AGP Executive Report

Green Finance Rollout: PNG is moving from green finance talks to practical implementation, with Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu and Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Elizabeth Genia urging real action through the Green Finance Centre and the financial system. EU Investment Push: The 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby next week aims to draw European investors, with Nokia and Airbus among firms looking at telecom, digital connectivity, renewables, extractives and agriculture. Agriculture Exports to Europe: PNG trade officials say fisheries already benefit from EU access, and want cocoa, coffee, vanilla, coconut and palm oil to expand as EU rules tighten on deforestation-free products and traceability. Connectivity Boost: Telikom PNG has become an authorised Starlink reseller, targeting enterprise, government and remote communities with managed installation and support. Climate Funding Gap: PNG’s climate plans may need up to K7 billion over 10 years, but officials say the country can’t fund it alone and needs banks and development partners. Security & Community: Highlands communities in Southern Highlands have surrendered factory-made firearms under the illegal firearms amnesty, as police step up awareness and enforcement. Education Money Skills: More than 1,000 Madang primary students completed a financial literacy programme to learn responsible lunch-money spending and savings habits. Sports Sponsorship: Capital Rugby Union received K250,000 from Pepsi to back the 2026 season and youth development.

Green Finance Push: Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Elizabeth Genia says PNG must move from green finance talk to real implementation, urging practical steps to steer investment into climate-resilient development. Digital Identity Law: PNG is preparing a Digital Identity and Verifiable Credentials Bill to roll out its national digital ID ecosystem, including SevisPass and SevisWallet, with rollout targeted for July 2026. Highlands Gun Surrenders: An illegal firearms amnesty in the Highlands continues as Southern Highlands community leaders hand over factory-made guns to police, with enforcement linked to the new Counter-Terrorism Act. PNG–China Trade Boost: PNG and China will hold an inaugural business forum and trade expo in Guangzhou on Oct 20–21, aiming to attract investment and connect PNG SMEs with Chinese opportunities. PALM Labour Target: PNG’s Approved Employers Expo in Port Moresby highlights plans to reach 30,000 workers in Australia by 2030, with recruitment systems urged to be fair and transparent. Connectivity for Businesses: Digicel PNG says it will resell Starlink to expand enterprise internet options in remote areas, building on early testing and Telstra’s authorization. Women in Research: Twelve women researchers from Lae head to Melbourne for advanced training and mentorship under an Australia-backed program to strengthen women’s leadership in research.

Coffee Farming Support: Jiwaka Province farmers in Kindeng and Tuman received 15,000 coffee seedlings through Monpi Coffee, funded by JDE Peets, with distribution starting at Muk High School and set to finish this week. Digital Payments Expansion: Digicel CellMoni is set to grow beyond fuel payments, with plans to onboard more hotels, apartments and supermarkets nationwide. Starlink for Business: Digicel PNG has been authorised to resell Starlink satellite internet for enterprise customers, aiming to boost connectivity in remote areas. Labour Mobility Push: PNG has set a target of 30,000 workers in Australia by 2030 as the PALM scheme expo opens in Port Moresby, with active workers already surpassing 2,000. Women’s Research Training: Twelve women researchers from Lae will travel to Melbourne for advanced mentorship at RMIT under a PNG–Australia capacity program. Green Finance Momentum: PM Marape says PNG’s green finance partnership is growing, following the 2026 Green Finance Summit focus on greening financial systems. Power Reliability Upgrade: PPL CEO Paul Bayly welcomed JICA support after inspection of the new 132kV Singsing–Taraka transmission line for Lae. Community Sport Funding: Australia’s High Commission selected 23 recipients for the Play for Unity fund to back inclusive community sport across PNG.

Labour Mobility: PNG has set a target to send 30,000 workers to Australia by 2030 as the PALM scheme expo opens in Port Moresby, with PNG reporting 2,000-plus active workers already employed in Australia and urging fair, transparent recruitment by provinces. Connectivity Boost: Digicel PNG says it is now authorised to resell Starlink satellite internet to businesses, aiming to improve reliable access in remote areas. Digital Security Push: The RPNGC says PNG’s economic future depends on securing its digital space, calling for stronger cyber defences and partnerships. China Trade Move: PNG and China will host an inaugural PNG–China Business Forum and Trade Expo in October (Oct 20–21) in Guangzhou to attract investment. Energy Watch: Prime Minister Marape says the Papua LNG final investment decision will be announced this year, with a forum planned to mobilise landowners and provincial governments. Women & Culture: The inaugural PNG Bilum and Arts Festival in Port Moresby puts women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship at the centre. Skills for Youth: Pacific Australia Skills has launched in PNG to expand practical TVET pathways for jobs.

Subsea Tensions: A week of Pacific coverage keeps circling one risk: undersea cables are being targeted in grey-zone moves tied to China, with incidents off Taiwan and wider regional vulnerability raising fresh calls for stronger protection of critical digital infrastructure. PNG LNG Deadline: Prime Minister James Marape says TotalEnergies has assured the Papua LNG final investment decision will land this year, with a June–July forum to align landowners and provincial governments and pressure on JV partners to present one position. Connectivity Boost: Digicel PNG is authorised to resell Starlink for enterprise customers, adding another high-speed option for remote businesses. Skills Push: Australia launched Pacific Australia Skills in Port Moresby to expand TVET pathways into jobs, while Green Finance: PNG’s government says climate change is already hitting economies and livelihoods. Sport & Culture: Rugby League World Cup funding tops $12.4m from Australia, and PNG fans get a dose of AJ fever at Lae Biscuit’s Lewa launch.

Energy & LNG Roadmap: Prime Minister James Marape says Papua LNG and P’nyang are being sequenced to keep gas projects running to 2040, with P’nyang set to deliver a 63% state benefit once Final Investment Decision and construction are approved. Geology Watch: NASA satellites have captured an underwater volcano eruption in the Bismarck Sea, but scientists say they still lack detailed seafloor maps to know exactly what erupted or how the seabed changed. Deep-Sea Mining Push: A new rush of companies is lining up for deep-sea mining permits as regulators fast-track rules, but critics warn the industry is still unproven and could face legal fights. Skills & Jobs: Australia launched the Pacific Australia Skills program in Port Moresby to strengthen training that leads to employment. Regional Security & Tech: Quad foreign ministers in New Delhi unveiled initiatives on critical technologies, energy security and resilient supply chains. Sports & Culture: Lae Football Association backed PNG U19 players with K3,000, while the inaugural Bilum and Arts Festival kicked off in Port Moresby.

Election Readiness: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG must start serious preparations now for the 2027 election, pushing Parliament to use its remaining sitting days to clear laws and setting up a major consultation with the Electoral Commission, political parties and stakeholders. Culture & Women’s Empowerment: Port Moresby launched the inaugural Bilum and Arts Festival, with NCD Governor Powes Parkop calling bilum a uniquely PNG symbol and urging the event to become an annual national platform. Informal Economy Talks: The CIMC will convene the first Informal Economy Sectoral Committee meeting of 2026 after a long gap, aiming to close legislative and institutional gaps affecting livelihoods. Sports Spotlight: Tony Mitu Jr returned with PNG’s first international Wushu medal, winning bronze in Brisbane. Energy Watch: Papua LNG’s Final Investment Decision is expected in 2026, with a development forum planned for late June/early July. Security & Training: Enga police officers completed defensive tactics training supported by the PNG-Australia policing partnership. Maritime Presence: UK Royal Navy’s HMS Tamar docked in Port Moresby as part of its Indo-Pacific patrols.

France-PNG Diplomacy: Prime Minister James Marape met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to mark 50 years of ties, with a joint announcement for a new PNG embassy in Paris and a push on climate, forests and biodiversity. Visa Shock to Government Revenue: New Zealand’s Pacific visa changes and PNG’s own Pacific visa fee cuts are expected to hit revenue by about $1–2 million a year, as fees drop and longer multi-entry visas expand travel. NRL to Tennis Australia: Andrew Abdo has resigned as NRL CEO to become Tennis Australia’s top boss, with Peter V’landys stepping in as interim CEO. Mining & Jobs: K92 Mining is advertising roles in PNG, while Ok Tedi appoints Ben Burger as Misima Minerals GM and Kumul Consolidated Holdings moves to acquire a stake in Ramu Agri Industries. Regional Security & Fisheries: Pacific nations wrapped Operation Tui Moana 2026, boosting fisheries surveillance against illegal fishing. Disaster Readiness: Reports of possible underwater volcanic activity near Manus are adding fresh pressure on real-time warnings and evacuation planning. Sport & Pride: Tony Mitu Jr won PNG’s first international Wushu medal with bronze in Brisbane; PNG athletes also shone at Oceania athletics in Darwin. Local Growth: Air Niugini opened a new Wewak sales office to improve East Sepik connectivity.

