AGP Executive Report

Taiwan-China Rift: Papua New Guinea says it will close Taiwan’s representative office immediately, a move China praised while Taipei insists its office will keep operating. Pacific Security: PNG and the U.S. are deepening defence ties as Exercise Tamiok Strike 2026 ramps up at Murray Barracks, with regional partners involved. Election Safety: With the 2027 vote nearing, PNG authorities are being urged to guarantee a safe, secure election through better police recruitment, stronger joint security deployment, and clearer civil education. Bougainville Education: Bougainville receives major education powers, including school registration/compliance and tuition fee subsidy distribution, as a key step in decentralisation. Extractives & Investment: PNG Resources Week hears that transparency, governance and compliance in the extractive sector are crucial for investor confidence and fair community benefits. Health Warning: A methanol poisoning alert has been issued for 29 holiday hotspots after recent deaths, including warnings that symptoms can be mistaken for hangovers. Maritime Talks: Solomon Islands and PNG have advanced maritime boundary treaty work after a technical and legal meeting in Honiara. Digital Media: EMTV launches the iGoEMTV mobile app to bring TV access on the go.

Pacific Security: China’s submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile test into the South Pacific drew fast condemnation from Australia, New Zealand and Palau, with Beijing calling it “routine” training and insisting it targeted no country. PNG Workforce & Resources: At PNG Resource Week 2026, DHERST Secretary Lonnie Baki urged national collaboration to build a skilled workforce and lift PNG participation in procurement and supply chains for resource projects. Education & Skills Delivery: Marape defended a cabinet reshuffle as a push for better delivery and legal compliance, while critics warn systemic dysfunction won’t be fixed by swapping ministers. Health Warning: A UK campaign lists methanol poisoning risks for travellers, naming Papua New Guinea among affected destinations. Sports & Community: Fiji’s Rugby League World Cup preparations got a boost after coach Mick Potter’s work visa was approved; in PNG, the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship continues with Fiji beating Samoa 5-0 as PNG awaits its next match. Local Development: PNG Ports says its 30-year master plan is modernising the national port network to support investment and growth.

Pacific Security: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua says China’s nuclear-capable missile test “caused a stir” and created tension, joining regional condemnation as Pacific leaders weigh new defence arrangements. Government Accountability: Prime Minister Marape defends a cabinet reshuffle as focused on delivery and legal obligations, while critics warn reshuffles can’t fix systemic dysfunction and weak accountability. Police & Elections: Simbu police have ordered officers to avoid close association with MPs and election candidates ahead of 2027, with disciplinary action threatened. Road Safety Claims: MVIL and NCDPHA sign a five-year deal to speed up genuine motor accident compensation in Port Moresby by verifying medical reports and tightening fraud checks. Bougainville Education Powers: National Education transfers school registration and tuition fee funding management to the Autonomous Bougainville Government, marking a major step in autonomy. Resources & Local Benefits: PNG CORE president Anthony Smaré urges stronger partnerships so resource projects deliver lasting benefits, while a Canadian firm Island Passage Exploration prepares drilling outside Panguna in Bougainville. Sports & Youth: Fiji’s Junior Bula Boys thrash Samoa 5-0 in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship, moving closer to semi-finals in Port Moresby.

Bougainville Education Transfer: Papua New Guinea’s National Department of Education has formally handed over school registration and tuition fee funding management to the Autonomous Bougainville Government, marking a major step in the autonomy journey. Road to World Cup: Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter’s work permit has been approved, with the Rugby League World Cup in Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand set for Oct 15–Nov 15. Local Claims Faster in NCD: MVIL and NCDPHA have signed a five-year MoU to speed up genuine motor vehicle accident claims in Port Moresby by tightening medical report verification and cutting fraud. PNG-Australia Defence Deal: PNG and Australia have entered a landmark defence treaty, with Marape calling it a new era of equal partnership and deeper cooperation. Economy & Resources: Sovereign Wealth Fund chief technical adviser Ian Tarutia says the fund could be PNG’s “game-changer” for long-term independence, while PNG Core pushes for more local content in resource projects. Health Supplies: The Malaysian Association of Papua New Guinea donated K50,000 in essential medicines to Nine-Mile Clinic and Gerehu General Hospital to ease drug shortages. Transport Link: Air Niugini resumes direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights from July 18, restoring a key gateway route.

