Mr Talboys arrives in Papua New Guinea

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34120, 5 April 1976, Page 18

Mr Talboys arrives in Papua New Guinea

Zealand Press Assoc tatton—Copyright/ PORT MORESBY, April 4. \’ew Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister . (Mr Taiboys) arrived here tonight tor a brief but historic visit to Papua New Guinea.

When he stepped out of his R.N.Z.A.F. aircraft at Port Moresby this evening Mr Taibays became the first New Zealand Government Minister to visit Papua New Guinea since independence last September. At Independence. NewZealand was represented by the then Minister of Maori Affairs (Mr Rata). Mr Taiboys is also the most senior New Zealand Government visitor to Papua New Guinea since the late Mr Norman Kirk came in December. 1973. Although Mr Taiboys, the Minister for Foreign Affairs; and Overseas Trade, will be* in Port Moresbv for only one full day of official business.: he will seek to develop trade and political relations between the National Government and this South Pacific nation. The visit comes at the end of a three-week Asian tour by Mr Taiboys which began on March 16. His travels have so far taken him to Singapore. Kuala Lumpur. Bangkok. Hong Kong. Manila and Jakarta Port Moresby is the last stop.

Mr Taiboys was greeted with full ceremonial honours by his Papua New Guinea foreign affairs and trade counterpart. Sir Maori Kiki. who will act as the official host during the visit. The two men will hold extensive talks on all aspects Of relations between the two countries, covering such topics as prospects for increasing trAde. the New Zealand aid programme to Papua NewGuinea and the political and economic situation as it affects Asia and the Pacific. New Zealand’s new- Commissioner in Paoua New- Guinea. Mr David Robertson, has said there could be much more trade between the countries because manv products from New Zealand could be cheaper for Panua New Guinea to buv than from traditional markets in Australia. Two-wav trade is at present small although fairly balanced with each countrv importing about $2.5m worth of each other’s products. The main problem has been shipping with infrequent services hampering a healthy growth. Mr Taiboys’ party includes Mr Alan Robertson, the assistant Secretary for Trade in the Department of Trade and Industry-.

The New Zealanders will be trying to interest Papua New Guinea to buy more food and dairy products, chemicals, building materials and electrical goods, while Papua New Guinea will look: to sell more tea. coffee, timber and seafoods. Sir Maori has already said he is sure Papua New Guinea and New Zealand can improve two-way trade. Mr Talboys will tomorrow also pay courtesy calls on the] Prime Minister (Mr Somare): and the Governor-General: (Sir John Guise). He will I leave for Wellington on Tues-: day morning.