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Pacific Island countries are stepping up efforts to strengthen private sector development, recognising its central role as the backbone of their economies and a key driver of long-term growth, employment and innovation. The private sector remains the region’s largest employer and a major contributor to productivity, competition and wealth creation. It also plays a critical role in reducing poverty by generating jobs and improving living standards across Pacific economies. Policymakers across Forum Member countries are now moving to elevate private sector development ambitions by promoting reforms that improve the business environment, address market failures and support enterprise creation. Efforts are also under way to enhance the capacity of Pacific businesses to participate more actively in domestic, regional and global markets. At the national level, governments have introduced a range of initiatives, including private sector development strategies, public-private partnerships and targeted industry incentives. However, officials say the absence of a coordinated regional framework has limited the ability to fully leverage shared strengths across the Pacific. To address this gap, the Pacific Regional Private Sector Strategy (PRPSS) was mandated by Forum Trade Ministers in 2021, aimed at driving sustainable and resilient economic growth, job creation and innovation across the region. The inaugural strategy, covering 2025 to 2030, places a strong emphasis on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), widely regarded as the engine of Pacific economies. MSMEs are expected to play a pivotal role in economic diversification, employment generation and the promotion of entrepreneurship. Globally, MSMEs account for between 50% and 60% of GDP, represent about 90% of businesses and contribute roughly 70% of employment. However, their full economic contribution in Pacific Island countries remains difficult to quantify due to high levels of informality and limited data collection systems. Under the theme “Strengthening Foundations for Resilient and Inclusive MSME Growth,” the strategy aims to build a more supportive business environment and address structural challenges that constrain MSME development. The plan focuses on six priority areas: improving the business enabling environment; supporting business growth and innovation; expanding access to finance; building resilience to economic shocks; promoting inclusive entrepreneurship; and strengthening regional dialogue. Officials said the strategy seeks to ensure that women-led, youth-led and rural enterprises, as well as businesses in the informal sector, are given equal opportunities to grow, formalise and contribute to economic activity. Implementation will take place over five years, with a focus on “regional collective actions” — joint initiatives undertaken by multiple countries to maximise resources and address shared challenges. These actions will be carried out in collaboration with technical agencies, development partners and international organisations. Where regional approaches are not feasible due to differing national contexts, the strategy allows for tailored country-level interventions. A mid-term review is planned to assess progress and enable adjustments in response to evolving economic conditions and emerging opportunities. Officials said the strategy is designed to complement existing national reforms, while fostering deeper regional integration, knowledge-sharing and cooperation across Pacific economies.

The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification is accelerating a wide-ranging reform agenda to modernise mining laws and improve fiscal, environmental and social oversight as the sector expands. Permanent Secretary Chris Vehe said the reforms aim to position mining as a key economic pillar, while addressing longstanding regulatory gaps. “The mining industry is now an emerging economic lifeline of our country,” he said. At the core of the reforms is the Mineral Resources Bill 2025, described by policymakers as a landmark law to replace the outdated Mines and Minerals Act 1990 and establish a clearer regulatory regime for exploration and extraction. The bill is intended to balance resource development with environmental protection, clarify rights and obligations among stakeholders, and ensure fair economic returns for present and future generations. It also aligns with the country’s Minerals Policy 2017, which emphasises inclusive governance, local participation and stronger benefit-sharing arrangements with communities. Alongside the bill, the ministry is finalising supporting regulations covering occupational health and safety, community development agreements and broader sector governance. Additional initiatives include a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA), fiscal and revenue reforms, and frameworks on mine safety, gender inclusion and mineral pricing. Most outputs are in advanced stages of drafting or consultation, with several expected to be submitted to cabinet between April and May. The reform push comes amid ongoing debate over landowner rights and consultation processes. Civil society groups and international observers have raised concerns about ensuring free, prior and informed consent, equitable benefit-sharing and stronger environmental safeguards under the proposed framework. Analysts note that mining governance in Solomon Islands has historically faced challenges linked to limited oversight, environmental risks and uneven distribution of benefits. Government and development partners see significant upside if reforms unlock new mining projects, particularly in gold and nickel. Estimates suggest mining could add several percentage points to GDP and generate new fiscal revenues through royalties, export duties and profit-based taxes if projects reach full capacity. The ministry said the reforms are designed to ensure that expansion is matched by stronger governance, transparency and accountability mechanisms. The overhaul reflects a broader transition in the Solomon Islands economy, where declining logging activity is shifting attention toward mining as a future growth driver. Officials said the success of the reforms will depend on balancing investor certainty with community protection and environmental sustainability.

