20/12/2023
HISTORIC LAUNCH OF DIRECT FLIGHT FROM GUANGZHOU TO PORT MORESBY MARKS FIRST REGULAR CONNECTION BETWEEN CHINA AND A SOUTH PACIFIC NATION
PORT MORESBY, 20 DECEMBER 2023: Papua New Guinea takes its first historic step towards strengthening international relations and fostering economic growth with the inauguration of the INAUGURAL CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES FLIGHT FROM GUANGZHOU TO PORT MORESBY. This momentous event marks the very first regular direct flight between China and a South Pacific nation, heralding a new era of connectivity and cooperation.
MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND CIVIL AVIATION, HON. WALTER DAVID SCHNAUBELT stated, "This weekly flight service will open up the skies, allowing us to work together and strengthen the friendship between our nations. It's an encouragement for our traders and farmers to seize this opportunity and explore the potential market in China. The responsibility now falls upon us, the citizens of Papua New Guinea, to capitalize on this opportunity and open up our country's market to the world."
MINISTER FOR TOURISM, ARTS AND CULTURE, HON. ISI HENRY LEONARD highlighted, "Before 2019, the number of tourists coming to PNG was just over 6,000. In 2019, it rose to 14,000. Today's launch is a significant step towards venturing into the lucrative Chinese market, and I welcome all businessmen to explore PNG and enjoy your stay in our rainbow-colored country."
NCD GOVERNOR, HON. POWES PARKOP added, "On behalf of the capital city of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, I want to join the Ministers of Transport and Tourism in welcoming China Southern Airlines to our capital city. There is immense potential for export and import between our people and the People's Republic of China, as well as in the field of tourism. What this capital city can offer is a rich tapestry of diversity, encompassing a thousand tribes, vibrant cultures, time-honored traditions, captivating performances, and colorful festivals.