AGP Executive Report

Agribusiness & Trade Infrastructure: PNG is pushing Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport upgrade (K39.4m runway works) to turn the Highlands into an Asia-Pacific agriculture export hub, targeting markets like Indonesia, India and China. Governance & Service Delivery Tech: The Bilum Digital Platform is being rolled out to improve transparency and accountability for Service Improvement Programme (SIP) spending, making every kina traceable for communities and oversight bodies. Agriculture Support: PNG Biosecurity Authority and NARI are running PlantwisePlus plant clinics at Boroko Market to help farmers tackle pests and disease, with support from key industry and university partners. Energy & Cost Pressures: A Pacific fuel crisis story highlights how imported oil shocks feed straight into transport and service prices, underlining the need to scale renewable energy delivery. Maritime & Environment: Oro Governor Gary Juffa calls for stronger protection of PNG’s marine territory, warning against deep-sea mining and citing past seabed exploitation losses. Business & Retail Growth: A young SME, Doris’s Neem Products, has secured retail shelves via City Pharmacy—an example of local manufacturing moving into mainstream distribution. Regional Politics: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama rejects National Government arguments against independence, reaffirming autonomy as a transitional step. Connectivity: NICTA says Starlink rollout is “disruptive and transformative” but satellite is complementary; submarine fibre remains the backbone.

Bougainville Independence: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama rejected the National Government’s case against independence, arguing autonomy was always meant as a transition and reaffirming Bougainville’s political and peacebuilding direction. Agriculture & Exports: Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen is entering a runway upgrade phase (K39.4m) aimed at turning the Highlands into an Asia-Pacific agriculture export hub, with plans to handle bigger aircraft and cargo. Rural Accountability Tech: The Bilum Digital Platform is being rolled out to track Service Improvement Programme spending in real time, boosting transparency and oversight across electorates. Energy & Finance: The IMF approved PNG’s latest programme reviews, unlocking about $163m to support balance-of-payments stability and climate resilience. Mining & Local Skills: Newmont received LunR Royalties shares via dividend-in-kind, while landowner trainees completed industry skills modules linked to PNG LNG and Kainantu Gold. Connectivity: NICTA says Starlink rollout is being monitored as a complement to fibre, with submarine cables still the backbone. Environment & Oceans: Oro Governor Gary Juffa urged stronger protection of PNG’s maritime territory and warned against deep-sea mining risks. Consumer & Retail: A young entrepreneur’s neem-based hair and skincare brand has entered mainstream retail via City Pharmacy.

Bilateral Diplomacy: India and Papua New Guinea held foreign office talks aimed at boosting ties, keeping regional partnerships front and centre. Digital Skills & AI: PNG’s ICT department and ITI signed a five-year MoU to grow AI and digital skills through curriculum upgrades, internships, corporate training and joint AI use cases. Governance & Service Delivery: The Bilum Digital Platform is set to make Service Improvement Programme spending more traceable, with real-time project tracking to tighten transparency and accountability. Agriculture & Trade Logistics: Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen is moving into runway upgrade works (K39.4m) to position the Highlands as an Asia-Pacific agriculture export hub. Environment & Land Protection: A GEF-backed initiative will protect 700,000 hectares of PNG highlands by putting Indigenous communities at the centre of conservation and management. Energy & Macroeconomy: The IMF approved about $163m in new PNG financing after programme reviews, supporting balance-of-payments stability. Maritime & Sovereignty: Oro Governor Gary Juffa urged stronger protection of PNG’s marine territory, warning against deep-sea mining risks. Media & People: The Media Council of PNG mourned Genesis Ketan, a trainer and champion for media freedom and women in media. ICT Connectivity: NICTA says Starlink rollout is being monitored and framed as complementary to fibre submarine cables.

IMF Boost: The IMF approved about $163m for Papua New Guinea after completing programme reviews, unlocking roughly $82m under the EFF/ECF and $81m under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. Digital Accountability: The Bilum Digital Platform is set to improve transparency and tracking of Service Improvement Programme (SIP) funds across PNG electorates. Agriculture & Aviation: Work has started on the Kagamuga Airport runway upgrade (about K39.4m) to turn Mt Hagen into an Asia-Pacific agriculture export hub. Used Vehicle Rules: A call to tighten regulations on used vehicle imports targets older, unreliable cars that are hard to maintain and create safety and environmental risks. Energy Exploration: Mailu-1 deepwater exploration could open new investment for PNG’s offshore petroleum future. ICT Skills Push: DICT and ITI signed a five-year AI and digital skills partnership to build local capability. Maritime Protection: Oro Governor Gary Juffa urged stronger protection of PNG’s seas, warning against deep-sea mining after past losses. Local Industry Growth: A young SME, Doris’s Neem Products, is moving from social sales into mainstream retail shelves via City Pharmacy. Connectivity Oversight: NICTA says Starlink rollout is being monitored, while submarine fibre remains PNG’s connectivity backbone. Plant Clinics: PlantwisePlus clinics are expanding farmer support for pest and disease control through PNGBA “plant doctors.” Conservation Funding: A GEF-backed initiative will help protect 700,000 hectares of PNG highlands by putting Indigenous communities at the centre of management.

