International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru has welcomed R&F Group Chairman and President Li Zhang to Papua New Guinea, expressing confidence that the Chinese property developer will consider major investments in the country's tourism, hospitality and real estate sectors.
Li arrived in Port Moresby on Tuesday aboard a private jet after an advance team visited Papua New Guinea two weeks earlier to assess potential investment opportunities.
Maru said the government is optimistic the visit will encourage the company to pursue foreign direct investment in the country.
R&F Group is one of China's largest property developers and owns more than 80 luxury hotels managed by international brands including Ritz-Carlton, Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt. The company's portfolio also includes shopping malls and office buildings, with more than 450 projects across more than 145 cities and regions worldwide.
Maru said the government hopes the company will invest in several priority developments, including the Paga Hill Estate, Portside Gardens Development and the Duran Farm Housing Project.
"We are very confident that the R&F Group is one of China's most serious investors and we look forward to hosting the chairman and his delegation and securing their firm decision to invest in a very big way in our country," Maru said.
He added that the government would provide support to facilitate the company's investments if they proceed.
The visit comes as Papua New Guinea seeks to build on the recovery of its tourism sector. According to the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, international visitor arrivals rose to 103,881 in 2025, while 92% of surveyed visitors said they would return and 88% indicated they would recommend the destination, reflecting growing confidence in the country's tourism offerings.
The Tourism Promotion Authority has also reported continued growth in visitor arrivals and spending, supported by improved air connectivity and targeted international marketing campaigns.