The operator of the PNG LNG Project, ExxonMobil PNG Limited, recently welcomed 75 outstanding ninth-grade girls from five Port Moresby schools for a day of hands-on science experiments, mentorship, and exciting activities designed to spark their curiosity and build their confidence in engineering. Now in its second year in Papua New Guinea, ExxonMobil’s Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day — held at its LNG Plant at Caution Bay — was a resounding success. This year’s theme, “Design Your Future,” encouraged students to imagine the possibilities of a STEM career (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Supported by 42 passionate employee volunteers from ExxonMobil’s Women in Energy Network, the students explored key engineering concepts and learned directly from Papua New Guinean engineering professionals. ExxonMobil PNG Chairman and Managing Director Dinesh Sivasamboo visited the students during their practical sessions and was impressed by both their enthusiasm and teamwork. “It’s great to see that even though you’ve come from different schools, you have quickly made new friends and learned to work together effectively as a team to solve real-world problems. These are important skills and experiences that will help you excel in your lives and your careers,” Sivasamboo said. “Papua New Guinea’s energy future looks quite bright, so there will be opportunities for students like you throughout our industry. I hope you will continue to apply yourselves to your studies so that you might join us as engineers one day,” he concluded. Students expressed their gratitude and excitement about the experience, saying it opened their eyes to new possibilities in engineering. “I didn’t think much about taking on engineering, but after today, I might have a change of mind,” said Zillar Naku Pa’aka from Gordon Secondary School. “Once we started the practical activities, I really enjoyed it.” “I really enjoyed the electrical engineering activity with the circuit boards,” added Sylvia Mero from Jubilee Catholic Secondary School. “When the lights lit up, it felt like it lit something in me. I think after today, I’d like to become an engineer.” The students represented Gordon Secondary School, Charles Lwanga Secondary School, Jubilee Secondary School, Bavaroko Junior High School, and Ororo Junior High School. The day concluded with lunch at the Plant site mess and a small gift pack for each participant to take home. ExxonMobil PNG is proud to help inspire the next generation of innovators by empowering more girls to dream big and engineer boldly.

The Government of New Caledonia has adopted a draft resolution calling on the French State to extend its electricity cost equalisation mechanism to the territory, in a move aimed at easing energy costs and supporting economic recovery. The decision was approved during the Government’s weekly meeting on 25 March, with authorities seeking to include New Caledonia in the reimbursement system that compensates excess electricity production costs in overseas areas not connected to mainland France’s grid. Under France’s existing framework, tariff equalisation ensures that electricity prices remain broadly comparable across the country by offsetting higher production costs in non-interconnected zones such as Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, Réunion, Mayotte and Wallis-et-Futuna. The mechanism is designed to uphold national solidarity and provide households and businesses in overseas territories with access to energy under conditions similar to those in metropolitan France. At present, New Caledonia and French Polynesia are the only French territories not covered by the scheme. Government spokesperson Christopher Gygès said extending the mechanism would address growing concerns over purchasing power, particularly as global pressures, including the conflict in the Middle East, risk further increasing energy costs. In New Caledonia, electricity prices are structurally higher due to factors such as geographic isolation, limited market size and reliance on imported energy inputs. These costs place additional pressure on households while also affecting the competitiveness of businesses and the wider economy. Electricity plays a central role in the territory’s economic structure, particularly in industrial and metallurgical activities, as well as in the operation of public services and critical infrastructure. As a result, energy pricing is regarded as a key determinant of both economic stability and growth. The Government said that, in the current challenging economic environment, reducing electricity costs could serve as an important lever to support business activity, protect purchasing power and aid the territory’s economic recovery. By seeking inclusion in the equalisation scheme, New Caledonia aims to align itself with the broader principle of national solidarity applied across other overseas territories. The proposal also extends to French Polynesia, which faces similar structural constraints. The draft resolution will now be submitted to the French State for consideration, with authorities emphasising that the extension of the mechanism would promote equity while supporting the sustainable economic development of France’s overseas regions.