Pacific Security & Defence: Australia and Papua New Guinea have signed a landmark defence treaty, marking PNG’s first formal defence treaty since independence and expanding cooperation on security, trade, investment, labour mobility and skills. Local Economy & Mining: PNG is pushing for stronger local content in resource projects, with the Chamber of Resources and Energy urging more PNG-owned firms and landowner businesses to compete on governance, safety, quality and delivery. Health & Services: Two NCD medical facilities, Nine-Mile Clinic and Gerehu General Hospital, received K50,000 in essential medicines from the Malaysian Association of Papua New Guinea to ease drug shortages and keep 24-hour services running. Transport & Connectivity: Air Niugini restarts direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights after a six-year break, aiming to position PNG as a transit gateway between Japan, Australia and the Pacific. Business & Investment: PNG’s Madang Integrated Special Economic Zone is moving ahead, with government approval expected soon for a joint venture to build a 300-metric-ton tuna cannery. Sports & Youth: Fiji and hosts PNG both opened strong in the OFC U16 Men’s Championship in Port Moresby, setting up a tight race toward the FIFA U17 World Cup. Regional Diplomacy: Australia says China’s recent missile test was “destabilising,” pointing to strong Pacific leader condemnation and immediate Australian responses.

Earthquakes: A 6.4 quake hit Papua New Guinea’s north coast area, followed by a 6.3 quake in the Loyalty Islands region, both at 10km depth. Madang Economy: PNG’s Madang Integrated Special Economic Zone is moving fast, with government approval for a state–RD Tuna Canners joint venture expected within two weeks, starting with a 300-ton tuna cannery. PNG–Australia Defence: A landmark PNG-Australia defence treaty signed in Brisbane ushers in a new “equal partnership,” expanding security cooperation plus trade, investment, labour mobility and skills. Mining Benefits: Ok Tedi says landowner companies must supply more to ensure mining wealth delivers locally, targeting 80% local procurement by 2030. Digital Identity & AI: NEC signed an MoU with Ava Labs to build an on-chain verification layer for AI agents using biometric verifiable credentials and stablecoin-linked payment concepts. Bougainville Peace Process: Bougainville leaders welcomed the government’s move to table the 2019 referendum results in Parliament, stressing dialogue and constitutional steps. Food Security: PNG is urged to cut reliance on imported food and strengthen domestic food systems as prices and food safety risks rise. Sports & Youth: Fiji and PNG both started strong in the OFC U16 Men’s Championship in Port Moresby, with PNG beating Samoa 4-0 and Fiji downing New Caledonia 2-0. Rugby League: Tonga’s PM says the A$250m Pacific Rugby League Partnership will boost grassroots pathways, while Samoa’s Payne Haas rejects any talk of switching back to Australia for the World Cup. Local Business at Airports: Port Moresby International Airport awarded premium taxi concession contracts to three PNG operators, starting July 13.

World Cup Rugby League: Samoa prop Payne Haas has shut down talk of a “backflip” to Australia, saying he won’t turn his back on Toa Samoa after committing last year; Samoa’s World Cup pool includes France, Papua New Guinea and Tonga. Airport Business: Port Moresby International Airport has awarded premium taxi contracts to three PNG operators—ODESH, Star Trip (Khoco) and Pikup PNG—starting July 13 under a formal concession. Pacific Security & China Missile: Tonga PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafānua says China’s nuclear-capable missile test “caused a stir” and warned against militarising the ocean; the wider Pacific continues pushing for an “Ocean of Peace” stance. PNG Economy & Jobs: The World Bank says PNG’s economy is growing, but quality jobs lag, with more people slipping into subsistence farming and informal work. Mining & LNG Outlook: PM Marape says PNG is entering a new phase of resource development, outlining progress and benefit-sharing targets across major projects. Governance Reform: NCD Governor Parkop calls the NCDC capacity assessment a “critical milestone” for Port Moresby service delivery. AI & Cybercrime: PNG is drafting new laws to curb harmful AI misuse, including deepfakes and voice cloning. Prison Safety: Three inmates were killed during an escape attempt at Baisu Prison, blamed partly on deteriorating infrastructure. Youth Football: Fiji and PNG both started strong in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship in Port Moresby.

New Land From the Sea: NASA satellite images show an underwater eruption in the Bismarck Sea that could eventually form a new island north of Papua New Guinea, with steam plumes and signs magma is close to the surface. Governance Reform: NCD Governor Powes Parkop calls the release of the NCDC organisational capacity report a “critical milestone” for Port Moresby’s service delivery and institutional strengthening. Education & Skills: UPNG’s relaunched Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) will start classes on July 20, offering certificates in IT, database management and cybersecurity. Health Care Upgrade: Pacific International Hospital says it will run a first-ever PNG hip and knee joint replacement surgery program in August with visiting Australian specialists. Community Power: Puma Energy Foundation-backed solar lighting has brought electricity and 60 streetlights to Kakondo in Simbu, improving safety and access. Sports Spotlight: OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 is underway in Port Moresby, with eight nations chasing spots at the 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Security Watch: China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific is drawing strong regional criticism and is being used to push for a Pacific-led security pact.

