Papua New Guinea and Australia marked four decades of business partnership at the 40th Australia–PNG Business Forum and Trade Expo, held from 23 to 25 June at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby.
The forum came at a key moment for PNG, which is preparing to celebrate 50 years of independence. More than 800 delegates from government, business and development sectors attended, discussing how the partnership can evolve in a world shaped by technology, climate challenges and shifting global markets.
With the theme “Securing the Future of Investments, ‘Stori Bilong Yumi’: From Shells to Artificial Intelligence,” the event looked at the journey of PNG–Australia ties and the road ahead.
Business Council of PNG President Susil Nelson-Kongoi opened the forum by reflecting on unity and shared purpose. Using PNG’s national bird as a metaphor, she said, “In order for the Kumul to display elegance, vitality and strength, like all birds, the strength of its wings must prevail.”
She warned against division and called for stronger collaboration. “Where there is no partnership, the tribe divides,” she said, adding that lasting development depends on working together.
Nelson-Kongoi highlighted the growing PNG diaspora in Australia, now over 100,000 people, calling them “vital bilateral builders” who are already contributing to trade, tourism, logistics and tech. She praised the launch of the Coral Sea Dialogue as a way to include diaspora voices in shaping future policies.
She also raised security as a growing concern, calling for improved cyber defences, youth-focused jobs programmes and the creation of a Copyright and Cultural Rights Commission. “Markets must be protected if they are to prosper,” she said.
Rugby league, too, featured heavily in her speech. She described PNG’s push for an NRL franchise not just as a sporting move but as a national development project. With over $300 million planned investment, it will support city planning, infrastructure, public transport and national identity. “Perhaps the most important part of the NRL initiative will inspire other sporting codes to initiate similar partnerships,” she said.
Across three days, sessions covered farming, value-adding industries, infrastructure, climate finance and digital disruption. Speakers from Trukai, Helping Hand Honey, the Australian High Commission and local tech firms shared how rural innovation and responsible use of AI could drive inclusive growth.
One highlight was the Stan Joyce Jersey Session, where Australian Minister for the Pacific Pat Conroy joined NRL Bid CEO Andrew Hill, former NRL player David Mead and Gulf Isou CEO Carolyn Mom to talk about sport as a tool for unity, health and jobs.
The final day focused on PNG’s resources sector. Executives from Ok Tedi, Kumul Petroleum, Santos PNG and TotalEnergies shared updates on major projects and stressed the need for clear policies and consistent regulation to attract long-term investment.
Australia PNG Business Council President Vaughan Mills closed the forum by reaffirming both countries’ commitment to a future based on mutual growth and respect.