Fiji’s kava industry has transformed into the country’s top agricultural export over the past 15 years, with export earnings exceeding FJD53 million and supporting more than 14,500 farming households. The shift from subsistence production to a commercialised export sector has been driven by rising demand in key markets including Australia, New Zealand and the United States, alongside improvements in quality standards and supply chains. Export growth underpinned by policy and market reforms The expansion reflects sustained support from the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus Program, which has worked with the Government of Fiji and industry stakeholders to strengthen biosecurity, plant health and export readiness. Interventions have included the development of national quality standards, certification systems and support for market access initiatives, particularly Australia’s commercial kava import framework introduced in 2019. The programme has enabled more than 5,500 farming households to access international markets, contributing to higher rural incomes and increased export volumes. Industry scaling with new production models The sector’s current growth phase, which began around 2021, is characterised by product diversification, improved quality assurance and entry into mainstream retail channels. Green kava processing has emerged as a key innovation, reducing processing time and increasing income across supply chains. One model has delivered income gains of about 26% among participating households, alongside broader productivity improvements. Fijian kava products are now stocked in major retail outlets in Australia, marking a shift from informal trade to formal commercial distribution. Economic role expands beyond exports The broader kava economy is estimated to exceed FJD190 million when domestic consumption and informal trade are included, reinforcing its role as a key rural livelihood across major growing regions such as Kadavu, Bua and Cakaudrove. The sector has also demonstrated resilience despite past shocks, including export bans, climate impacts and cyclone damage, with recovery driven by stronger systems and rising global demand. Sustainability risks remain Despite rapid growth, stakeholders warn of structural risks that could affect long-term stability. These include plant health threats such as dieback disease and nematodes, the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, and limited industry coordination. Gender disparities also persist, with women underrepresented in commercial production and trade. The report calls for continued reforms in regulation, plant health management and industry organisation to sustain growth and avoid future boom-bust cycles.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is advancing the rollout of its Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), with a focus on building in-house capability through a Training of Trainers programme. The initiative, led by the Department of Treasury and Finance, forms part of the government’s broader push to strengthen public financial management using the FreeBalance Accountability Suite. ABG Secretary for Treasury and Finance Joshua Tauko said the project, launched in August 2025, has achieved several key milestones. “These include the completion of a business process review, systems configuration for critical workflows, approval of a new Chart of Accounts for the 2027 budget, installation of a private internet data link, and improved power and connectivity solutions,” he said. As part of the capacity-building component, selected public servants in Buka are undergoing hands-on training as “super users” of the system. “These trainers will cascade knowledge across departments, ensuring local ownership, long-term sustainability, and reduced reliance on external consultants,” Tauko said. He added that the reform supports the digitalisation and capacity-building priorities outlined in the Department of Treasury and Finance Corporate Plan 2023–2027. The IFMIS is designed to strengthen governance through standardised controls and compliance mechanisms, enhance accountability through real-time monitoring, and improve transparency by making financial data more accessible. Officials said the system aligns with the Bougainville Integrated Strategic Development Plan 2023–2027 and the region’s Long Term Vision 2052, which aim to support a self-reliant and sovereign future. The training programme is also expected to ensure that Bougainville’s public service can independently manage and sustain the system, particularly as revenues expand from major projects such as Panguna and broader sectoral growth.

