15 Nov 2012

PNG and Indonesia consider range of joint projects

1:20 pm on 15 November 2012

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister says his government is considering a number of joint projects with Indonesia along their common border.

Peter O'Neill this week held talks in Bali with Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The leaders agreed to increase bilateral trade and investment and to consider joint projects, including utilising Indonesian expertise and technology to develop gas reserves in PNG.

Mr O'Neill confirms PNG is also looking at engaging Indonesian companies to build roads in PNG, and at buying power from a hydro-power station being built in Indonesia near the border.

"That was mooted by both the President and myself, that we should look at opportunities of improving economic activities along the border area so that the standard of living for people living in the border areas can be improved at the same time."

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill