Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed growing Malaysian interest in expanding investment in Papua New Guinea's oil palm, livestock and downstream processing sectors, describing the proposed developments as a major opportunity to create jobs, strengthen food security, increase local participation in the economy and unlock the country's vast agricultural potential.
Marape made the remarks during a high-level meeting with Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) Chairman Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha, who also serves as adviser to SD Guthrie; New Britain Palm Oil Chief Operating Officer Nik Maziah Nik Mustapha; and Chief Financial Officer Mohamad Mahazir Mustaffa. The meeting was also attended by International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru and Oil Palm Minister Francis Maneke.
Discussions centred on opportunities to expand oil palm and cattle production, develop downstream processing industries, strengthen cooperation between Papua New Guinea and Malaysia's palm oil sectors, and unlock the agricultural potential of the Ramu and Sepik plains through sustainable investment.
Marape said Papua New Guinea remains one of the world's last frontiers for responsible agricultural expansion, with vast areas of underutilised land suitable for agriculture and livestock development.
"Malaysia has been one of Papua New Guinea's most important economic partners since Independence, and we welcome investors who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to our country and our people," he said.
"We have the land, we have the people, and we have access to some of the world's fastest-growing markets. Our task is to convert these advantages into productive economic activity that creates jobs, generates income and improves the lives of our people."
The Prime Minister highlighted the contribution of New Britain Palm Oil (NBPOL), describing the company as one of Papua New Guinea's largest agricultural investors and employers. He noted that NBPOL directly employs more than 22,000 Papua New Guineans and supports thousands more through smallholder agriculture, transport, contracting and related businesses.
"This is the type of investment that creates real opportunities for our people and stimulates growth throughout the wider economy," he said.
Marape also acknowledged the company's leading role in the palm oil industry. He said NBPOL's operations in West New Britain, Oro, Milne Bay, New Ireland and Madang provinces have helped establish palm oil as one of Papua New Guinea's most valuable agricultural export commodities.
In 2025, Papua New Guinea exported more than K3 billion worth of palm oil and palm kernel products, making the industry one of the country's largest non-mineral export earners and a major contributor to rural employment, foreign exchange earnings and economic growth.
"Palm oil continues to be one of Papua New Guinea's most successful agricultural industries and one of our most important export sectors. The industry supports thousands of smallholder farmers, creates employment and generates billions of kina in export revenue for our economy," Marape said.
Beyond palm oil, the Prime Minister pointed to the company's growing contribution to the livestock sector. He noted that NBPOL operates the country's largest cattle business, with approximately 27,000 head of cattle, including around 24,000 in Ramu and 3,500 in West New Britain.
The company is also Papua New Guinea's largest domestic producer of fresh beef, supplying a substantial share of the national market.
"This demonstrates that agriculture is not just about oil palm. Companies such as New Britain Palm Oil are contributing to food security, livestock development and import replacement at a national level," Marape said.
As Papua New Guinea seeks to expand agricultural production, Marape said the Ramu and Sepik regions offer significant opportunities for growth, particularly in cattle development and integrated agricultural projects.
He said extensive grassland areas in the two regions could support large-scale livestock production without affecting primary forests.
"We do not have to destroy our forests to grow agriculture. There are extensive grassland areas that can be converted into productive economic zones while preserving our forests and protecting our environment," he said.
Marape also underscored the wider economic benefits generated by large-scale agricultural investments, noting that NBPOL injects approximately K12 million into the economy every fortnight through wages and salaries.
"When workers receive their pay, that money flows directly into local communities, supporting families, trade stores, transport operators, schools, churches and small businesses throughout the country," he said.
"The impact goes far beyond the plantation itself. Every fortnight, K12 million is circulated through our economy by this company alone, creating opportunities and supporting livelihoods across Papua New Guinea."
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister welcomed proposals to expand integrated agriculture projects that combine oil palm, cattle production and downstream processing.
He said Papua New Guinea aims to move beyond the export of raw commodities and capture greater value through local processing and manufacturing.
"We are not simply interested in exporting raw commodities. We want to see greater value addition, greater downstream processing and greater participation by Papua New Guineans across the entire value chain," he said.
Marape also highlighted opportunities to reduce the country's dependence on imported food products through expanded domestic livestock production.
"Every year, Papua New Guinea spends hundreds of millions of kina importing food products that can be produced here at home," he said.
"We have an opportunity to become more self-reliant in food production while positioning ourselves to become a supplier to regional markets."
The Prime Minister said the Government would continue supporting investment partnerships involving the private sector, landowners, superannuation funds and state institutions to ensure the benefits of growth are widely shared.
He also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to maintaining a stable investment environment supported by strong constitutional protections, an independent judiciary and the rule of law.
"Our democracy is strong. Our courts are independent. Our laws protect investors. We want investors to have confidence that Papua New Guinea is a safe and reliable place to do business," he said.
Marape said agriculture would remain central to the Government's economic diversification strategy, with downstream processing, food production and biofuel development offering significant opportunities for future growth.
"Agriculture is the future of Papua New Guinea. If we develop our land responsibly, create opportunities for our people and partner with quality investors, we can transform rural economies, strengthen food security and build lasting prosperity for future generations," he said.