The Government has reaffirmed its support for locally driven tourism investment following the launch of a new cruise vessel aimed at expanding Fiji’s premium travel offering. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka officiated at the launch of the MV Yasawa Princess II at Port Denarau in Nadi on 26 March, marking a significant addition to the country’s small-ship cruising sector. Operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises, the vessel adds 22 cabins with capacity for 44 guests. Acquired in July 2025 and subsequently refurbished, it joins the existing Fiji Princess, bringing total capacity to 54 cabin berths per week across three-, four- and seven-night itineraries. Local sailings are scheduled to commence in April, with the vessel’s first international voyage set for 27 April 2026. Speaking at the launch, Gavoka commended Blue Lagoon Cruises as a Fiji-owned operator with a long-standing presence in the tourism sector, highlighting the importance of local enterprise in driving sustainable economic growth. “I hold in high regard initiatives driven by local businesses and entrepreneurs committed to delivering services that create meaningful benefits for our communities,” he said. The launch forms part of the Coalition Government’s broader strategy to strengthen Fiji’s premium tourism segment, with a particular focus on experiential and small-scale travel. Gavoka said small-ship cruising allows visitors to engage more deeply with Fiji’s maritime regions, offering access to remote destinations and cultural experiences beyond traditional tourism hubs. Central to the company’s itineraries is the Yasawa Islands corridor, widely regarded as one of Fiji’s most distinctive tourism regions. The expansion of cruise capacity is expected to support economic activity in rural and maritime communities, including job creation and opportunities linked to local culture and services. The Minister also highlighted the vessel’s fully Fijian crew, describing it as a point of national pride and a reflection of ongoing investment in maritime skills development. He noted that the crew successfully completed the vessel’s delivery voyage from Brisbane to Port Denarau, demonstrating local capability in international maritime operations. The addition of the MV Yasawa Princess II is expected to strengthen Fiji’s position in the niche cruise market, as the government continues to prioritise high-value, low-impact tourism as a driver of long-term growth.

Authors: Dentons Matt Coleman — Partner, Construction, Melbourne (bio link) Wavie Kendino Leki — Partner and Head of Office, Port Moresby (bio link) Steve Patrick — Partner, Commercial/Corporate, Port Moresby (bio link) Ian Clarke, OBE — Special Counsel and Consultant, Corporate, Sydney (bio link)   Executive Summary The Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles (PQI), endorsed by Pacific leaders in 2021, set out a bold vision for infrastructure that is resilient, inclusive, and locally led. At the 2025 Pacific Infrastructure Conference in Brisbane, that vision was tested and, in many cases, realised. Across dozens of sessions, case studies, and bilateral dialogues, the region’s governments, contractors, financiers, and communities demonstrated how the PQI are being embedded in practice. The following sections explore how the PQI are being operationalised across the Pacific, drawing on examples from infrastructure planning, procurement reform, climate finance, and delivery models. It also considers the legal architecture that enables and scales these efforts, positioning the law as a foundational enabler of PQI implementation and supporting high-quality infrastructure across the region. Local Content and Workforce Development — From Policy to Practice   The PQI’s first principle — that infrastructure should build local capacity beyond physical assets — is increasingly being realised across the Pacific. The shift from participation to empowerment is evident in how governments, chambers of commerce, and contractors are rethinking delivery models. In Tuvalu, the Chamber of Commerce has articulated a clear vision for infrastructure that leaves behind skills, not just structures. With a small but resilient workforce and growing interest in trades and entrepreneurship, Tuvalu is seeking partnerships that embed training, subcontracting, and supply-chain inclusion. Similar sentiments were expressed by Niue, Kiribati and the Federated States of Micronesia, where local businesses are eager to participate in logistics, catering, and construction. Fiji’s Commerce and Employers’ Federation (FCEF) highlighted a workforce of more than 300,000, with 17,000 annual graduates and a proven track record in delivering donor-funded projects. FCEF is actively connecting contractors with skilled tradespeople, suppliers and workforce development partners — demonstrating that local engagement is not only a social benefit but also a commercial advantage. Contractors are responding. Reeves Envico’s work in Kiribati includes training women in carpentry, painting, and site administration. Hatanga’s partnership with BY Group in Solomon Islands is delivering projects with 90% local procurement and workforce participation. Hall Contracting’s wharf project in Nui, Tuvalu, overcame extreme remoteness and corrosive conditions through pre-planning, prefabrication, and local labour mobilisation. Collectively, these examples illustrate that local content