Assistance to Papua New Guinea seen in roads, buildings, gratitude
PORT MORESBY — The International Convention Center, the site of a recent meeting of senior officials with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation mechanism, is a building constructed in distinctive Papua New Guinea style.
The pillars bear carvings of PNG traditional patterns, and the big meeting room at the center is decorated with a tribal totem. But take a closer look on the exterior wall and you will read the red sign: “China Aid”.
According to local newspaper the Post-Courier, China spent 70 million kina (about $21.2 million) to build the center, which was opened in 2016. The Chinese government later gave 20 million kina to the PNG for its maintenance.
“I quite like this center,” said Paul Kasokason, meeting rooms coordinator. “It is quite comfortable, with modern facilities including remote functioning equipment to control light and projection.”
“China helped us a lot in the modernization of Port Moresby,” he said.
Apart from the convention center, China also provided funding for the six-lane highway in Port Moresby between the convention center and the nearby national Parliament, among other projects.
While walking in the APEC venues, Xinhua reporters also met with smiling local people who tried to speak some Chinese words to show their affection for China.
Amanda Tau ran a handcraft booth in the International Media Center. Three of her cousins are in China, working or studying. She had planned a trip to China and asked if she could browse the photos to see China’s scenery.
“China gave us a lot of aid,” she said. “I can see Chinese people running business everywhere.”
The 28-year-old owner of Pacificana local clothing business said Chinese businessmen gave her some good advice: “The Chinese are among the most successful businessmen,” she said. “They work together and help each other.”
Sharon Dua also expressed her gratitude for China’s aid.
The 23-year-old student is a volunteer in the International Media Center.
“I am thankful to China,” she said. “A road here was built by the Chinese government.”
Davara Uru, who worked in the Stanley Hotel & Suites, has great interest in the Chinese culture.
To prepare for the APEC meeting, she learned not only some simple Chinese expressions, but also Chinese culture and etiquette.
“China has a deep culture, which has never faded, and people are proud of that,” she said.
Chinese student Wu Jingru came to Port Moresby five years ago, where she saw the number of Chinese people increasing.
“There are more shops now,” said the 19-year-old girl.
Because of their increasing interaction with the Chinese, Papua New Guineans are now increasingly interested in China.
Kasokason planned to travel to China after APEC.
“I will go first to Beijing,” he said. “It will be good if our countries could maintain this relationship.”