Manokwari, West Papua (ANTARA) – The West Papua provincial government is exploring a partnership with Chinese investors to accelerate the upgrade of Rendani Airport in Manokwari, aiming to improve connectivity and support regional economic growth.In a press release cited on Friday, West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan said he met a delegation of Chinese investors in Jakarta on Wednesday (April 8) to present plans for the airport and other strategic projects open for investment in the province.He noted that the airport expansion, a government priority program, has faced delays and requires additional funding, including from foreign investors.Mandacan said the project includes extending the runway to 2,500 meters, constructing three jet bridges, and developing supporting infrastructure to increase the airport’s service capacity.“The development of Rendani Airport is essential to strengthen connectivity, attract investment, and support logistics distribution across West Papua,” he said.Beyond the aviation sector, the governor also invited foreign investors to explore opportunities in marine affairs and fisheries, agriculture, plantations, and oil and gas, including cassava-based ethanol production.“We have potential oil and gas blocks planned for auction,” he said, while also highlighting plans to develop cold storage facilities to support fish exports to Shanghai.He also pointed to potential cooperation in vocational education and healthcare services.The Chinese delegation expressed preliminary interest in investing around Rp7 trillion (over US$400 million) in the airport project, potentially involving Chinese state-owned enterprises. The delegation also invited West Papua to collaborate on waste management and satellite-based telecommunications development.Both sides agreed to continue discussions at a regional forum scheduled for May 2026 in Shanghai, where the provincial government is expected to present detailed proposals for priority projects.