is no longer merely a compliance requirement — it is a strategic imperative. However, scaling these efforts requires legal frameworks that embed local participation into procurement, contracting, and performance management. This includes: mandating local labour quotas in public procurement structuring joint ventures with local firms recognising local training and certification pathways embedding local content into bid evaluation criteria Climate Resilience and Lifecycle Planning — Infrastructure That Endures   The PQI place climate resilience at the heart of infrastructure planning and delivery. In a region where rising seas, cyclones, and extreme weather events are lived realities, resilience is not a luxury — it is a necessity. At the 2025 Pacific Infrastructure Conference, this principle was demonstrated through a diverse array of projects, strategies, and institutional reforms. One of the most compelling examples came from Samoa, where the Green Ports Initiative has transformed Apia Port into a model of climate-smart infrastructure. Supported by the Asian Development Bank and technical experts from Haskoning, the initiative delivered 42 targeted upgrades across five domains: environmental management, operational efficiency, disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and social sustainability. Upgrades included solar PV installations, smart lighting, rainwater harvesting, and electrification of port operations. The initiative also produced a Green Ports Policy, a Practice Manual, and a Multi-Hazard Preparedness Plan — tools now being replicated in Tonga and Fiji. In the Cook Islands, a quantitative adaptation planning framework was used to assess climate risks to critical assets such as Rarotonga International Airport and Avatiu Harbour. The methodology combined detailed asset-level data with multi-hazard modelling of heat stress, sea-level rise, storm surge and extreme rainfall. The result was a set of adaptation scenarios ranging from business-as-usual to maximum protection, each evaluated through multi-criteria analysis. This evidence-based approach now informs national infrastructure strategies and investment prioritisation. The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has also made significant strides. Entura, the consulting arm of Hydro Tasmania, has worked across all four states to deliver renewable energy projects aligned with FSM’s nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement. These included solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS), disaster-proof generation equipment and feasibility studies for future investments. Entura’s work is notable for integrating climate risk assessments, stakeholder engagement and capacity building. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Resilient Infrastructure Guide — developed by the Economic and Social Infrastructure Program (ESIP) with the Government of PNG — provides a comprehensive framework for embedding resilience throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. It outlines principles for climate risk assessment, stakeholder alignment and whole-of-life value, with practical tools for integrating resilience into procurement, design, construction and maintenance. Case studies from Lae Market and Metoreia Health Centre illustrate how resilience can be built into materials selection, ventilation systems, water harvesting and maintenance planning. Together, these initiatives reflect a regional shift from reactive adaptation to proactive resilience. Infrastructure is no longer designed solely for functionality — it is designed for durability. This shift requires governments to embed resilience into planning codes, procurement criteria and performance standards; donors and financiers to require climate risk integration; and contractors to adopt lifecycle costing and resilience metrics. Community-Led Design and Social Inclusion — Infrastructure That Reflects Local Realities   The PQI emphasise that infrastructure must be designed not simply for communities, but with them. Community-led design is increasingly recognised as essential to ensuring infrastructure is inclusive, sustainable and fit for purpose. At the 2025 Pacific Infrastructure Conference, this principle was demonstrated through various projects across the region. In Solomon Islands, the Buala Market project shows how infrastructure can be shaped by local needs. Community input informed layout, access, and functionality, resulting in a facility that supports local livelihoods, enhances food security and strengthens social cohesion. Climate-resilient design features mitigate flood risk and support long-term maintenance. In Kiribati, the redevelopment of Betio Hospital’s maternal and children’s wing was guided by principles of simplicity, durability and cultural appropriateness. The design prioritised ease of cleaning, passive ventilation and family congregation spaces, all informed by local consultation. The project also created employment opportunities for women in skilled trades. The Hatanga–BY Group partnership in Solomon Islands further demonstrates community-embedded delivery models. Their work in Temotu Province involved local engineers in geotechnical investigations, concrete mix design and prefabrication. The model — combining Australian certifications with Solomon Islands labour and logistics — is now being scaled to Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Honiara. Workforce inclusion