Health Security Diplomacy: 20 nations met in Kuala Lumpur for the 3rd Indo-Pacific Health Alliance for Security summit, pushing civil-military coordination on biosurveillance, disaster mental health, and whole-of-society resilience, with PNG Defence Force input noted. Public Finance & Oversight: Rural and Economic Development Minister Joseph Lelang backed the Bilum Digital Platform to make Service Improvement Programme spending traceable and improve SIP accountability. Transport & Consumer Protection: PNG faces calls to tighten rules on used vehicle imports, citing unreliable older models, spare-parts shortages, safety risks, and environmental harm. Aviation & Agribusiness Exports: Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen is entering runway works (K39.4m) to position the Highlands as an Asia-Pacific agriculture export hub. Maritime & Environment: Oro Governor Gary Juffa urged stronger protection of PNG’s seas, warning against deep-sea mining after the Solwara One fallout. Energy & Investment: Mailu-1 ultra-deepwater exploration is set to drill soon, with TotalEnergies and PETRONAS eyeing new investment for PNG’s offshore petroleum. ICT & Connectivity: NICTA says Starlink rollout is being monitored as complementary to fibre, while DICT and ITI signed a five-year AI and digital skills partnership. Agriculture Support: PlantwisePlus plant clinics are expanding farmer access to pest and disease advice through PNG Biosecurity and partners. Macroeconomic Relief: The IMF approved about $163m in new PNG financing after programme reviews. Skills for Resource Jobs: Landowner trainees in Napa Napa completed an eight-week industry skills programme for mining/oil-gas roles. Tourism Trade: SPTE 2026 reported record participation and PNG seller growth, supporting regional tourism industry links.

OFC Pro League Funding: Oceania Football Confederation says its first-ever professional league is financially secured for the next three years, with PNG Hekari FC among the inaugural clubs. Fuel Shock & Renewables: A spike in global oil prices after the US-Iran conflict exposed how PNG and the wider Pacific are still vulnerable to imported fuel, pushing up transport and service costs and raising pressure on tourism—renewables scaling is the key fix. Agriculture Support: PNG Biosecurity Authority and NARI are running PlantwisePlus plant clinics at Boroko Market to help farmers tackle pest and disease issues, with support from industry boards and universities. Highlands Conservation: GEF approved a PNG initiative to protect 700,000 hectares of highland ecosystems by putting Indigenous communities at the centre of land and biodiversity management. ICT & AI Skills: DICT and ITI signed a five-year deal to build AI and digital skills through training, internships and AI use cases for PNG’s digital transformation. IMF Financing: IMF approved about $163m in new PNG funding after programme reviews, supporting balance-of-payments stability and climate resilience. Energy Exploration: TotalEnergies and PETRONAS’ Mailu-1 ultra-deepwater well is set to be drilled soon, signalling fresh offshore investment potential. Oil Palm Expansion: PM Marape welcomed Malaysian interest to expand oil palm, livestock and downstream processing, aiming at jobs and food security. Local Industry Skills: Landowner trainees completed an eight-week industry skills programme for mining/oil & gas roles, earning competency certificates. Sports Infrastructure: Kalabond Oval upgrade in East New Britain is about 60% complete, targeting an early-next-year finish and higher-level rugby league hosting capacity.

