Papua New Guinea is pursuing fisheries reforms and strategic investments to expand domestic tuna processing, attract private investment and retain more economic value from its marine resources, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Jelta Wong said.

In an exclusive interview with PNG Business News, Wong said the government was implementing reforms to strengthen local participation, increase export earnings and create jobs for Papua New Guineans.

The initiatives include the National Tuna Domestication Strategy, the StartFish Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), reforms to the Vessel Day Scheme and the transition to a sustainable Fisheries Incentive Framework.

“These reforms aim to increase domestic tuna processing, attract investment and ensure PNG retains more economic value from its fisheries resources,” Wong said.

A key development is the establishment of Fisheries Capital Limited (FCL), a state-owned enterprise created as the government’s commercial investment vehicle in the fisheries sector.

Wong said FCL would enable the state to invest in fisheries infrastructure, downstream processing and commercial partnerships, generating financial returns while creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

The government is also advancing Special Economic Zone (SEZ) initiatives to support large-scale processing and exports, including the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ).

While FCL will focus on commercial investment, the National Fisheries Authority will retain responsibility for regulation and sustainable fisheries management, Wong said.

Together, the initiatives are intended to expand domestic processing capacity, attract private investment and increase opportunities for Papua New Guinean businesses.

“Together, these initiatives aim to increase export earnings, foreign exchange, employment and government revenue, ensuring more Papua New Guineans benefit from the country’s marine resources,” he said.

Expanding opportunities for coastal communities and local businesses

Increasing the economic benefits flowing to coastal communities remains a key challenge despite PNG’s substantial marine resources.

Wong said the government was prioritizing domestic tuna processing, fisheries infrastructure, coastal fisheries development and commercial aquaculture to expand opportunities for local businesses and communities.

He identified the PMIZ and other SEZ initiatives, the StartFish MOA and FCL as key measures to increase local participation and develop the sector’s commercial potential.

The StartFish agreement is intended to encourage more tuna to be landed and processed domestically, helping PNG retain more value from its fisheries resources.

The government is also promoting investment in hatcheries, cold storage, processing facilities and export supply chains to strengthen the industry and improve access to overseas markets.

Wong said these investments would create opportunities for coastal communities, small and medium-sized enterprises and provincial governments to participate more directly in the sector.

Fisheries sector generates more than K1.6 billion in annual exports

Wong said the reforms build on an industry that generates more than K1.6 billion in annual fish and fisheries exports and supports approximately 14,000 jobs.

“Our objective is to ensure more of the value generated from our marine resources stays in Papua New Guinea through increased local participation, employment, investment and foreign exchange earnings,” he said.

The government aims to increase the share of fisheries revenue retained domestically through expanded processing, commercial investment and greater participation by Papua New Guinean businesses.

The extent of these benefits will depend on how effectively the reforms, infrastructure projects and investment initiatives translate into greater domestic processing capacity, stronger local businesses and sustainable employment.

The government’s strategy places tuna processing, fisheries infrastructure, commercial aquaculture and state investment at the center of efforts to increase economic returns from PNG’s marine resources.

Trukai Industries has presented K133,100 to the Morobe Provincial Agriculture Show (MPAS), renewing its support for an event it has backed for 40 years.

The cheque was presented to MPAS President Hans Merl at the Lae Showgrounds, marking another year of Trukai’s longstanding partnership with the show.

The Morobe Provincial Agriculture Show provides a platform for the agricultural community to come together to showcase produce, livestock, farming activities, businesses, and other developments within the sector.

For Trukai, the partnership is a natural fit given agriculture’s importance to the company’s business and its connection with farmers and communities across Papua New Guinea.

Four decades of support represents more than a sponsorship relationship. It reflects a shared history between Trukai and the agricultural community in Morobe, with generations of people having participated in and supported the show over the years.

Trukai said it was proud to have been part of the MPAS journey and the growth of an event that continues to bring people together around agriculture.

The company said it hopes to continue its relationship with MPAS for many years to come, working closely with partners and providing support where possible.

“Forty years of support is something we are proud of. The Morobe Provincial Agriculture Show brings together the people, businesses and communities that are important to agriculture, making our partnership a natural fit,” said Heral Buksh, Trukai Industries National Sales Manager.

As the show continues to evolve, Trukai’s longstanding involvement demonstrates the value of sustained partnerships between businesses and community institutions, particularly those supporting agriculture and the people who depend on it.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government is seeking to increase agricultural revenues by strengthening cocoa production, regulation and downstream processing across the region.