Sporting Pride: Tony Mitu Jr wins PNG’s bronze in men’s 70kg Sanda at the Oceania Wushu Championships in Brisbane, carrying the flag as he credits Papa God for a tough bout. Athletics Momentum: In Darwin, PNG athletes finish the Oceania Athletics Championships with two new national records, including Lakona Gerega’s javelin mark and a record-breaking men’s 4x100 relay. Infrastructure Push: PM James Marape thanks France, AFD and the EU for backing a proposed K400m Rabaul Port redevelopment, aiming to turn the deep-water hub into a modern Pacific logistics gateway. Local Development: Markham students praise MDDA and the Isikia Scholarship Scheme for early tuition support, easing pressure on families. Mining Leadership: Ok Tedi appoints Ben Burger as General Manager of Misima Minerals, targeting an operating mine within two years. Business & Travel: Digicel Pacific names Tim Bryson head of external affairs, while Air Niugini opens a new Wewak sales office to boost East Sepik connectivity. Rugby League Buzz: Alex Johnston lands in PNG to promote the Chiefs’ 2028 debut and share PNG rugby league culture with Rabbitohs teammates.

Maternal health crisis spotlight: A new PNG-focused write-up says home births are deadly—if babies are delivered at home, there’s a 6% chance the baby will die—while fewer than four in ten births nationally have a skilled attendant, dropping to about 20% in parts of the Highlands. Health system fix that sticks: In Simbu, a program rolled out from 2019 to early 2026 across 18 rural health centres doubled facility births and kept the gains over time by pairing small non-cash incentives with practical service upgrades. Aviation upgrade for remote PNG: Prime Minister James Marape toured ATR production in France as landowner-linked companies bought three ATR 42-600 aircraft for PNG Air, aiming to boost connectivity to difficult terrain. Regional policing push: PNG says Pacific security cooperation must intensify as syndicates exploit transit routes, while respecting national sovereignty. Sports and culture: PNG’s Women’s 3x3 squad heads to a Final Oceania prep camp in Australia, and the Asaro Mudmen’s ghostly clay masks remain a living cultural legacy.

Aviation Deal That Lands in PNG: Prime Minister James Marape inspected ATR aircraft being built in France for Western Province landowners, as PNG Air expands its fleet—now including three brand-new ATR 42-600s bought by landowner companies and leased to PNG Air under a long-term arrangement. Sports Focus: PNG’s Women’s 3x3 squad has flown to Australia for the Final Oceania Development Camp, a key step toward the Commonwealth Games. Business & Health: City Pharmacy opened its second retail store in Wewak, adding a licensed prescriptions dispensary and more healthcare products. New Faces in Government Relations: Digicel Pacific appointed Tim Bryson as Group Head of External Affairs, covering Australia, PNG and the Pacific hub. Regional Security: Operation Tui Moana continues with Te Kukupa II boarding and inspecting 13 fishing vessels, reinforcing fisheries protection across Pacific waters. Science & Culture: A new ghost pipefish species—Solenostomus snuffleupagus—was formally named after the Sesame Street character, after decades of sightings near PNG.

RBI Surplus Boost: India’s Reserve Bank of India approved a record Rs 2,86,588 crore surplus transfer to the central government for 2025–26, a fresh cash lift for public spending as global shocks bite. Deep-Sea Mining Rush: In the U.S., companies are lining up for seabed minerals after a Trump push, with regulators fast-tracking permits—yet critics warn the business case and processing plans still look shaky. Operation Tui Moana: Pacific patrols under Operation Tui Moana 2026 hit 13 fishing vessels for boarding and checks, as regional forces step up fisheries protection across multiple EEZs. Maritime Women’s Leadership: Cook Islands maritime security officer Amy Ngatamaine becomes the first Cook Islander to chair PACWIMA, spotlighting women’s growing role in Pacific shipping and security. PNG Education & Science: Minister Joseph Lelang officially opened a new science lab at Kandrian Secondary School, backed by major education funding. New Ghost Fish Named: Scientists formally described a ghost pipefish species, Solenostomus snuffleupagus, named after Sesame Street’s Snuffleupagus—first spotted near PNG decades ago.