is also being advanced through the IFC’s Meri Save Trades program, which helps firms recruit and retain women in construction. Support includes inclusive recruitment guidance, gender-sensitive workplace policies, appropriately fitted PPE and menstrual health accommodations. Participating firms report improved retention, productivity and workplace culture. Reeves Envico’s training programs in Kiribati include forklift certification, Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) workshops and career development pathways — all embedded into project delivery rather than treated as add-ons. From a legal perspective, community-led design requires frameworks that go beyond consultation. Governments must embed inclusive design principles into planning codes, procurement templates and performance standards. Contractors must demonstrate how projects reflect community needs and support social outcomes. Donors and financiers must integrate social safeguards into funding agreements. Community-led design is ultimately about co-creation. It recognises that infrastructure is not neutral — and that its design, delivery and operation must reflect the values and aspirations of the people it serves. Governance, Standards and Procurement Reform — Enabling Quality Delivery   The PQI call for governance frameworks that support quality outcomes. This includes the legal architecture of procurement and contracting, as well as the technical standards, institutional capacity and performance management systems that underpin infrastructure delivery. Across the Pacific, governments and regional bodies are strengthening these foundations. The South Pacific Engineers Association (SPEA) is leading efforts to harmonise engineering standards across PNG, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Vanuatu. Its partnership with Engineering New Zealand (ENZ) and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) aims to provide online access to New Zealand and Australian design codes, expand continuing professional development (CPD) pathways, and create accreditation routes for technicians and engineers. These initiatives enable regional labour mobility and ensure consistent infrastructure quality. In PNG, the Business Council is advocating for reforms to streamline procurement, clarify public-private partnership (PPP) guidelines and digitise permitting systems. Technical working groups on macroeconomics, ESG, revenue and infrastructure are producing policy papers feeding into government-business consultative forums that align public and private priorities. In Tonga, the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) is implementing a Strategic Transport Infrastructure Advisory Program across six islands. It includes surveying 500 km of roads, inspecting six airports and developing asset management systems, laboratory certification, training programs and sustainability analysis aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. NTRO’s approach provides a model for embedding technical advisory in national planning. These efforts demonstrate that governance is not only about rules — it is about capability. Legal frameworks must support standards harmonisation, procurement reform and institutional strengthening. This includes: drafting procurement laws that embed the PQI creating bid evaluation criteria that reward quality, resilience and inclusion establishing independent infrastructure commissions or technical panels aligning national standards with international benchmarks (e.g. ISO, IEC, ASTM) Financing and Delivery Models — Matching Vision with Resources   SPEA’s work to harmonise engineering standards and expand accreditation pathways is essential to enabling regional mobility and technical consistency. Regional integration also requires legal frameworks that support mutual recognition, cross-border procurement and trade facilitation. This includes: drafting mutual recognition agreements for engineering and construction professionals creating regional procurement platforms and standardised tender documents aligning customs and logistics regulations to support infrastructure delivery supporting regional infrastructure corridors (e.g. undersea cables, aviation agreements) Conclusion: From Principles to Practice   The PQI are no longer aspirational — they are being embedded in the region’s infrastructure landscape through community-led design, climate-resilient planning and inclusive delivery models. The 2025 Pacific Infrastructure Conference showcased a region that is not only committed to these principles but actively shaping its future around them. To sustain momentum, Pacific governments, development partners and the private sector must now focus on institutionalising these gains. This means embedding the PQI into legislation, procurement systems and performance frameworks — not as optional guidelines, but as core requirements. Legal frameworks will determine whether tomorrow’s infrastructure reflects today’s values. In the Pacific, those values are clear: resilience, inclusion and regional solidarity. The challenge now is to translate these values into enforceable standards, scalable models and enduring partnerships. The PQI agenda is not just about building infrastructure — it is about building trust, opportunity and shared prosperity. From principles to practice, the journey continues. For more information, visit the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles online.

