Prime Minister (PM) and Foreign Affairs Minister, James Marape has extended an invitation to Chinese investors in a bid to promote the country as a prime business destination. The PM made this statement when he invited the Governor of Guangdong Province, the country’s premier trading partner in China, Wang Weizhong to a breakfast this week. Whilst recognizing Guangdong as the largest and fastest-growing economy in terms of GDP among the 31 provinces and municipalities in mainland China, Marape also stated that it stands as an example of a prosperous Chinese province. “We warmly welcome investors from your province and encourage the continued strengthening of relationships between our capital city and your province and cities. It is a pleasure to have you here for the second time, and you are most welcome." With the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) all around the country, has expressed willingness to provide land to Chinese investors interested in forestry, fisheries, oil and gas, and other sectors. The Prime Minister spoke highly of the Chinese President, Xi Xing Ping in the 90’s. T hen Governor of the Fujian Province and his connection with the country, and his role in the founding of the Lufa Mushroom Project. "Your President is a true friend of Papua New Guinea. Even when he served as Governor of Fujian Province, he maintained a special relationship with Eastern Highlands Province. Some of the projects he initiated, such as the Lufa Mushroom Project, continue to thrive." Marape also went on to state the longstanding association of Chinese merchants and their influence in the country. "Chinese people have been a part of Papua New Guinea for over 200 years. Many of our foundational businesses were established by Papua New Guineans of Chinese origin.You are not among strangers but amidst a nation and people with strong ties not only to the Republic of China, but also to the Chinese people." PM Marape expressed his gratitude to President Xi for elevating China-PNG relations to a higher level and thanked China for its status as PNG's largest trading partner.