Trade & Competitiveness: UNCTAD says PNG’s tariff cuts won’t automatically boost competitiveness; firms still face high transport costs, expensive energy, regulatory complexity and policy uncertainty. Energy Security: PNG plans to ramp up oil and gas output to help Pacific neighbours as fuel-price shocks squeeze island economies, with talk of smaller refineries for resilience. Regional Security Diplomacy: Australia and PNG move to bring the Pukpuk Treaty into force, expanding cooperation beyond defence into areas like health, education and infrastructure. Investment Confidence: Brian Bell Group’s chairman links consumer strain to unreliable services and a weaker Kina, but points to optimism from progress on major investment projects and agriculture and health spending. Finance Sector Growth: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey reports strong finance-sector growth (avg ~6% real) and faster FX clearance, while flagging rising offshore superannuation investment and pushing market reforms. Agriculture & Food Systems: NARI’s breadfruit project (with FAO funding) targets coastal and island food resilience, while a Port Moresby-area farmer backs youth employment via a new produce market. Urban Infrastructure: NCDC continues Port Moresby overhead footbridges at Koki, Hohola, Erima and Waigani to improve safety and ease traffic. Mining & Exploration: South Pacific Metals reports new gold results at Ontenu NE; Nickel 28 highlights stronger Q1 output at Ramu. Financial Abuse Response: BPNG launches “Empower Finance Kibung” to tackle financial abuse through surveys, a voluntary code and industry action plans. Tourism: Nine PNG accommodation providers win Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, signalling stronger hospitality performance. Bougainville Mining: ABG plans to award Panguna redevelopment licence to a Bougainville-owned company, prioritising legacy issues first. Oil & Gas Deal Watch: Exxon signs a preliminary LNG import deal for South Africa’s Richards Bay terminal, underscoring LNG demand trends relevant to PNG’s energy outlook.