countries.

The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, commended Prime Minister, James Marape, for the signing of this Visa Waiver Agreement between PNG and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“This will complement our decision to open our Mission in Abu Dhabi this year,” said the minister.

“It is also very timely as we are currently negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE which we plan to finalize by November this year.”

He said the Visa Waiver Agreement is a major coop for PNG’s negotiations and one that will show the country’s credibility to negotiate a CEPA with the UAE. Entering into a CEPA with the UAE will demonstrate PNG’s commitment to establishing a long-term trade and investment partnership with the UAE.

“Our State Negotiating team will be in the UAE before the end of this month for the first round of negotiations to be held in a face-to-face meeting as this will be the first of a series of negotiating sessions,” said Minister Maru.

The Minister said PNG was deliberately diversifying its trading partners, starting with the UAE to leverage its position as a major global port operator to access markets across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

“PNG currently has a CEPA with the European Union only. Apart from the UAE, we also plan to enter into CEPAs with India, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia,” he said.

Minister Maru also commended the Ministers for Immigration and Foreign Affairs, and all responsible departments and agencies for securing this landmark Visa Waiver Agreement with the UAE.