PNG records more Covid-19 deaths, Bougainville's President puts Panguna mine on hold, New Zealand to open new Trade Commission in Fiji, and more.
PNG records more Covid-19 deaths
Eight more people have died due to Covid-19 in Papua New Guinea, taking the death toll to 99.
The deaths, which were reported in Milne Bay province and in the National Capital District, were people aged between 34 and 76.
The National Pandemic Response Controller's latest daily has reported 141 new cases in 14 provinces including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
PNG's total number of confirmed cases is 10,338.
New Covid-19 requirements in Fiji extended to maritime sector
Small craft and yacht owners in Fiji have been urged to adhere to the new Covid-19 requirements, if they intend to leave the main island Viti Levu.
Effective midday today local time, travel between Viti Levu and the outer islands is prohibited amid three Covid-19 cases confirmed in the community.
Two of the cases are in Nadi while the third is in the capital Suva.
The Maritime Safety Authority says any vessel intending to transport essential provisions between Viti Levu and the outer islands are required to inform the department's surveillance centre on their travel intentions.
The authority's chief executive Simon Gravenall, said the information provided must include the name of the boat captain, names and number of crew, cargo details, departure and destination points, boat number and a phone contact.
New Bougainille President, Ismael Toroama Photo: ABG
Bougainville's President puts Panguna mine on hold
The Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama, is putting any talks on development of the Panguna mine on hold.
Re-opening the long closed mine is seen in some quarters in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region as the best way to quickly developing an economy.
For Bougainville to attain its independence it will need to show to PNG MPs that it has a viable economy.
Last month most of the landowner groups around the Panguna mine site agreed to support the former miner, Bougainville Copper Ltd's quest for an exploration licence at the site.
The landowners said the decision is theirs, since they control the minerals under their feet, as per Bougainville's Mining Act.
But Mr Toroama says any development at the controversial mine is on hold until the government is comfortable that all parties involved are ready and willing to talk about re-opening.
New Zealand to open new Trade Commission in Fiji
New Zealand is to open a trade office in Fiji later this year.
The Trade and Export Growth Minister, Damien O'Connor, said Fiji is New Zealand's largest trading partner in the Pacific region, with annual two-way trade worth over $NZ1.1 billion.
The new office in Suva will be responsible for helping grow New Zealand business in Fiji as well as across the broader Pacific region.
Mr O'Connor said boosting the more than $NZ3 billion in annual trade and investment flows between New Zealand and the Pacific will be critical for all economies in the region as they work to recover from Covid-19.
"This aligns with the Government's commitment to renew and recharge our partnerships in the Pacific to support the region's security and prosperity," he said.