Tourism & Data: PNGTPA and NCDC launched a National Capital District Accommodation Inventory & Capacity Survey to build a reliable Port Moresby hotel database for event planning and investment decisions, including support for the 2028 Chiefs Rugby League Games. Infrastructure in the Gulf: PM James Marape unveiled six Gulf LLG projects worth K315m, including the Ihu-Muro road (K176m) and bridges/markets, aiming to cut isolation and unlock agriculture, fisheries, tourism and small business. Telecoms Upgrade: Digicel PNG says it has passed end-to-end 5G readiness testing, hitting peak speeds of 1.2Gbps and paving the way for faster, lower-latency services for consumers and businesses. Jobs Pressure: A World Bank update says PNG’s economy grew 5.6% in 2025, but formal jobs per capita fell as new workers shift to subsistence and informal work. SME Funding Scrub: Marape stripped Win Bakri Daki of Commerce/Industry, with Thomas Opa taking over, while an independent forensic audit is ordered into the SME Fund after public allegations. Agriculture Research Push: Agriculture Minister John Boito launched the NARS Policy Framework 2026 and released a World Bank roadmap for agri-food transformation. Resource Exports: Westpac reports LNG and gold exports are supporting growth in H1 2026, with PNG forecast to expand about 4.6% in 2026. Border Operations: RPNGC Border Command flagged election-period challenges, especially mobility and logistics across river-based terrain. Health Access: Jayapura Hospital in PNG is exploring a cross-border referral partnership to improve access for border communities. Coconut Value Chain: Kumul Organics expanded into City Pharmacy retail to support rural coconut farmers through its skincare business. Security & Regional Moves: Australia’s Albanese signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance with Fiji, as China reportedly prepares ballistic missile tests in the region.