Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Indonesian Consul in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Paulus Langitan, has highlighted Jayapura’s strong potential to serve as a strategic gateway for Indonesian exports to PNG and the wider Pacific region.

Langitan noted that Jayapura plays a vital role in Vanimo’s development, as most of the city’s construction materials and asphalt are sourced from the capital of Indonesia's Papua Province.

This growing cross-border trade, he said, is helping to boost Jayapura’s local economy.

Speaking to local journalists on the sidelines of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebration in Vanimo on Sunday, Langitan emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties between Indonesia and PNG.

He also underscored the need to enhance cooperation between the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and its PNG counterparts.

Indonesian products such as instant noodles and canned foods are widely available in Vanimo, while PNG exports to Jayapura remain limited—resulting in a significant trade surplus for Indonesia, he explained.

KADIN Papua has recently identified PNG as a promising export market, citing its geographic proximity and lower transportation costs.

Beyond trade, Langitan noted that Jayapura and Vanimo, the capital of PNG’s Sandaun Province, have also collaborated in education, including the teaching of the Indonesian language in PNG schools.

Langitan expressed hope that cooperation between Jayapura and PNG would continue to deepen, contributing to greater prosperity for both sides.



Related news: East Lombok's porang factory opens, aims to boost local economy

Related news: CEPA could boost exports to Peru by US$5 bln: ministry