As Papua New Guinea continues to strengthen its economic ties with Australia, Westpac PNG is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the region as a sponsor of the 41st Australia–Papua New Guinea Business Forum & Trade Expo, to be held in Brisbane from 13–15 May 2026.
For more than four decades, the Australia–Papua New Guinea Business Forum has been a cornerstone of bilateral engagement, bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, investors and development partners to foster dialogue, collaboration and investment between the two countries.
As part of Westpac’s sponsorship, the bank will once again host the Forum’s official opening dinner, setting the tone for the days ahead and providing an opportunity for meaningful connections between Australian and Papua New Guinean stakeholders.
This year’s opening dinner will feature a keynote address by Ben Ikin, a former State of Origin star, premiership-winning NRL player and respected business executive. Drawing on his experience across elite sport and leadership, he will share insights on leadership under pressure, building high-performing teams, resilience, and the importance of trust.
“The Australia–Papua New Guinea Business Forum continues to play a critical role in strengthening commercial ties between our two countries,” said Patrick Wright, head of corporate and commercial banking at Westpac PNG. “As a long-standing partner to businesses operating across Papua New Guinea, we see firsthand the importance of trust, leadership and collaboration in driving sustainable growth. Ben Ikin’s keynote will resonate strongly with the Forum audience, bringing practical lessons from high-performance environments that translate directly into business leadership.”
The 2026 Forum coincides with NRL Magic Round in Brisbane, creating a unique and high-energy backdrop that reflects Papua New Guinea’s deep cultural connection to rugby league and the enduring links between sport, community and leadership.
Westpac remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive sustainable economic development across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, and to partnering with clients, stakeholders and communities today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
Westpac Papua New Guinea has been supporting individuals, businesses and communities for more than a century, having established the country’s first commercial bank in 1910. As one of Papua New Guinea’s leading financial institutions, Westpac PNG provides a broad range of retail, business and institutional banking services, with a strong focus on supporting economic growth, trade and financial inclusion.
Westpac PNG is committed to being a trusted and responsible banking partner, delivering sustainable outcomes for its customers while investing in community development, financial literacy and capability-building across the country. As part of the Westpac Group, the bank brings global expertise and regional experience to support Papua New Guinea’s long-term prosperity.
