In an exclusive interview with PNG Business News, TWM Group managing director Kori Chan shared key insights from the 40th Australia–PNG Business Forum and Trade Expo, held from June 23 to 25 at The Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby.
Chan described the event as informative and “suitably sized” to encourage meaningful dialogue among business leaders, government representatives and international stakeholders.
“There were great presentations such as that from Kramer Asia Pacific managing director Adam Kramer, who emphasised the importance of local knowledge and experience with global thinking and alignment,” Chan said, noting Kramer’s message about the legacy and regional reach of his family business, which operates across PNG and Australia.
TWM’s involvement culminated on Day 3 with Chan joining a panel discussion on green finance and climate impact funding. His talk traced the company’s 14-year journey in environmental services, rooted in a vision to deliver world-class, environmentally responsible essential services for Papua New Guinea.
“We’ve been guided by a distinct corporate charter to protect our pristine environment, our people and our culture. ESG has been a fundamental part of our growth from the beginning,” Chan said.
He acknowledged clients like ExxonMobil PNG and the PNG LNG Project for helping shape TWM’s adherence to international best practices, including IFC lending requirements and US EPA standards.
TWM presented its Resource Recovery Centre (RRC) as a model for public–private partnership in sustainable waste management. Designed with climate resilience in mind, the facility includes air emissions control, stormwater management, renewable energy systems and biodiversity safeguards.
By diverting waste from landfills and open burning, the RRC reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes sustainable resource use by recovering materials otherwise lost to disposal.
Chan highlighted the project’s social and governance dimensions, including policies on gender equality, disability inclusion, employment, human rights and anti-violence.
“We have ensured that the RRC provides defined benefits to the Kuriu landowners — from legitimate land titles to equity participation and employment opportunities,” he said.
“It will also serve as a live educational facility for schools and universities to engage directly with sustainability.”
On governance, TWM integrates risk management, compliance with national and international standards, and transparent reporting. These include anti-corruption and anti-bribery protocols, along with ESG compliance throughout its supply chain.
Chan said the forum allowed TWM to forge meaningful connections with like-minded leaders and government officials, opening doors for future collaboration.
He also used the platform to raise concerns over policy delays. Chief among them is the long-awaited National Waste Management Policy, which has remained in development for over six years.
“It has gone through all the necessary stakeholder consultations with government, private sector and partners, and now requires urgent attention from key policy decision-makers and implementers,” he said.
Asked what policy incentives would best support Papua New Guinea’s green infrastructure sector, Chan laid out a bold wishlist for decision-makers. He proposed the establishment of a special economic zone along the Napa Napa peninsula, offering tax-free incentives to attract investment. He also called for tax and duty breaks for companies that invest in sustainable technologies, along with grants and subsidies to support ESG-focused research and development.
Chan urged the government to enforce green procurement policies across all levels and require public reporting of ESG performance by government agencies. He also recommended introducing regulations that reward both emissions reductions and job creation, increasing the use of public–private partnerships to secure investment, and ensuring that government regulators apply compliance measures fairly.
Finally, he stressed the importance of upholding responsible and transparent procurement practices in all public sector engagements to build trust and drive long-term environmental and economic benefits.
During the discussion, an audience member raised the potential of PNG’s growing diaspora, particularly in Australia, to contribute to national development.
Chan replied, “More can be done to strengthen the ties between PNG and Australia, including with our PNG diaspora based overseas. They have the ability to drive positive change in the country and PNG must find ways to entice them to return, invest and bring with them their knowledge and experience.”
His call for PNG to transition from a linear to a circular economy resonated with the broader sustainability discussions throughout the forum. “It is the way of the future. It is morally right if we are to act sustainably,” he said.
The 40th Australia–PNG Business Forum and Trade Expo showcased diverse voices and visions, but TWM’s message was clear: with the right policies and partnerships, green infrastructure can become a cornerstone of PNG’s sustainable future.