Conservation & Land Rights: GEF has approved US$6.4m for a PNG initiative to protect 700,000 hectares of highland ecosystems by putting Indigenous Peoples and local communities in charge of managing ancestral lands, with FAO leading and co-financing expected to reach US$16.7m. Agriculture Support: PNG Biosecurity Authority and NARI are running PlantwisePlus plant clinics at Boroko Market to help farmers tackle pest and disease issues, with CABI-trained “plant doctors” and partners including CIC and provincial agriculture departments. ICT & Skills: DICT and ITI signed a five-year deal to build PNG AI and digital skills through curriculum updates, internships, corporate training and AI use cases. Connectivity Oversight: NICTA says Starlink rollout in PNG is being monitored as both “disruptive and transformative,” while submarine fibre remains the backbone. Energy & Investment: TotalEnergies and PETRONAS’ Mailu-1 ultra-deepwater exploration well is set to start within two months, aiming to draw new foreign investment. Agribusiness Expansion: PM Marape welcomed Malaysian plans to expand oil palm, livestock and downstream processing, targeting jobs and food security. Finance: IMF approved about US$163m in new PNG funding after programme reviews. Sports & Infrastructure: Kalabond Oval upgrade is ~60% complete, with a new national university soccer event set for DWU Madang (June 22-26). Media & Community: Planting and World Environment Day activities continue in schools, while the media sector mourns Genesis Ketan’s passing. Business & Tourism: SPTE 2026 report highlights record participation and PNG’s increased seller presence.

School Fees & Retail Promotions: Pacific Industries’ Vita Juice “Winim Skul Fee Support” wrapped up with K24,000 in prizes across PNG; Southern Region winners were announced, while the NGI final draw in Kokopo was postponed due to weather. Connectivity & Telecoms: NICTA says Starlink rollout in PNG is being monitored as a complement to fibre, with licensing and operations oversight—while submarine cables remain the backbone. Media Industry: The Media Council of PNG and PINA mourn Genesis Ketan, a key trainer and women-in-media advocate. ICT & Skills: DICT and ITI signed a five-year deal to build AI and digital skills through training, internships and AI use cases. Energy Exploration: Mailu-1 ultra-deepwater drilling is set within two months, with TotalEnergies and PETRONAS briefing Central Province on timelines, safeguards and local engagement. Mining: K92 plans up to K150m more exploration at Arakompa after strong drill results. Finance: The IMF approved about $163m for PNG after programme reviews, unlocking further EFF/ECF and RSF disbursements. Tourism & Business: EU–PNG Business Forum drew 300+ participants and 170+ B2B/B2G meetings; SPTE 2026 reported record engagement and PNG’s increased seller participation. Property & Hospitality: Crown Hotel relaunches Rapala Restaurant in Port Moresby; Baosen China Town advances a major mixed-use development in Five-Mile. Youth & Community: Eastern Highlands became the first province to complete NYES socialization, with Kainantu piloting online youth registration.

AI & Skills Partnership: PNG’s DICT and the International Training Institute (ITI) sign a five-year MoU to build AI capability and digital skills through curriculum upgrades, internships, corporate training and joint AI use cases, with a technical working group to oversee delivery. Government Accountability Push: PM James Marape orders sector ministers, provinces and district MPs to publish detailed seven-year reports on spending, achievements and challenges, after presenting the Marape-Rosso performance review in parliament. Offshore Energy Momentum: TotalEnergies and PETRONAS plan PNG’s first ultra-deepwater well, Mailu-1, within two months offshore between Central and Milne Bay, with consultations focused on timelines, safeguards and local participation. Agribusiness Investment Signal: Marape welcomes Malaysian support to expand oil palm, livestock and downstream processing, targeting job creation and food security via public-private partnerships in the Ramu and Sepik plains. ICT & Education Leap: UPNG moves toward becoming an AI-powered university, piloting Starlink for remote learning centres and upgrading campus connectivity. Mining Exploration Boost: K92 ramps up exploration with up to K150m investment at Arakompa, reporting strong drill results and expanding high-grade zones. Finance & Policy Watch: Bank of PNG monitors global oil supply shocks and says it may take policy actions if inflation pressures rise, while maintaining the KFR at 5%. Green Finance Drive: PNG’s Green Finance Summit 2026 draws 240 delegates and pushes new investment commitments to green the financial system. Coral Triangle LNG Debate: Insure Our Future says most major insurers won’t rule out LNG cover in the Coral Triangle, with only SCOR introducing new restrictions. Infrastructure & Property: Baosen China Town advances a proposed K4b mixed-use development in Port Moresby’s Five-Mile precinct, including retail, apartments, a hotel and office towers.