Speaking at the 2026 Bougainville Chocolate Festival in Buin, Minister for Primary Industry Clarence Dency said agricultural commodities should become a leading source of fiscal revenue for Bougainville and called on development and donor partners to support the government’s strategy to add value to agricultural products.

Dency urged cocoa farmers to maintain high-quality production and commended farmers in South Bougainville for contributing to the region’s highest cocoa production output.

He said the festival, established in 2016, provides a platform for cocoa farmers, industry representatives, legislators, exporters, development partners and communities to exchange knowledge, promote quality cocoa and create business and fair-trade opportunities.

Chief Secretary's representative Belinda Lanbong separately called on donor partners to strengthen support for ABG’s efforts to develop a sustainable cocoa industry from farming through to downstream processing.

At the farmers’ seminar, ABG Department of Commerce, Trade and Industry official Raymond Moworu outlined the potential role of Special Economic Zones in attracting investment, creating jobs and turning local commodities into higher-value products.

Moworu highlighted plans for the proposed Soraken Special Economic Zone, including a cocoa liquor processing facility with an annual capacity of 10,000 tonnes.

Cocoa liquor is a processed cocoa paste used in chocolate manufacturing and represents a further stage of processing beyond the production and export of cocoa beans.

Moworu said economic zones could support businesses through improved infrastructure and simpler administrative processes while creating opportunities for local people to gain skills and establish supporting businesses.

He also identified land access, environmental impacts and governance as issues requiring careful management, stressing that successful economic zones would depend on sustained political commitment, sound planning and implementation capacity.

Meanwhile, James Butubu, chief compliance officer of the Bougainville Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority, outlined efforts to strengthen cocoa regulation, quality and marketing.

The regulatory framework includes licensing across the cocoa supply chain, from nurseries and fermentaries to bean dealers and exporters. It also emphasises quality assurance, traceability and sustainability standards needed to meet international market requirements.

Butubu provided updates on compliance monitoring, officer training and the development of inspection and laboratory facilities. Facilities are located in Buka and Toniva/Arawa, while an inspection and laboratory facility is planned for Buin.

Funding, staffing capacity, data management and coordination with national commodity bodies remain challenges to implementation, according to the presentation.

Future priorities include strengthening research and extension services, improving marketing infrastructure and working with stakeholders and investors to advance local cocoa processing.

The discussions highlighted the link between improving cocoa quality and developing downstream processing, as Bougainville seeks to retain more value from its agricultural commodities within the region.

The Farmers & Settlers Association is calling on Papua New Guinea to accelerate its transition from food security-focused agriculture to commercially driven farming, mechanisation and downstream processing as the country marks its 51st year of Independence.

The call comes as the association marks 70 years of involvement in PNG’s coffee industry, agriculture, rural business development and the establishment of the Goroka Show.

In a statement released on September 16, Farmers & Settlers Association President Wilson Thompson said primary industries had remained a major contributor to economic development through rural employment, domestic production, imports and exports.

“Wherever you work, in the remote or rural areas to the town and cities, the primary industry sector has been the engine for growth and sustenance including large workforce,” Thompson said.

He said the next phase of agricultural development should focus on expanding commercial production and retaining more value from agricultural commodities within PNG.

“As we move beyond the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of the HFSA, the Coffee industry and the Goroka Show, 2026 also marks the new era of the coffee industry under the National Coffee Authority and the onset of El Nino and drought that should challenge us in our communities and in our business,” he said.

“We must emphasise and move towards more commercial agriculture using mechanised farming and going into downstream processing in PNG.”

Coffee and rural enterprise

The association said its history was closely linked to the development of coffee as a commercial crop in the Highlands and across PNG.

Its involvement in the sector included policy and industry initiatives dating to the 1950s, including the visit of University of Hawaii Professor Baron Goto in 1953, a 1961 inquiry into coffee tariffs, the establishment of the Coffee Marketing Board — now the Coffee Industry Corporation — and the development of direct coffee exports.

The association also promoted other agricultural and rural industries, including passion fruit, peanuts, tea, tobacco, beekeeping, honey production, inland fisheries, sheep and goats, to diversify rural incomes and improve food and nutrition security.

Its work extended into rural commerce and supply chains. In 1969, it established the Farmers and Settlers Marketing Cooperative Ltd to transport farm supplies and produce between members’ farms and Lae. It later established Farmers and Settlers Cooperative Ltd, now Farmset Ltd, to provide agricultural supplies to farmers and communities.

