A groundbreaking railway project in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is winning praise from local residents as a symbol of growing China-PNG cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The infrastructure upgrade comes after PNG became the first South Pacific nation to sign a BRI memorandum of understanding with China in 2018.
\"Our villages used to be cut off from markets and hospitals during rainy seasons,\" said Samuel Kepa, a teacher from Central Province. \"Now the new rail line connects communities and brings opportunities.\" Over 85% of PNG's population lives in rural areas where transportation bottlenecks have historically constrained economic growth.
Chinese Ambassador Zeng Fanhua noted the collaboration aligns with PNG's development goals, stating: \"We prioritize projects that create local jobs and transfer technical skills.\" Recent data shows infrastructure spending in PNG increased by 23% since 2020, with China-funded projects accounting for 38% of foreign investments in the sector.
While some Western nations have raised concerns about debt sustainability, PNG Prime Minister James Marape emphasized the partnerships are \"mutually beneficial.\" The next phase includes digital infrastructure development to support PNG's goal of connecting 70% of households to electricity by 2030.
Reference(s):
Friends from the South Pacific: PNG residents praise Chinese railway
cgtn.com