The board of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited has visited the Cancer Service Unit at ANGAU Memorial Hospital, where the company has invested more than K20 million to strengthen cancer treatment services. The investment, implemented between 2020 and 2025 under a tripartite agreement with the Morobe Provincial Health Authority and ANGAU, supported the re-establishment of radiotherapy and brachytherapy services at the hospital. Funding enabled the engagement of a resident oncologist, training of radiotherapists and the procurement of key equipment, including a Cobalt-60 radioactive source, allowing radiotherapy treatment to resume in Papua New Guinea. Kumul Petroleum chairman Gerea Aopi said the visit gave board members an opportunity to assess the impact of the company’s support. “Today’s visit allowed us to understand the work being carried out here, and the difference that improved medical equipment can make for patients,” Aopi said. He noted that cancer remains a significant health challenge in the country, underscoring the importance of initiatives that expand access to diagnosis and treatment. “Many families across the country are impacted by cancer. Supporting initiatives that improve access to care reflects our broader developmental role as a national company,” he said. The visit was facilitated by ANGAU Memorial Hospital chief executive officer Dr Kipas Binga and staff from the Cancer Service Unit, who provided insights into current operations and patient care. The board’s visit coincided with Kumul Petroleum’s annual charity golf tournament in Lae on 6 March, an event held to raise funds for essential medicines for patients undergoing chemotherapy at the hospital.

 As Papua New Guinea enters a new phase of economic momentum, attention is turning to where business, policy and investment intersect, and, in May 2026, this conversation will take centre stage in Brisbane. The 41st Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum & Trade Expo will convene in Brisbane from 13–15 May 2026, bringing together business leaders, investors and policymakers for three days of high-level engagement focused on the Pacific’s largest economy. Set against the electric atmosphere of the NRL Magic Round, this year’s Forum promises a unique blend of business opportunity and citywide excitement. Under the theme Game On for Growth, it signals a moment of renewed momentum in PNG’s economy and a clear invitation for businesses to engage. PNG is entering a new phase of economic activity, driven by major resource developments, infrastructure investment and expanding sectors such as agriculture, telecommunications and services. For companies looking to enter or grow in this market, the Forum offers unmatched access to the people and insights that matter. Where opportunity meets access The Forum brings together senior government representatives, industry leaders and investors from both PNG and Australia. It provides a platform to hear directly from decision-makers about policy priorities, regulatory developments and upcoming investment opportunities. The programme reflects the breadth of PNG’s economic landscape. Delegates will hear keynote addresses from PNG and Australian leaders, alongside sessions on economic infrastructure, agriculture and major projects in energy and resources. Critical forward-looking themes will also be explored, including artificial intelligence, labour market transformation, sustainability and carbon markets, telecommunications, and SME development. Sessions on Bougainville and PNG’s infrastructure pipeline will further deepen understanding of emerging opportunities. The Trade Expo: where business happens Running alongside the Forum, the Trade Expo will be a focal point for visibility and engagement. Open from 13 to 15 May, it provides companies with the opportunity to showcase their goods and services to a highly targeted audience of decision-makers and industry leaders. With limited booth availability and strong demand expected, the Expo is where conversations translate into commercial outcomes. Book early to secure your spot. Networking that delivers results From the opening cocktail function to the conference dinner and dedicated networking receptions, the Forum is designed to foster meaningful connections. These interactions often lead to long-term partnerships, making the Forum a catalyst for business across borders. A partnership built over decades Australia and PNG share a long-standing relationship grounded in history, trade and close people-to-people ties. Since PNG’s independence in 1975, the two countries have developed strong economic links across resources, infrastructure, finance and services. For more than 40 years, the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council (APNGBC) has worked closely with government and industry stakeholders to strengthen commercial ties and promote bilateral engagement. The Forum is delivered in collaboration with counterparts in PNG, including the Business Council of Papua New Guinea, reflecting the depth of private sector partnerships between the two countries. Backed by leaders in business The 41st Forum is supported by a strong line-up of partners and sponsors actively engaged in Papua New Guinea’s growth story. These include Kramer Asia Pacific, Investment Promotion Authority PNG, ExxonMobil, Kina Bank, Pronto Software, Pacific Marine Group, Westpac, SMEC, Austrade, Trade & Investment Queensland (TIQ), Santos, CC Pacific, ANZ Bank, Dentons, Steamships, Qantas and many more. Be there With Brisbane alive to the energy of the Magic Round and the Pacific’s premier business forum in full swing, May 2026 presents a rare convergence of opportunity and engagement. If Papua New Guinea is on your business horizon, this is where you need to be. Secure your place, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of the Pacific’s largest market. Register before 31 March to go into the draw to win two NRL Magic Round tickets*. T&Cs apply. Click here to register or scan the QR code.                     Link: https://events.apngbc.org.au/event/41APBF/home.html