NCDC Reform: NCD Governor Powes Parkop calls the release of the NCDC organisational capacity assessment a “critical milestone,” saying the evidence-based report will guide Port Moresby’s push to professionalise staff and lift service delivery. Education & Jobs: Higher Education Minister Kinoka Feo will speak at the 2026 PNG Resource Week on aligning universities and TVET with future workforce and industry needs, with industry urging closer government-business training links. Rural Power Boost: Puma Energy Foundation-backed solar lighting has brought power to Kakondo in Simbu, including a community resource centre, 60 streetlights and safer night-time access for households and public services. Sport & Youth Pathways: The OFC U-16 Men’s Championship is underway in Port Moresby, with eight nations chasing regional glory and World Cup spots, while the Trukai Fun Run unites provinces for Team PNG and community fundraising. Health Care Upgrade: Pacific International Hospital launches a first-ever PNG hip and knee joint replacement surgery program in August with visiting Australian specialists. Pacific Security Shock: China’s submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile test has drawn sharp criticism across the Pacific, strengthening calls for Pacific-led security pacts. Maritime Skills for Women: Steamships and Australia Awards PNG relaunch a Women in Maritime scholarship, offering sea-time placements and training for up to 10 women yearly.

Pacific Security: China’s long-range missile test in the “blue continent” has triggered fresh alarm across the Pacific, with PNG PM James Marape and other leaders saying “this is not what friends do,” while Tonga’s Lord Fakafanua backs an “Ocean of Peace” push and PNG and Vanuatu sign a police pact targeting transnational crime. PNG Politics: Marape’s long-awaited Cabinet reshuffle has been delayed until next week as he completes engagements in West Sepik, with portfolio changes and a government service push expected. Sports & Youth: The OFC U-16 Men’s Championship kicks off in Port Moresby with eight teams chasing FIFA U-17 World Cup spots, while Hekari Women’s title hopes fall short again as Auckland United win a third straight OFC Women’s Champions crown. Science & Environment: PNG researchers identify a new “walking shark” species in Milne Bay, but warn it may be at risk of extinction due to a limited range. Education & Skills: UPNG’s CEIT relaunch starts classes July 20 with IT, database and cybersecurity certificates, and IBSU signs its first scholarship MoU with a Morobe secondary school to lift university enrolments. Business & Development: UNDP expands blockchain-based humanitarian payments beyond pilots, and ADB flags real costs and risks in PNG’s investment “reserved activities” policy.

PNG-Australia Security: Exercise Wantok Warrior wrapped up in Townsville, with PNGDF troops training alongside the Australian Army to sharpen small-team tactics and interoperability. Pacific Crime Focus: PNG and Vanuatu signed a police cooperation pact targeting rising transnational crime across the region’s maritime borders. China Missile Fallout: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua backed a Pacific “Ocean of Peace” push and said Tonga will join a joint statement after China’s long-range missile test drew widespread regional anger. Defence Deals Ripple: New Zealand says it will explore joining the Australia-Fiji “Ocean of Peace” alliance, while the pact’s open-door terms keep PNG and other Pacific states in the conversation. Education & Skills: UPNG’s CEIT relaunch starts classes July 20, offering IT, database management and cybersecurity certificates; IBSU also signed its first Morobe scholarship MoU with Markham Valley Secondary. Women in Maritime: Steamships and Australia Awards PNG relaunch a Women in Maritime scholarship with sea-time placements for up to 10 women yearly. Sport: Auckland United completed a third straight OFC Women’s Champions League title, beating Hekari Women 3-1 in Honiara.

Pacific Security: PNG is in the spotlight as China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific sparks condemnation across the region, with leaders warning it destabilises the “blue continent” and raises tension. Defence Partnerships: Australia’s new “Ocean of Peace” alliance with Fiji is now prompting wider interest, including New Zealand weighing joining, while PNG and Australia’s own cooperation continues to deepen. Rugby League Boost: A landmark Pacific Rugby League Partnership worth A$250m is set to fund grassroots school programs and youth initiatives across PNG and Pacific nations, with PNG PM Marape pushing the country to become a top talent producer. Education & Skills: UPNG’s Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) relaunches with classes starting July 20, while IBSU signs its first scholarship MoU with a Morobe secondary school to lift university enrolments. Maritime Opportunities: Steamships and Australia Awards PNG relaunch a Women in Maritime scholarship, offering sea-time placements and training for up to 10 women each year. Tourism Planning: PNGTPA and NCDC launch an accommodation inventory and capacity survey to improve Port Moresby’s tourism investment and event readiness. Business Climate: PNG’s investment reforms are under the microscope as ADB warns reserved activities can raise costs and hurt competition if safeguards aren’t strong.

