Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Mining Rainbo Paita has urged investors to embrace the country’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) initiative, stressing the need for competitiveness, strong incentives, and practical reforms to attract long-term investment.
Speaking during the Second Special Economic Zone Summit at APEC Haus, Minister Paita commended the Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru and his team for organising what he described as a “very successful three-day conference” from August 31 to September 3, which brought together local participants and international investors.
Paita highlighted the logistical challenges of hosting such a forum but praised the Ministry for Trade and Investment, the SEZ Authority, and supporting agencies for their support and execution of the summit.
“It takes time, resources, and planning to bring together investors from across the world. I commend Minister Maru, the Secretary, the Chairman, and the CEO of SEZ for their leadership,” he said.
Early SEZ Legislative Push
Reflecting on his own role in the early stages of the SEZ agenda, Paita revealed that he contributed personally to the drafting of the initial version of the SEZ Authority Act during his early years in Parliament.
“We did not have a lawyer at the time, so I took ideas and wrote them myself. I brought the submission to Cabinet without a policy framework, but it was passed because members believed it was important,” he said.
He acknowledged that both he and Minister Maru had faced scepticism over the country’s readiness to manage SEZs due to gaps in infrastructure, technology, and experience. However, he said determination was key: “Business is like a wheelbarrow. Nothing moves until you start pushing. Minister Maru has been pushing this initiative forward.”
Paita stressed that PNG must focus on competitive incentives rather than relying on cultural or emotional appeals to attract investment.
“The world has gone past the stage of isolation. Seventy to eighty percent of global manufacturing is done in China. If we want SEZs to succeed, we must be practical,” he stated.
He argued that investors would only commit if PNG could offer cost advantages and streamlined processes.
“We need to provide the cheapest energy, reliable water, competitive port services, and incentives that are better than what others are offering. Companies will only invest if they see profits and long-term growth,” Paita said.
Call for Strong Reforms
The minister emphasised the need to cut bureaucratic red tape and create an investor-friendly environment within SEZs. He called for one-stop-shop services, fast-tracked visa and work permit approvals, simplified registration, and strong guarantees for investors.
“Without special incentives, no one will invest. We must ensure SEZs are truly special. Why would anyone choose the districts in PNG or SEZ unless we make them competitive? Incentives and concessions must be clear, and bureaucracy stripped away so investors feel safe,” he added.
Minister Paita also appealed to the broader vision of development, urging investors to see PNG as a place where they could make a mark, not just profits. He contrasted established SEZs in Dubai or the Philippines, already crowded with investors, with the opportunity to pioneer new industries in PNG.
“If you go to Dubai, you will be one of many. But if you come to PNG, you will be creating something new—changing lives, making money, and building a story of your own,” Paita told delegates.
Strong Cabinet Support
Paita reaffirmed his commitment to the SEZ policy, assuring Minister Maru of his full backing in Cabinet and beyond.
“I support you in driving this initiative because SEZs are the only way we can attract serious foreign direct investment into PNG. The challenges are real, but the opportunities are greater,” he said.
He further encouraged investors present at the summit to take bold steps into PNG.
“We may not have the full infrastructure like others, but we have the vision, the people, and the commitment. This is the time to invest in Papua New Guinea.”