Building value within PNG

The association said its current focus on downstream processing was aimed at retaining more of the value generated by agricultural commodities within PNG instead of relying primarily on exports of raw or minimally processed products.

It said processing, packaging, manufacturing and related services could create additional businesses and jobs, particularly in coffee and other agricultural industries.

The association has also promoted locally made products and domestic consumption as part of efforts to expand the local economy.

Its agricultural activities have been complemented by rural shows and cultural events that provide platforms for farmers, businesses and communities to showcase agricultural products, livestock and local industries.

The Goroka Show remains one of the most prominent outcomes of this work. The association has also been involved in agricultural shows in Wau, Kainantu, Morobe and the Waghi Valley, as well as the Papuan Agriculture Show, later known as the Port Moresby Show.

The association acknowledged the contributions of generations of farmers, businesses, employees and industry organisations to the development of PNG’s agricultural sector.

Thompson said the association’s seven decades of work had been underpinned by the contribution of farmers, businesses and communities to the wider economy.

“We thank your board and management and employees, past and present, for contribution to the business and agriculture sector and the imports and exports that underpins the economy of PNG,” he said.

As PNG enters a new phase of coffee industry development and faces climate pressures including El Nino and drought, the association said commercial agriculture, mechanisation and downstream processing should form part of the sector’s next stage of development.

It said the focus should be on expanding production, strengthening rural businesses, creating employment and developing industries that retain greater economic value within PNG.

Papua New Guinea’s natural resources must be managed as long-term economic assets that create opportunities for communities and future generations, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Jelta Wong says.

In his Independence Day message marking PNG’s 51st anniversary on September 16, Wong said the country’s continued development required stronger policies and better resource management to ensure Papua New Guineans shared equitably in the benefits of its natural wealth.

“Our natural resources are not just commodities; they are the lifeblood of our communities and the key to our sustainable future,” Wong said.

Wong said the Government was implementing new policies and reviewing existing ones to improve access to resources and strengthen the benefits flowing to the people.

“The crux of our ongoing transformation lies in our dedication to implementing new policies and revising existing ones that ensure equitable access to our resources,” he said.

He said resource development must be balanced with environmental stewardship to preserve economic opportunities for future generations.

“By prioritizing sustainability and stewardship of our environment, we lay the groundwork for future generations, ensuring that they inherit a land that is not only rich in resources but also in opportunity,” Wong said.

For the fisheries sector, sustainable management of marine resources is closely linked to the long-term viability of fishing activities, coastal livelihoods and the broader blue economy.

Building on 51 years of independence

Reflecting on PNG’s development since 1975, Wong acknowledged the country had faced challenges and made mistakes, but said progress depended on learning from those experiences and addressing shortcomings.

He said PNG’s diversity, represented by more than 800 languages and thousands of tribal groups, remained a strength as the country pursued economic and social development.

“Our diversity is our strength, a testament to the resilience and spirit of our people,” Wong said.

He said the country’s development required cooperation and a shared commitment to building a prosperous and sustainable future.

“As we commemorate this significant milestone, let us reaffirm our commitment to working hand in hand, learning from one another, and striving toward a common goal,” he said.

Wong said the goal should be to leave PNG in a better position for future generations, with its natural resources supporting lasting economic and social opportunities.

“Together, we will leave Papua New Guinea better than we found it, ensuring that the baton of progress remains firmly in the hands of our people,” he said.

He concluded by calling for a renewed sense of purpose as PNG enters its next phase of national development.

“Let us celebrate our independence with a renewed sense of purpose, united in our vision for a prosperous and sustainable future,” Wong said.

Papua New Guinea’s primary industries sector is seeking an urgent update on outstanding Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds and tax credits, with some major businesses reportedly still awaiting payments dating back to 2018, 2019 and 2020.

The Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association (HFSA), led by President Wilson Thompson, OBE, ML, has issued a circular asking members for details of their tax returns and most recent refunds.

The association has previously raised the issue with the Chief Secretary, Secretary for Treasury and the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) Commissioner General, including during discussions around the 2025 Budget Lockup.

According to the September 6, 2026 circular, HFSA first wrote to the IRC on December 2, 2024, before following up with the Acting Commissioner General, who provided figures on tax refunds. However, information from members indicates that several businesses have yet to receive outstanding refunds.

