MALAYSIA'S RELATIONS WITH PAPUA NEW GUINEA

High Commissioner of Malaysia Datin Seri Blanche Olbery on the occasion of the 37th Independence Anniversary of Papua New Guinea and 55th Anniversary of Malaysia’s Independence wished the O’Neill- Dion government the continued strength and success in developing the country and delivering peace, progress and prosperity. Olbery said, “in the span of over 55 years Malaysia has graduated from a low income country that was heavily reliant on the export of primary commodities to what it is now a diversified economy, highly industrialised and service oriented nation.” Despite uncertainties in the world economic climate its GDP growth will remain moderate as robust domestic demand is expected to drive the economy. She further confirmed that, “Malaysia’s political and economic stability, prudent and pragmatic investor friendly business policies, cost-productive workforce, a developed infrastructure comparable to that of any developed country and a host of other amenities makes it an enticing place for investors”. It is in one of the world’s top locations for offshore manufacturing and service based operations as multinational corporations from over 40 countries have invested in over 5000 companies. Malaysians success was not only in the material sense but holistic under the National Transformational Plan, the transformational activities not only involved the government through Government Transformational Plan (GTP) and economy through Economic Transformational Plan (ETP) but also political and rural transformation. Bilateral relations between Malaysia and Papua New Guinea continued to be friendly since its establishment in 1975. The solid foundation ahs been built by the existing cooperation in the areas of trade and investment. The High Commissioner further stated that, “in 2011, total trade between Malaysia and PNG was Kina 1.64 billion, a significant increase from Kina 407 million achieved in 2010. Trade performance is expected to match, or most likely, surpass last year’s total performance and as of May 2012, total trade was registered at Kina 950 million, which more than half of last year’s total trade.” Apart from trade and investment the two countries are actively pursuing several other important components in bilateral relations such as information, communication and technology and human resources development Programme to PNG under the scope of Malaysian Technical Coorporation Programme (MTCP). In conclusion Olbery highlighted that, “all Malaysians in the country that the Malaysian government attaches great expectations on the role of the Malaysian private sector in the development of Papua New Guinea. It is our hope that the Malaysian companies operating in this blessed country do remain good corporate citizens and abode by the local standards and regulations.” Datin Seri Blanche Olbery expressed her gratitude to the Malaysian Association of Papua New Guinea (MAPNG) for their continued contribution in various charitable activities and community development programmes in Papua New Guinea.