PNG's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Sekie Agisa undertook the visit on Tuesday to closely review Merauke's rice production potential, Suzana Wanggai told ANTARA here on Wednesday.
"Mr Sekie Agisa is keen to observe the rice fields in Merauke," Wanggai, tasked with intensifying border and overseas cooperation at the Papua provincial administration, noted.
Agisa had also expressed keenness to purchase fishing boats produced at the local people's shipyards in Merauke. "May the PNG government's keenness to buy Merauke's rice and fishing boats soon be realized," she remarked.
Related news: Indonesia, PNG relations getting stronger: FM
During his two-day visit, apart from observing the agricultural centers and the local people's shipyards in Merauke, Agisa also visited the PNG-Indonesia border area of Sota, she revealed.
In connection with the PNG-Indonesia efforts to strengthen their bilateral trade ties, both nations' ministers have held regular meetings.
PNG is also recorded as one of Indonesia's main export destinations in the Pacific apart from Australia, New Zealand, Timor Leste, and Fiji, with several commodities and products, ranging from palm oil and tobacco to tires and electronic components.
As part of Indonesia's efforts to forge deeper cooperation with countries in the Pacific, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi had paid a visit to Auckland for the First Pacific Exposition held on July 12-14, 2019.
Related news: Indonesia strives for export diversification in Pacific countries
The Indonesian government facilitated 30 companies engaged in various businesses, including food and beverage, textile and fashion, energy, infrastructure, and services, finance, skilled labor agencies, hotels, and aesthetics, during the expo.
They showcased their products during the expo with the intention of matching their businesses with that of their Pacific counterparts as well as building a network with potential buyers.
A total of 50 companies from 20 Pacific nations, including Indonesia, participated in the First Pacific Exposition held by the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington.
Related news: 123 companies participate in Auckland's First Pacific Exposition
Translator: Evarukdijati, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azizah Fitriyanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