HFSA is now seeking to reconcile member records with those held by the IRC. Businesses have been asked to provide their Taxpayer Identification Numbers, dates of their latest GST, Salary and Wages Tax and Corporate Income Tax returns, and the month in which their last GST refund was paid or credited.

The request spans a broad range of primary industries, underscoring the potential scale of the issue across agricultural production, processing, exports, livestock and related services.

Industries identified include oil palm, rubber, coconut, cocoa, coffee, livestock, horticulture and fresh produce, grains and rice, as well as farm supply and service companies. Listed businesses include Hargy Plantations, Ramu Agri Industries, Agmark NGIP, Outspan, PNG Coffee Exports, Olam International, Mainland Holdings, Trukai Industries, Goodman Fielder and Chemica, among others.

Provincial and industry organisations, including Morobe Resource Holdings, HFSA and the Poultry Industry Association, are also covered by the circular.

GST refunds can directly affect cash flow, particularly for export-oriented and capital-intensive businesses. For primary producers and processors, delayed tax credits can tie up working capital needed for operations, inputs, suppliers and expansion.

The matter therefore extends beyond tax administration, with implications for investment, business liquidity and the wider performance of PNG’s agriculture and primary production sectors.

HFSA said member information would be treated confidentially and provided to the IRC to obtain an updated position from its records. Members have been asked to respond by September 15, 2026, with individual updates to follow.

The circular has been copied to senior government agencies and officials, including the Chief Secretary, Secretary for Treasury, Department of Commerce and Industry, IRC Commissioner General, and the Secretaries for Agriculture and Livestock and International Trade and Investment.

The initiative reflects continued private-sector engagement with government on tax administration issues. Resolving long-standing GST refund claims could strengthen working capital and improve confidence in the tax system across PNG’s agriculture and resource-based business community.

Government agencies, humanitarian organizations and development partners have reviewed and endorsed proposed actions under Papua New Guinea’s El Niño Plan of Action for Agricultural Drought 2026-27, as the country prepares for potentially worsening climate-related impacts on food production and rural livelihoods.

The national consultation workshop was convened by the PNG Food Security Cluster, which is co-chaired by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The consultation comes after the National Weather Service declared El Niño conditions in June, with forecasts indicating that the weather pattern could persist or intensify through the latter part of 2026 and into 2027.

Participants reviewed proposed interventions across four phases of the plan — preparedness, anticipatory action, response and recovery — with discussions focused on ensuring measures are practical, coordinated and responsive to local needs and vulnerabilities.

Stakeholders also identified priority activities, assessed implementation capacities and discussed coordination mechanisms to enable timely action before drought conditions worsen.

The workshop also sought to clarify the roles and responsibilities of participating organizations, identify resource and funding gaps, and strengthen collaboration among government, humanitarian and development partners.

DAL Secretary and Food Security Cluster co-chair Dr Sergie Bang said strategic action was needed to strengthen the country’s resilience to recurring droughts.

“We have to take strategic agricultural actions because we can expect these droughts to come again,” Bang said.

“We need to integrate irrigation and mechanization into our production systems and strengthen our cropping systems so that we place our country and our population in a better food-secure situation,” he said.

A key outcome of the consultation was a commitment by Food Security Cluster partners to strengthen preparedness and coordination while refining the drought Action Plan for implementation at national, provincial, district and community levels.

The process is expected to produce a set of priority actions, map partner roles and capacities, and establish a framework for monitoring implementation progress.

The measures are aimed at safeguarding agricultural production and rural livelihoods while strengthening food security in communities vulnerable to prolonged drought and frost conditions.

More than 80% of Papua New Guinea’s population relies on agriculture, livestock and fisheries for food and income, making early planning and coordinated intervention critical to limiting the effects of climate-related shocks.

The workshop brought together representatives from government agencies, UN agencies, development partners including Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, non-governmental organizations, civil society and faith-based organizations, as well as technical and humanitarian partners.

The consultation forms part of broader efforts to translate early warning information into early action and strengthen the resilience of PNG’s agriculture sector as climate risks increase.

Papua New Guinea’s agriculture sector is strengthening efforts to expand domestic and international market opportunities, with about 30 agriculture professionals taking part in an Australia Awards Short Course focused on agricultural trade, supply chains and export systems.

Announced on Aug. 13 and supported by Australia Awards, the initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of PNG agriculture professionals to develop practical solutions that can help farmers, businesses and exporters access new markets and improve the movement of agricultural products from producers to consumers.

