Airport & Transport: NAC has awarded premium airport taxi concessions at Port Moresby International Airport to three PNG operators—ODESH, Star Trip (Khoco) and Pikup PNG—starting July 13, following a public tender aimed at safer, cleaner, international-standard service and local business opportunities. Resource Investment & Jobs: PM James Marape used PNG Resources Week to reaffirm PNG as a global mining, petroleum and energy destination, pushing a “new era” of projects while stressing the State’s push for at least 55% total benefits; a World Bank update says growth is strong but quality jobs lag, with many workers stuck in subsistence and informal work. Roads & Logistics: Connect PNG is rolling out K1.1b in West Sepik road works—Vanimo-Green River (K726m) and Sepik Highway (K374m)—to improve access to services and markets. Digital Skills & Payments: UPNG relaunched its Centre of Excellence in IT with certificate intakes from July 20 (IT, database management, cybersecurity), while UNDP expands Stellar blockchain-based humanitarian payments beyond pilots. Food Security: Agriculture and Livestock says PNG must cut reliance on imported food as prices rise and food safety risks persist. Maritime Skills: Steamships and Australia Awards PNG relaunch Women in Maritime scholarships, targeting up to 10 women a year for Officer of the Watch qualifications with sea-time placements. Regional Cooperation: PNG and Timor-Leste fisheries officers are exchanging compliance know-how to strengthen monitoring and tackle IUU fishing. Security & Peace: Marape’s “Ocean of Peace” push and renewed Pacific missile-test concerns keep defence and standards debates front and centre.