THE electronic identification card system for public servants is due to start following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the governments of China and Papua New Guinea.
The framework agreement was signed by National Planning Minister Charles Abel and the Chinese Ambassador Qiu Bohua at Vulupindi Haus in Port Moresby.
It also allows project developer Huawei Technologies (PNG) Ltd to begin work on the K234 million project early next year.
Abel, while commending the Chinese government for its assistance, said K70 million of the total cost of the project came with concessional terms and a five-year grace period for repayment.
An additional K70 million comes from the government’s Public Investment Programme funds.
The total value of the loan acquired for the project will be repaid over a 15-year period.
Abel also said the e-ID card system would be fully implemented in 2017.
“This is an attempt to better coordinate the public service,” Abel said.
Ambassador Qui said Papua New Guinea remained China’s major investment partner.
He said China had hugely invested in PNG compared to the rest of the region and was ready to support the e-ID card system project, the biggest so far in the region.
“China is ready to support you for your development programmes and infrastructure,” he said.