The focus has significant economic implications for PNG, where more than 85 per cent of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. Improving agricultural trade and market access is therefore closely linked to rural incomes, food security and broader economic growth.

Delivered by the University of Queensland in collaboration with Pacific Adventist University, the short course brought together agriculture professionals from government and industry to examine ways to improve partnerships, logistics, supply chains and export systems.

The programme reflects the shared interest of Australia and PNG in expanding agricultural trade and developing stronger, more efficient supply chains capable of connecting local producers with domestic and international markets.

PNG Biosecurity Authority representative Douglas Siuta said the course highlighted the importance of closer cooperation across the agriculture sector.

“This course is helping us understand how the whole system fits together and where we can work more closely. I will take these lessons and connections back to my organisation so we can contribute to real improvements,” Siuta said.

The latest course builds on two earlier Australia Awards short courses focused on agriculture, as well as a study tour to Australia, helping to establish a broader professional network of Papua New Guinean agriculture specialists.

The network is intended to strengthen collaboration between government and industry and help professionals address the systems that connect producers with markets, including supply chains, logistics and export processes.

For PNG, improving these systems could help address practical barriers faced by agricultural businesses and producers seeking to increase production, reach new buyers and participate more effectively in domestic and international trade.

Stronger market linkages could also help ensure that increased agricultural production translates into greater economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities.

Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Papua New Guinean leaders to strengthen institutions and develop practical solutions that deliver long-term benefits for the agriculture sector.

Through Australia Awards, Australia will continue working with PNG to invest in people, strengthen institutions and support Papua New Guinean leaders in turning knowledge, partnerships and shared priorities into long-term progress.

Papua New Guinea has inaugurated upgraded cocoa processing and chocolate-making capacity at Paradise Foods Ltd.’s Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, strengthening the country’s ability to process cocoa locally and supply higher-value products to overseas markets.

The upgraded facility includes 12 types of new machinery worth US$2.8 million, provided through the European Union-funded EU-STREIT PNG Programme and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Paradise Foods expects the investment to double production and improve the consistency and quality of cocoa ingredients and finished chocolate for specialty buyers.

The expansion allows more Papua New Guinean cocoa to be processed into semi-finished and finished products before being exported, supporting the government’s push for greater downstream processing.

Prime Minister James Marape said domestic processing could generate significantly greater value than exporting raw cocoa.

“This is our own company, complementing the Government's desire for 100 per cent downstream processing in-country,” Marape said at the inauguration.

“And through this approach, we are making three times more than what we make when we export the raw product.”

The investment also strengthens links between cocoa farmers and domestic processors. Under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, cocoa farming groups in East and West Sepik have been connected directly with Queen Emma Chocolate, supplying well-fermented and smoke-free beans.

FAO head of country office in Papua New Guinea Kachen Wongsathapornchai said a reliable domestic market that rewards quality could encourage farmers to improve fermentation and drying practices.

“Quality only becomes sustainable when the market pays for it,” Wongsathapornchai said.

Under the programme, 3.4 million pest-tolerant cocoa seedlings have been planted and 4,960 hectares of cocoa blocks rehabilitated, with a reported grafting survival rate of 95%.

About 19,400 cocoa farmers have also been trained in bud grafting, integrated pest and disease management, block management, climate-smart agriculture and post-harvest handling.

The programme has upgraded 500 cocoa dryers, introduced 100 solar combination dryers and is establishing 120 cocoa storage facilities. It has also supported the formalisation and development of 363 cocoa agribusinesses.

Paradise Foods chairman Anthony Smare said the company’s investment reflected its confidence in Papua New Guinea’s future.

“We were not told to invest in our country, we chose it,” Smare said, adding that Paradise Foods was “PNG-owned” and “PNG-made.”

The company has also used support from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme to showcase Papua New Guinean cocoa and chocolate at trade events in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, building relationships with specialty chocolate makers and niche ingredient buyers.

EU Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Erika Hasznos said the investment formed part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to support Papua New Guinea’s cocoa value chain, from production in the Sepik to processing in Port Moresby.

“By raising quality and consistency, EU-PNG cooperation brings more value for Papua New Guinean business and small farmers, and more opportunities to access premium European markets,” Hasznos said.

The investment supports Papua New Guinea’s Medium Term Development Plan IV priorities on downstream processing, commercial agriculture, micro, small and medium enterprises and private-sector partnerships.

