Latest News

The government of Nauru has welcomed the outcomes of the inaugural North Pacific Aviation Summit in Canberra, agreeing on practical steps to strengthen vital air links across the North Pacific. The summit underscored Nauru’s role in operating the North Pacific Connector (NPC) service, a regional air corridor linking Australia with several North Pacific states, and highlighted strong backing from regional partners and Australia to secure its long-term commercial sustainability. Operated by Nauru Airlines, the NPC connects Brisbane with destinations across Micronesia, including Nauru, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. The service was established to address longstanding connectivity gaps in a region characterised by small, dispersed populations and commercially challenging aviation routes. The NPC has carried more than 55,000 passengers and 800 tonnes of freight, supporting essential travel, cargo movement and access to services, while strengthening social, cultural and economic ties between Australia and the North Pacific. Partner governments committed to a range of measures to improve the route’s viability, including fee waivers, expanded access to night-time landings, increased use of the NPC by government officials and closer alignment of aviation and tourism policies to support demand. These measures reflect a broader recognition that aviation in the North Pacific operates under structural constraints, including high operating costs, limited infrastructure and thin passenger volumes, requiring coordinated government support to remain viable. Minister for Transport Maverick Eoe Appi has described the NPC as a “lifeline” for communities and economies, highlighting its role in enabling medical travel, government services, trade and regional mobility. He also expressed pride in Nauru’s role in operating the service on behalf of the region. Australia’s role as a key partner was also highlighted, with the summit reflecting wider regional cooperation efforts to strengthen connectivity, economic integration and resilience across Pacific island countries. Next steps include written commitments from participating governments by 6 May and a virtual follow-up meeting by mid-May, with joint work on a long-term sustainability framework for the NPC to continue over the next two years. The summit signals a shift toward a more coordinated, multi-government approach to supporting regional aviation, positioning the NPC as a critical transport link rather than a purely commercial service.

LION One Metals Ltd. has begun upgrading drilling operations at its Tuvatu gold mine in Fiji, as part of a broader push to stabilise production and strengthen long-term performance. The company said it has commenced a significant overhaul of its drill fleet, replacing ageing underground rigs that had exceeded their operational lifespan and constrained drilling output since mid-2025. The existing fleet will be replaced with three new high-performance underground drill rigs and an additional surface rig. Initial improvements have already been recorded, with underground drilling metres per shift doubling following enhanced maintenance support and technical oversight. A track-mounted surface drill rig began operations on March 14 to support in-mine and near-mine drilling during the wet season, with plans to shift to wider exploration during the dry season. Lion One said it is also in advanced negotiations to acquire four new underground drill rigs, targeting drilling rates of at least 25 metres per shift, compared with less than 10 metres earlier this year and 12 to 18 metres currently. The company said improved drilling capacity would provide the geological data needed to support mine design, grade control and production scheduling, as well as enable multiple mining areas to be developed simultaneously. The drilling upgrade forms part of what the company described as “Phase 2” of Tuvatu’s development, following the transition from initial production to building a more resilient and predictable mining operation. In a separate update, Lion One reported February gold production of 813 ounces, bringing year-to-date output to 9,180 ounces. The processing plant milled 10,267 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 3.49 grammes per tonne, with a recovery rate of 77.3 percent. The company said recovery rates are expected to improve with the near-completion of a flotation plant. Underground development totalled 120 metres during the month, below the 188-metre target, with performance affected by equipment availability and compressed air constraints. The company said these issues are being addressed through the commissioning of new equipment, improved maintenance planning and ventilation upgrades. Lion One said safety performance remained strong, with no lost-time injuries recorded in February and enhancements made to on-site medical facilities, including the addition of a full-time nurse. Exploration drilling totalled 2,369 metres across four rigs during the month, with results including an intercept of 5.15 metres at 9.18 grammes per tonne gold. The company said its current focus is on improving operational reliability, increasing development rates and enhancing plant performance, while maintaining safety and advancing infrastructure and environmental management initiatives. Lion One operates the Tuvatu alkaline gold project within the Navilawa caldera and is seeking to expand both production and resource confidence as it progresses its next phase of development.

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.

