The United Arab Emirates and Papua New Guinea have signed a Visa Waiver Agreement, a move expected to enhance trade and investment flows between the two nations, and strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties.
The agreement was welcomed by Papua New Guinea’s Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru, who praised Prime Minister James Marape for formalizing the arrangement with the UAE government.
Marape also proposed greater collaboration in manufacturing, technology and trade access during the meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai, where the leaders discussed expanding economic ties between Papua New Guinea and the UAE.
Minister Maru said that the visa-free travel arrangement would support Papua New Guinea’s broader economic engagement with the Middle East, particularly as the country prepares to establish its diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi later this year.
“This will complement our decision to open our Mission in Abu Dhabi this year. It is also very timely, as we are currently negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE, which we plan to finalize by November this year,” Minister Maru said.
He noted that the agreement comes at a strategic time, as Papua New Guinea is currently negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, with talks expected to be finalized by November.
He said the visa waiver was an important step that would strengthen Papua New Guinea’s position in CEPA negotiations and demonstrate the country’s credibility as a long-term trade and investment partner.
“Our state negotiating team will be in the UAE before the end of this month for the first round of negotiations to be held in a face-to-face meeting, as this will be the first of a series of negotiating sessions,” he added.
