Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed the newly released ANZ Research report, A ‘New’ State of the Economy Report on Papua New Guinea, as an independent affirmation of the country’s improving economic trajectory — one underpinned by the Government’s strong emphasis on agriculture-led growth, rural empowerment and sustainable development.

The report, published on 19 May 2025, upgrades Papua New Guinea’s GDP growth projection to 4.7 per cent for 2025 — the strongest in nearly a decade — and points to surging consumer demand, improved public investment, rising export values, and record earnings in agriculture as the driving forces of this growth.

“We are pleased that this external report acknowledges what we have been building from the ground up — a resilient, inclusive economy driven by the hard work of our people, especially our farmers, SMEs, and informal sector entrepreneurs,” said Prime Minister Marape.

Agriculture: A National Growth Engine

A central highlight of the ANZ report is the outsized role agriculture continues to play in stimulating economic activity and lifting household incomes. In 2025 alone, PNG’s coffee sector is expected to generate more than PGK2 billion in export receipts, with cocoa and palm oil sectors contributing a further PGK1.5 billion and PGK2 billion, respectively.

“Our cash crop farmers — from the Highlands to the Islands — are the heroes of this economic revival. They are producing world-class coffee, cocoa and oil palm, and reaping the rewards of record global prices,” said Prime Minister Marape.

“Seventy per cent of the coffee revenue is flowing directly into the hands of growers and green bean suppliers. This is grassroots wealth creation. This is the real economy at work.”

With coffee exports expected to surpass one million bags for the first time since 2016, and global cocoa prices remaining near all-time highs, rural communities are entering 2025 more cashed-up than ever before.

“This report validates our government’s heavy investment in rural agriculture — from seedling distribution to processing facilities, road access to market linkages. We are not just talking agriculture. We are building it — from plot to port,” the Prime Minister emphasised.

Empowering Rural Communities, Driving National Stability

Prime Minister Marape said that agriculture continues to anchor not only economic growth but also national stability and social cohesion.

“When our people are earning from their land — they are feeding their families, educating their children, and contributing to national development. This is why we are doubling down on agriculture — through the National Agriculture Sector Plan (NASP 2024–2033), credit schemes, SME support, and value-add investments like coffee mills, dryers, and storage facilities.”

The report also noted strong gains in wholesale and retail trade, particularly in rural areas, driven by the increased spending power of farming households. These gains, Prime Minister Marape said, were the dividends of an economy that is finally beginning to work for its people — not just large corporations.

“We are witnessing the rise of a cash economy in the Highlands and Islands. Markets are booming. Transport routes are busy. And local businesses are growing — all because farmers have money in their pockets.”

Long-Term Vision: Agriculture at the Heart of a Middle-Income PNG

Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the Marape-Rosso Government’s long-term goal of becoming a food-secure, middle-income nation by the 2030s — a vision in which agriculture plays a central and strategic role. “We are laying the foundations for a diversified, climate-resilient agricultural economy. One that will feed our nation, replace imports, and penetrate regional markets in Asia and the Pacific.”

“This is why we are investing in rural infrastructure, expanding research and extension services, strengthening export compliance, and empowering women and youth in agriculture. This is not just about economics. It is about equity and dignity.”

As the country celebrates 50 years of independence, Prime Minister Marape said the best way to honour the past is to build a future that rewards productivity and hard work.

“Our forefathers tilled the land to build this nation. Fifty years on, our farmers continue to carry the country forward. This report confirms their contribution, and as Prime Minister, I reaffirm my government’s unwavering support to them.”