Education Push: Minister Joseph Lelang officially opened a new Science Laboratory Building at Kandrian Secondary School in Kandrian-Gloucester, saying the lab was built early to meet Education Department requirements for full secondary status and promising major education funding. Election Prep: A Special Parliamentary Committee report ahead of GE27 lays out 70 recommendations, with 28 needing immediate action, including Electoral Commission reforms, earlier planning, roll updates, voter education and timely election funding. Health Spotlight: Nadia Kamali, 13, is battling osteosarcoma after months of pain and scans, highlighting the strain families face when cancer care is hard to access. Regional Security: PNG reaffirmed support for stronger Pacific policing and border cooperation after the Fiji Pacific Police Ministers Meeting, warning syndicates exploit the region while defending national sovereignty. Economy & Trade: PNG signed an enhanced economic partnership framework with China in Suzhou, with follow-on talks toward a possible free trade agreement. Sports & Culture: PNG Barramandis were congratulated after winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup EAP Qualifier, while Yumi FM marks 20 years with the PNG Musik Awards.

Business & Food: Port Moresby just welcomed “Crust by 77,” a new Food Republic outlet selling modern Neapolitan-style pizza, fried chicken and local-sourced sides, with delivery planned soon. Bougainville Economy: Bougainville Copper Limited posted a K16 million loss for 2025, stayed debt-free, and says it has funds for 2026 recurrent work—no dividend expected. China Trade Push: PNG signed an Enhanced Economic Partnership framework with China in Suzhou, clearing the way for follow-on talks toward a possible free trade agreement. Fuel & Money Pressure: At POMCCI, economists warned fuel subsidy and kina stability risks remain, while businesses asked how to handle rising costs and grey-list concerns. Women’s Safety in Storms: Pacific leaders highlighted how cyclones strain shelters and services, leaving violence against women harder to prevent. Sport & Culture: PNG athletes mixed results at Oceania Athletics in Darwin; Tony Mitu Jnr heads to Brisbane for Oceania Wushu; and Yumi FM launches its 20th Musik Awards this Saturday.

China-PNG Deal: Trade ministers Wang Wentao and Richard Maru signed a Framework Agreement on Enhanced Economic Partnership in Suzhou, aiming to “strengthen and elevate” economic and trade ties. Pacific Ocean Protection: PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji backed the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, targeting an interconnected marine protected area of at least six million sq km, while PNG also flagged a Western Manus National Marine Sanctuary. Banking Spotlight: BSP says it is the largest bank in the South Pacific, serving over two million customers, as it pushes prosperity at its 2026 AGM. Fuel and Costs: PNG’s fuel is “secure” for now, but economists warn of a worst-case scenario and possible price spikes if global shocks hit. Governance Pressure: A new opinion piece argues elites in PNG too often sit “above the law,” while the IRC says tax incentives are costing billions in foregone revenue. Business and Connectivity: Australia announced a major digital push for PNG, promising big growth gains if internet access becomes affordable and widespread. Mining Updates: South Pacific Metals reported mineralisation at Ontenu NE, and Geopacific’s Woodlark DFS put a post-tax value of A$1.3b on the table.

Fuel Watch: PNG’s fuel is “secure” for now, but officials are urging people to brace for a worst-case scenario if Middle East conflict cuts global supply—fuel economist Dr Kishti Sen warned prices could spike toward US$200/bbl and even trigger rationing, while the ICCC says recent shortages were mainly caused by delayed subsidy payments, not lack of imports. Telecoms Pressure: Australia’s Pat Conroy says PNG’s internet is among the most expensive for its income level, leaving over 80% of people priced out, as a new Australia–PNG Telecommunications Blueprint is launched to push affordable connectivity. External Affairs: Digicel Pacific appoints Tim Bryson to lead government relations and strategic external affairs across Australia, PNG and the Pacific. Marine Protection: PNG plans a vast 200,000 sq km “no-take” marine sanctuary in the Bismarck Sea to protect a Pacific “marine highway.” Sports & Culture: Kokoda Cup boxing is set for May 31, and the 20th Yumi FM PNG Musik Awards officially launch.