The Governments of Papua New Guinea and China have signed a Framework Agreement on Enhanced Economic Partnership aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between the two countries.

The agreement was signed on May 21, 2026, in Suzhou, China, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting.

China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao and Papua New Guinea’s Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments.

In a joint statement, both countries acknowledged the continued growth of bilateral economic and trade relations under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, featuring mutual respect and common development.

The two governments reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic and trade cooperation through broader exchanges and collaboration in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of both nations and their people.

Both sides also acknowledged the completion of the Joint Feasibility Study on a proposed Free Trade Agreement between China and Papua New Guinea. The study will serve as an important reference point for future trade negotiations and practical cooperation initiatives.

Under the agreement, Papua New Guinea and China will begin exploring new opportunities to strengthen trade and economic relations, with plans to launch further negotiations under the enhanced partnership framework as soon as possible.

The two countries agreed that any future trade arrangement should be mutually beneficial while taking into account the different levels of development between the two nations.

China also recognized Papua New Guinea’s development needs, particularly in trade capacity, as identified in the Joint Feasibility Study. Both countries are committed to working towards practical and fair outcomes in future negotiations and cooperation programs.

The agreement further outlines plans to align development strategies and expand cooperation in a wide range of sectors while promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.

Both governments are also committed to strengthening coordination and collaboration through international platforms including the United Nations and the APEC.