The EU-STREIT PNG Programme is the European Union’s largest grant-funded initiative under its Global Gateway strategy in Papua New Guinea. The programme is implemented by the United Nations through a joint programme led by FAO, in partnership with ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP.

As of June 2026, the programme had reached 513,000 individuals, benefited 85,400 families, supported 700 farmer groups and trained 34,000 farmers across 42 local-level government areas in East and West Sepik.

Queen Emma Chocolate is produced by Paradise Foods, described by the programme as Papua New Guinea’s leading domestic cocoa processor and chocolate maker.

Nasfund, MiBank and New Britain Palm Oil Ltd. have begun rolling out a joint initiative to expand superannuation coverage and promote long-term savings among oil palm growers and smallholder farmers in Papua New Guinea.

The initiative follows a July memorandum of understanding between Nasfund and NBPOL to onboard existing oil palm growers and new smallholders into Nasfund’s Eda Supa voluntary superannuation product.

MiBank will support the program through the Nasfund-MiBank digital banking and onboarding platform, making registration, contributions and payment of Nasfund benefits more accessible to members in the informal sector.

Nasfund currently has about 1,100 oil palm smallholders contributing through NBPOL under Eda Supa. The partners are targeting the onboarding of these existing NBPOL smallholders and growers, followed by a further 1,000 new smallholders.

Nasfund chief executive Rajeev Sharma said the initiative supports the fund’s strategy of extending superannuation coverage to the informal sector.

He said Nasfund plans to roll out similar initiatives in other parts of the country.

The rollout began Aug. 4 at NBPOL’s Salelubu Division and is expected to continue for six weeks, covering the Buvusi, Kavui, Nahavio, Siki and Talasea NBPOL sites in West New Britain province.

The mobile branch service is supported by Starlink internet connectivity, enabling Nasfund to extend services to rural and remote communities where conventional branch infrastructure may be limited.

The partnership between Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL is aimed at improving financial inclusion, encouraging voluntary retirement savings and strengthening the long-term financial security of Papua New Guinea’s agricultural communities.

The New Ireland Provincial Government has committed K1 million to a new partnership with the Fresh Produce Development Authority (FPDA), aiming to transform agriculture into a stronger economic driver while improving food security and increasing household incomes across the province.

The investment is part of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by New Ireland Governor Byron Chan and FPDA Chief Executive Officer Mark Worinu in Port Moresby on July 15.

Under the agreement, the provincial government will contribute K1 million in the first year, followed by K500,000 annually over the next two years, subject to project requirements. In addition to funding, it will provide land, project personnel and other resources to support implementation.

The partnership is expected to strengthen New Ireland's agricultural value chain by expanding commercial horticulture, improving market access and investing in infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses.

Governor Chan said agriculture has the potential to become a key pillar of the province's economic diversification strategy, creating sustainable income opportunities for rural communities while reducing reliance on traditional industries.

"Agriculture remains the backbone of many of our communities. This partnership is about giving our farmers the support they need to move beyond subsistence farming and become successful commercial producers," he said.

To support that goal, the program will provide agricultural extension services, farmer training and technical assistance while establishing cool storage facilities in Kavieng and Namatanai to improve the quality of fresh produce reaching local and national markets.

The provincial government will also identify State land for the establishment of a certified English potato seed farm, together with a horticultural nursery and germplasm collection facility to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality planting materials.

Governor Chan said these investments would help build a productive and commercially competitive agricultural sector capable of supporting long-term economic growth.

"We are investing in infrastructure that will continue serving our farmers well into the future. Cold storage, quality seed production and modern farming techniques will improve productivity and give farmers greater confidence to expand their operations," he said.

He said New Ireland's favourable climate, fertile soils and growing domestic demand for fresh produce position the province to become a major contributor to Papua New Guinea's horticulture industry.

"Our vision is not simply to produce more food. We want to create an agricultural economy where farmers are earning sustainable incomes, supplying quality produce to markets and creating employment opportunities within their own communities," he said.

FPDA Chief Executive Officer Mark Worinu said the partnership would focus on developing modern production systems and strengthening agricultural supply chains, particularly for English potatoes.

"New Ireland has tremendous potential, particularly in English potato production. Through this partnership, we will establish a complete production, distribution and marketing system while developing a certified potato seed centre at Lelet to supply clean planting material for local farmers," Mr Worinu said.

He added that FPDA would also support the production and marketing of bulb onions and other priority horticultural crops to improve household incomes and strengthen food security.

