Giving a major boost to the bilateral relations between the two countries, India and Papua New Guinea today signed four MoUs in myriad sectors at capital Port Moresby.<br/><br/>The MoUs were signed in the presence of the visiting President Pranab Mukherjee and the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O' Neil. AIR special Correspondent accompanying the President, reports that the MoUs relate to Agriculture, Health, Information Technology and Infrastructure. Under the first MoU, India will provide a Line of Credit of 100 million dollars for specific projects in Transport and infrastructure sectors.<br/><br/>The MoU on Health covers areas such as Public Health, Health Research, Human Resources and Training, Medical Services, Disease Control and Prevention, Drug and Health Care Technologies and Environmental Health. Yet another MoU envisages establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology in Papua New Guinea. The Fourth MoU delineates all round cooperation in agricultural research and training.<br/><br/>Later, addressing the India- Papua New Guinea Business Association, Mr Mukherjee said the world sees the Indian economy as a bright spot in an otherwise bleak economic environment. He said India today stands poised for another leap forward in its journey of economic development, riding on a growth rate predicted to be around 7.6% in the current financial year.<br/><br/><br/>President Mukherjee visited the University of Papua New Guinea and addressed the students and faculty. Mr Mukherjee said Papua new Guinea has a key role in India's extended 'Act East' Policy and India views this nation as a gateway to closer cooperation with all the Pacific Island Countries.<br/><br/>Mr Mukherjee paid his respects at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the University and said in a world that is increasingly vexed by intolerance and extremism, the life and message of this great soul remain an inspiring example of the power of truth and universal brotherhood. Mr Mukherjee is scheduled to address the Indian Community before his departure for New Zealand tonight.
News On AIR | April 29, 2016 3:12 PM
India, Papua New Guinea sign four agreements