President Xi's APEC speech lauded in PNG

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting and delivers a speech titled "Harnessing Opportunities of Our Times To Jointly Pursue Prosperity in the Asia-Pacific" in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Nov. 18, 2018. [Photo:Xinhua/Huang Jingwen]

Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech to the now-concluded Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Papua New Guinea is been met with positive responses from different sectors including business, government and the media.

Through this past weekend, the world focused on the Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea where some 22 world leaders met for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

Delivering a keynote address at the event, Chinese President Xi Jinping advocated for stronger solidarity among leaders of Pacific island countries.

He also spoke of the need for more global cooperation and the protection of international trade, telling his fellow APEC leaders there is no issue that couldn't be worked out through consultation.

Xi Jinping's messages appear to have hit-home with various sectors in Papua New Guinea.

Bernard Kipit, a municipal manager in Papua New Guinea's National Capital District, says he is impressed with what he heard from the Chinese leader.

"I've seen many speeches given by President Xi Jinping , the basis of the speech encourages peace in the world, peace among countries."

Amid a perceived trend toward protectionism and unilateralism, President Xi Jinping has reiterated China's support for open trade.

Noting China's 40th anniversary this year of Reform and Opening Up, members of Papua New Guinea's business sector also appear to be embracing the concepts put forward by the Chinese leader.

"China is opening its markets in all areas of trade, economy and technology."

"The President of China, Xi Jinping has also made a statement about the digital economy of China, and for us third world economies, like Papua New Guinea and the Asia-Pacific."

At the same time, others in Papua New Guinea say they appreciate Xi Jinping's call for APEC economies to forge closer partnerships.

"I really appreciate the Chinese president for emphasizing inclusiveness. It is very much fair, and also promoting equality."

"I think the One Belt, One Road Initiative by China to Papua New Guinea and other Pacific island countries might be beneficial in the long run, because what I see is, in PNG, many rural areas, there are no roads and bridges."

Papua New Guinea is the first Pacific island nation to officially join the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi Jinping says China hopes to work with other countries in the Pacific region through the concept of the Belt and Road Initiative.