Beyond increasing agricultural output, the initiative is expected to deliver wider economic benefits through higher rural incomes, improved productivity and stronger participation by local farmers in formal markets.

Governor Chan said the agreement aligns with the Chan-Kolivos Government's broader development agenda of creating sustainable economic opportunities beyond the province's mining and fisheries sectors.

He said strengthening agriculture would stimulate local businesses, create jobs and support inclusive economic growth.

"Economic development begins in our villages. When farmers have the skills, infrastructure and market opportunities to succeed, entire communities benefit. This partnership is an investment in our people, our land and our future," he said.

The project will be jointly administered by the Fresh Produce Development Authority and the New Ireland Provincial Government, with implementation expected to begin immediately.

The Morobe Provincial Government is seeking to develop a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at the 1,400-hectare Wawin Farm in Huon Gulf District, with support from International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru, as it aims to transform the site into a manufacturing and agriculture hub.

Governor Rainbo Paita said the proposed Wawin Integrated Special Economic Zone is expected to generate more than 4,000 direct jobs while creating business opportunities and new revenue streams for the provincial government, which owns the land.

Paita said preliminary topographic and geotechnical surveys have been completed and the province is now seeking investors to develop the site.

He said eight investors have already expressed interest in locating within the proposed SEZ, including Leon Hardware and DataCo, which plans to establish a data center.

"The proposed SEZ will support the Marape-Rosso government's vision for downstream processing," Paita said.

Maru, who visited the site on Sunday and met with leaders from the Wampar local-level government, said he wants to see at least one or two special economic zones established in Morobe Province before the end of the year.

He noted that Papua New Guinea currently has four SEZs, all located in Port Moresby, and said the government is looking to expand the program to other parts of the country.

Maru urged the Morobe Provincial Government to complete the core requirements for an SEZ license, including road access, electricity, water supply, sewerage infrastructure and a master plan incorporating a township, before seeking Cabinet approval for the project.

He welcomed progress already made by the province, including a proposed 25-megawatt solar power project awaiting approval from PNG Power Ltd. and roadworks scheduled to begin this week.

"Wawin must not just be known for the National High School; it must be a major town in the future," Maru said.

Papua New Guinea's coffee industry has strengthened its export prospects, with local exporters securing an estimated K9.7 million (AUD3.2 million) in projected sales after participating in Australia's largest coffee trade exhibition.

Twelve PNG coffee exporters took part in the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) in March, using the event to showcase the country's premium coffee to international buyers and reinforce PNG's position in the competitive global specialty coffee market.

As the largest annual coffee trade event in Australia and one of the biggest in the Asia-Pacific region, MICE attracts thousands of coffee professionals, including producers, exporters, roasters, café operators and green bean buyers. The expo provides a platform to showcase products, exchange industry knowledge and establish new commercial partnerships.

For PNG exporters, the event offered direct access to Australian and international roasters, green bean buyers and café operators, enabling them to promote the quality and diversity of PNG coffee while gaining insights into changing consumer preferences and specialty coffee trends.

Participation also allowed exporters to build new commercial relationships, gather market feedback and better understand buyer expectations, strengthening their competitiveness in international markets.

Gabiga Coffee representative Aida Igaso said the expo had revealed opportunities beyond exporting green beans.

"Coming here helped me see another aspect that I can venture into for Gabiga Coffee – that's roasting," Igaso said. "So hopefully in a few years' time, Gabiga Coffee will be into roasting. So, I am happy about that."

Her comments underscore the potential for PNG coffee businesses to expand into higher value-added activities such as roasting, generating greater returns from the country's coffee industry.

Janet Gioven of Togoba Kofi said the international expo had broadened her understanding of the global coffee value chain.

"Representing coffee and Papua New Guinea as a whole and as a country has broadened my knowledge," she said. "I have learned a lot in terms of connecting with consumers and getting feedback on what happens to the coffee when it leaves PNG. It is just a revelation, and it is a privilege to be here and be taking part in this."

In addition to the projected K9.7 million in potential sales, PNG exporters established 160 new contacts with international buyers, creating opportunities for future export agreements and long-term commercial partnerships.

The outcomes of the Melbourne International Coffee Expo have further enhanced PNG's reputation as a producer of premium-quality coffee, strengthening its presence in international markets across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Three premium agricultural products from Papua New Guinea's Sepik region have become the country's first officially validated Geographical Indications (GI), a development expected to strengthen export competitiveness, increase farmer incomes and enhance the international market value of PNG-grown cocoa and vanilla.