Pacific Security: Australia and Fiji’s “Ocean of Peace” defence alliance is now in focus across the region, with Tonga’s PM joining condemnation of China’s nuclear-capable missile test and PNG’s Marape reiterating the Pacific should stay an “Ocean of Peace.” PNG-Australia Defence: The Pukpuk Treaty between PNG and Australia has come into force, formalising a mutual defence commitment and deeper ADF–PNGDF cooperation. Investment & Jobs: PNG is warned that its 2023 Investment Promotion Act reserved activities carry “real costs and real dangers,” while the World Bank says weak public service delivery is a key reason businesses are slow to hire. Tourism Planning: PNGTPA and NCDC launched an Accommodation Inventory & Capacity Survey to improve Port Moresby event readiness and tourism investment decisions. Sports & Youth: Port Moresby is hosting the OFC U16 Men’s Championship, while Hekari Women FC face Auckland United in the OFC Women’s Champions League final. Community & Skills: UPNG relaunched its IT Centre of Excellence, and PNGFA is running rural referee training in Central to decentralise football development.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Australia and Papua New Guinea’s Pukpuk Treaty has entered into force, creating PNG’s first defence alliance and Australia’s first in over 70 years, with mutual consultation and cooperation to meet “common danger” while safeguarding sovereignty. Regional Response to China Missile Test: PNG PM James Marape urged major powers to keep the Pacific as an “Ocean of Peace” after China’s nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu, saying the appeal applies to all military powers. Local Infrastructure & Energy: Ok Tedi has pledged K30 million to help build the Sisimakam–P’nyang Road, a key link for the P’nyang LNG project, with staged works starting on preliminary sections. Aviation Connectivity: Air Niugini will restart direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights from July 18, restoring a major route after a six-year gap. Business & Trade: PNG-India Business Council has been registered to push trade growth from about US$600m to US$20b over 10 years. Sports & Youth: PNG hosts the OFC U-16 Championship in Port Moresby, while PNG’s netball Pepes continue Spirit Series preparations in Sydney.

PNG-Australia Defence Alliance: The Pukpuk Treaty has come into force, making Papua New Guinea Australia’s first new formal defence alliance in over 70 years and PNG’s first treaty alliance of its kind, with mutual defence, closer ADF–PNGDF cooperation and pathways for PNG citizens to serve. Pacific Security Backlash: PNG PM James Marape urged all major powers to keep the Pacific an “Ocean of Peace” after China’s nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu sparked regional condemnation and calls for a united response. Air Links Boost: Air Niugini will restart direct Port Moresby–Tokyo (Narita) flights from July 18, twice weekly, cutting travel time and strengthening PNG’s gateway role for Japan–Pacific travel. Mining and Roads: Ok Tedi commits K30m under PNG’s Tax Credit Scheme to build the Sisimakam–P’nyang Road for the P’nyang LNG project, while K92 Mining reported strong Q2 output as Kainantu expansion ramps up. Business and Sports: PNG–India Business Council is set up to grow trade, and BSP is confirmed as a major sponsor of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup as PNG hosts key matches.

Pacific Security: Australia’s mutual defence pact with Papua New Guinea (the Pukpuk treaty) has come into force as leaders meet in Brisbane, just days after China’s long-range, nuclear-capable missile test sparked alarm across the Pacific and calls to keep the “Ocean of Peace” free of weapons testing. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific leaders are weighing a “very strong” joint statement condemning the missile test, with Tuvalu expressing “grave and serious concern” and PNG PM James Marape urging superpowers to halt such tests. Sport & People-to-People Links: Australia has launched a $250m Pacific Rugby League Partnership with PNG, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji, backing grassroots and school programs and even exploring NRL and NRLW matches in the Pacific; the push is being showcased alongside State of Origin events in Brisbane. Mining & Jobs: Solomon Islands and PNG reaffirm plans to deepen economic ties, including mining governance reforms; in PNG, Adyton secured an environmental permit for the Wapolu gold project restart, while South Pacific Metals reported high-grade gold-copper results at Ontenu. Football: Samoa U-16 boys head to PNG for the OFC Under-16 Men’s Championship, while PNG’s Hekari Women FC chase a first OFC Women’s Champions League title in Friday’s final.