A new solar energy system is now powering Sir Dudley Tuti College in Isabel Province, improving access to reliable electricity for one of the Solomon Islands’ largest and most remote secondary schools. The installation marks the first Solomon Islands project under the REnew Pacific programme, delivered by local renewable energy provider Superfly. The system supplies clean and dependable power to around 820 students — including about 600 boarders — as well as staff housing and nearby community facilities. Previously reliant on costly and unreliable diesel generation, the college is expected to benefit from round-the-clock electricity while significantly reducing fuel consumption and operating costs. The project was officially launched by Member of Parliament for Gao/Bugotu Trevor Hedley Mahaga, alongside representatives from the Australian High Commission and the school community led by principal Dudley Uata. Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said the initiative reflects Canberra’s commitment to expanding access to renewable energy in remote areas. “The solar hybrid system installation at Sir Dudley Tuti College demonstrates Australia’s commitment to supporting expanded access to renewable sources of energy in remote and rural areas,” Roach said. Mahaga said the investment would have lasting benefits for education and community wellbeing in Isabel Province. “Reliable solar power will enable brighter classrooms, safer dormitories and dependable services across the campus, giving students and teachers more opportunities to learn, teach and live well after dark,” he said. Sir Dudley Tuti College is one of three sites supported under the REnew Pacific programme, which aims to deliver off-grid renewable energy solutions to more than 81,000 people across Isabel, Western and Malaita provinces. Other projects include a hybrid solar system at Atoifi Adventist Hospital in Eastern Malaita to support emergency and maternity services, as well as installations at Goldie College in Western Province to benefit students and surrounding communities. Superfly director Gavin Pereira said the company was pleased to work with local stakeholders to deliver the project. REnew Pacific is part of Australia’s A$75 million investment in off-grid renewable energy across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. The initiative falls under the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership, a A$350 million programme delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific and implemented by Palladium.

Newly appointed Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Nestor Giro has signed two funding agreements under the Commercial Agriculture Development Support Project, underscoring the Solomon Islands government’s push to strengthen local agribusinesses. A total of SBD780,000 has been awarded to two enterprises, with Varivao Holdings Limited receiving SBD700,000 and Malo Kitchen granted SBD80,000. The funding is drawn from the Commercial Agriculture Development Project Support Fund, which supports small and medium-sized agribusinesses in acquiring equipment and enhancing value-added production. Varivao Holdings plans to invest in cold storage, roofing materials, labour, a grafting machine, and cassava processing and packaging equipment, in line with its approved work plan. Malo Kitchen will use its allocation to upgrade equipment and improve processing facilities to meet food safety and production standards. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Giro urged recipients to utilise the funds effectively, noting that they were selected following a rigorous assessment process. “On behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands, I congratulate you both. Please ensure that the funds are fully utilised to support the growth of your business investments,” he said. Malo Kitchen managing director Susan Timi described the funding as a milestone that would significantly improve operations, while Varivao Holdings human resource manager Redley Theomae said the support would benefit both the company and the communities it serves. Varivao Holdings is currently the sole major exporter of cassava to Australia, having shipped nine containers last year and two containers so far this year, including both tubers and grated cassava. Malo Kitchen sources ginger from provincial women farmers to produce ginger-based products, as well as breadfruit flour and turmeric goods. The signing marks Giro’s first official engagement since being sworn in earlier this week. The ministry said it will continue supporting agribusiness development under the GNUT Agriculture Policy to expand opportunities for local enterprises and strengthen rural economies.

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 Pacific Tourism Organisation has graduated 21 participants from its Online Pasifika Cultural Tourism Training programme, marking a step forward in efforts to strengthen cultural tourism across the region. Participants from eight Pacific countries — Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, French Polynesia, Samoa, Solomon Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia — completed the course, which combined online modules, live sessions, assignments and supporting materials. A minimum score of 70 percent was required to pass. Launched on World Tourism Day in September 2025, the initiative aims to build the capacity of tourism operators and stakeholders to deliver authentic, high-quality cultural tourism experiences rooted in Pacific traditions. It also seeks to support community-led tourism by equipping participants with practical skills aligned with local cultural values. The programme was facilitated by SauVaka Culture Consultancy’s Simione Sevudredre and Peni Jeffrey and delivered via SPTO’s digital learning platform, Tovuti. Training modules covered storytelling, visitor engagement, product development and core principles of cultural tourism, while live sessions enabled peer learning and mentorship. SPTO chief executive officer Chris Cocker said the programme demonstrates how digital learning can enhance cultural tourism while preserving authenticity. “The successful completion of this training by twenty-one participants is a powerful example of how digital learning can strengthen cultural tourism across the Pacific while ensuring our traditions, stories and heritage are shared with authenticity and respect,” Cocker said. He added that strengthening cultural tourism is central to the region’s broader tourism agenda, noting that equipping practitioners with the right skills supports communities in creating meaningful visitor experiences while generating sustainable livelihoods.

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