The products – Misim Vanilla, Torricelli Vanilla and Yuat River Cocoa – have successfully completed the review and validation of their product specifications under the European Union-funded Support to Rural Entrepreneurship, Investment and Trade in Papua New Guinea (EU-STREIT PNG) Programme, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The milestone places the three products one step closer to formal GI registration through the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), a division of the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA).

A Geographical Indication is an internationally recognised intellectual property certification that links a product's quality, characteristics and reputation to its geographical origin. For Papua New Guinea, GI registration has the potential to position locally produced agricultural commodities alongside globally recognised premium products, creating stronger branding, greater consumer confidence and improved access to high-value export markets.

According to FAO, the initiative is expected to help Sepik farmers secure premium prices while protecting the names and authenticity of their products in international trade.

As part of the validation process, detailed Books of Specifications were prepared for each product, defining production standards, geographical boundaries and farming practices required for producers seeking to market their products under the GI designation.

The specifications were verified through extensive field assessments, including farm inspections and consultations with farmers, processors and buyers, covering every stage of production from planting materials to harvesting and post-harvest handling. Stakeholders also received technical training throughout the process to ensure compliance with GI requirements.

The initiative is being implemented through collaboration between FAO, the Intellectual Property Office and international certification specialist Control Union, the programme's technical partner for Geographical Indications.

The next phase will focus on establishing producer associations and internal quality control systems to oversee compliance with GI standards before formal registration.

The development represents an important opportunity for Papua New Guinea's agriculture sector as international consumers increasingly seek products with verified origin, traceability and sustainable production practices.

The GI initiative forms part of the broader EU-STREIT PNG Programme, the European Union's largest grant-funded programme in Papua New Guinea under the EU Global Gateway Strategy.

Implemented as a United Nations Joint Programme led by FAO in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the initiative aims to stimulate sustainable and inclusive rural economic growth across East and West Sepik provinces.

Beyond supporting the cocoa, vanilla and fisheries value chains, the programme also invests in digital inclusion, digital financial services, climate-resilient transport infrastructure and renewable energy, strengthening the foundations for long-term rural business development and private sector investment.

If registered, Misim Vanilla, Torricelli Vanilla and Yuat River Cocoa would become Papua New Guinea's first Geographical Indications, setting a benchmark for protecting and promoting the country's premium agricultural products in global markets while creating new economic opportunities for rural producers.

Papua New Guinea can significantly expand agricultural incomes, employment and private investment over the next decade by improving farm productivity, strengthening priority value chains and creating a more attractive investment environment, according to a new World Bank report launched on 30 June.

The report, Agri-Food System Transformation in Papua New Guinea, was launched in Lae by Agriculture Minister John Boito and World Bank Division Director for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Han Fraeters.

The launch formed part of the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) Policy Forum at the Lae International Hotel, where representatives from commodity boards, universities and the National Agricultural Research Institute met to review a National Agricultural Research Systems Policy Framework. Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister Kinoka Hotune Feo attended the event virtually.

Fraeters said the report showed agriculture was already helping stabilise Papua New Guinea's economy, with higher cocoa, coffee and copra prices supporting growth in the non-resource sector in 2024.

However, the report noted that the country remains heavily reliant on a narrow resource base that generates limited economy-wide benefits, underscoring the need to broaden growth through agriculture and agribusiness.

The report identified three priorities that, if pursued simultaneously, could substantially expand income and employment across Papua New Guinea's agri-food system within a decade.

It said reforming and adequately funding agricultural research and extension services could lift agricultural productivity by about 25% over the next 10 years.

The report also identified stronger value chains in five priority commodities — coffee, cocoa, vanilla, horticulture and poultry — as a key opportunity to generate midstream jobs, particularly for landless young people, while helping reduce poverty.

A third recommendation called for institutional reforms, clearer regulations and corridor-based infrastructure investment to create conditions capable of attracting around PGK500 million in private co-investment that would not be achievable through public funding alone.

Boito thanked the World Bank for its continued support to Papua New Guinea's agriculture sector, particularly through the PNG Agriculture Commercialisation and Diversification Project and the Agri-Connect initiative, which support implementation of the National Agriculture Sector Plan.

The World Bank said the report draws on lessons from its engagement in Papua New Guinea's agriculture sector and is intended to help guide policies that strengthen agricultural productivity, improve market access and encourage greater private sector participation.

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.