Prime Minister Hon. James Marape will deliver the keynote address tomorrow at the PNG Investment Week Conference, held at the Sydney International Convention Centre. This flagship event will highlight Papua New Guinea’s immense investment potential across a variety of sectors, positioning it as a premier destination for global business partnerships.
The conference serves as a platform for the Prime Minister to present his government’s transformative policies and vision for PNG’s economic growth as the nation moves toward its next 50 years of independence.
Prime Minister Marape underscored the significance of the event, stating: “The PNG Investment Week Conference is more than just an event; it is a declaration of our commitment to building a resilient and inclusive economy. We are taking bold steps to ensure Papua New Guineans reap greater rewards from major resource projects while advancing downstream processing of our vast resources.”
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, the Prime Minister highlighted PNG’s resilience in navigating global economic challenges, particularly those brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions.
“Over the past five years, despite the challenges—including attempts to destabilise our government—we have upheld stability and carved out a clear pathway toward our goal of becoming a K200 billion economy by 2030. This progress reflects the dedication and hard work of our people and partners,” Prime Minister Marape said.
The Prime Minister will also shed light on PNG’s resource sector advancements, spotlighting projects like New Porgera Ltd, Ok Tedi, PNG LNG, and future developments such as Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu, Pasca, and Wildebeest. He applauded the contributions of international energy and mining companies operating in PNG.
“Global giants such as ExxonMobil, TOTAL, Santos, PetroChina, and JX Nippon in petroleum and energy, along with major players like China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC), Barrick Gold Corporation, Newmont, and Harmony in mining, recognise the vast potential of Papua New Guinea. This includes opportunities in both upstream processing and downstream activities that will further unlock our economic potential. PNG is open for business and poised for transformative growth,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also emphasised his government’s focus on improving law and order as a critical enabler for investment:” Through the 2025 National Budget, we are making unprecedented investments in law and order, infrastructure, and tourism to ensure PNG remains an attractive and secure destination for investors and visitors alike.”
Organised by the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy (CORE), the conference is expected to see record participation, with over 1,300 delegates from PNG, Australia, New Zealand, and neighboring nations. Key discussions will involve government ministers, industry regulators, and representatives from critical sectors, including banking, mining, forestry, fisheries, and tourism.
“This conference symbolises progress and collaboration. It is a platform to strengthen ties with our partners and demonstrate to the world that PNG is ready for investment. Together, we can build a brighter future for all Papua New Guineans,” Prime Minister Marape added.
Running from December 6 to 11, PNG Investment Week will include networking opportunities, pre-conference sessions with industry regulators, and sector-specific discussions designed to foster innovation and partnerships for PNG’s future.