Oil Palm & Agriculture Expansion: PM Marape welcomes surging Malaysian interest to scale investments in PNG’s oil palm, livestock and downstream processing, with talks focused on unlocking the Ramu and Sepik plains via public-private partnerships. Prison Capacity Pressure: A government performance report warns overcrowding is worsening health risks and security threats, driven by ageing facilities and delays in court decisions. Real Estate & Urban Jobs: The K400m Noble Centre, a 23-storey downtown Port Moresby office tower, is set to open tomorrow after pandemic delays and added compliance upgrades. Youth Development Rollout: Eastern Highlands becomes the first Highlands province to complete the NYES 2025–2029 socialization program, including Kainantu’s NYES online youth registration launch. Investment Pipeline: First speakers are confirmed for the 2026 PNG Investment Conference in Brisbane (10–11 August), spanning finance, infrastructure, energy, telecoms, aviation and superannuation. Digital Education Push: UPNG plans to become an AI-powered university, piloting Starlink satellite internet for remote learning centres and upgrading campus connectivity. Mining Exploration Boost: K92 Mining will invest up to K150m in exploration, ramping drilling around the Arakompa project near Kainantu. Energy & Inflation Watch: Bank of PNG says it’s monitoring the Middle East-driven oil supply shock and may take policy action if inflation pressures build. EU Trade Talks: EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby drew 300+ participants and 170+ B2B/B2G meetings to deepen investment and trade links. Green Fee Backlash: PNG tourism authorities reject the new international Green Fee, saying it was introduced without consultation and could hurt visitor growth. Coral Triangle Insurance Pressure: A coalition says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG cover in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity concerns.

EU–PNG Business Forum: More than 300 delegates met in Port Moresby for the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum, driving 170+ B2B/B2G meetings and renewed focus on sustainable investment and connectivity. Climate-Resilient Growth: Australia-backed CRGG Strategy validation in Morobe mapped bankable projects by 2027 across agriculture, transport and water, building on similar Eastern Highlands planning. Energy & Logistics: The DLA Energy Worldwide event in the US drew 2,300+ attendees and 85 vendors, spotlighting global fuel supply resilience and new tech like microgrids and geothermal. Mining & Exploration: K92 Mining plans up to K150m in exploration, expanding Arakompa drilling results near Kainantu. Industry Leadership: PNG CORE appointed Richard Kassman as executive director to strengthen policy advocacy across petroleum and energy. Hospitality Tech: Coral Sea Hotels Group selected Shiji’s Daylight PMS, with Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby the first PNG rollout. Tourism Policy: PNGTPA rejected the new international Green Fee, saying it was introduced without consultation and may hurt visitor growth. Disaster Watch: A 7.8 quake and tsunami alerts hit the southern Philippines, with warnings reaching Papua New Guinea. Environment & Community: Ok Tedi marked World Environment Day with 900+ tree plantings across Tabubil and Bige. Digital & Connectivity: Research reports mobile internet prices stayed stable in PNG through 2025 amid new undersea cable delivery plans.

Property & Retail Investment: Baosen International Holdings is pushing ahead with its $PGK4bn “Baosen China Town” mixed-use plan in Port Moresby’s Five-Mile, with a first phase of about 90,000 sqm of retail space and later towers, apartments and a five-star hotel, marketed under PNG’s Special Economic Zone framework. Mining & Exploration: K92 Mining says it will ramp up exploration investment by up to K150m, reporting strong drill results at the Arakompa project near the Kainantu processing plant. Energy & Industry Governance: PNG CORE has appointed Richard Kassman as executive director, aiming to strengthen policy advocacy for sustainable resource and energy development. Macroeconomy & Fuel Costs: The Bank of Papua New Guinea is monitoring an oil supply shock linked to Middle East conflict and says it may take policy actions if inflation pressures build, while fuel price relief keeps June pump prices steady. Tourism Policy: PNG’s tourism authority rejects the new international “Green Fee”, saying it was introduced without consultation and could hurt visitor growth. Sustainability & Finance: PNG’s Green Finance Summit 2026 drew 240 delegates and generated new investment commitments, as PNG pushes greener financial systems. Coral Triangle LNG Cover: Insure Our Future says most major insurers still haven’t ruled out LNG support in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity concerns. Infrastructure & Services: Marape led a delegation to Kikori ahead of the Papua LNG Development Forum, while Central Province’s National Volunteer Service prepares to deploy volunteers to support agriculture and SMEs. Digital & Hospitality: Daltron highlights long-running ICT support for PNG’s digital transformation, and Coral Sea Hotels Group rolls out Shiji’s Daylight PMS, with Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby the first PNG property to implement it.

Aviation & MRO: ExecuJet MRO Services Malaysia says Asia’s growing business-jet fleet is lifting maintenance demand, with its new Kuala Lumpur Subang facility now handling 50-plus events a month and running at about 80% capacity. Industry Leadership: PNG CORE has appointed Richard Kassman as executive director, bringing 40+ years across petroleum, energy, insurance, tourism and governance. Energy & LNG Pipeline: PM James Marape led a delegation to Kikori to inspect the Papua LNG Development Forum venue and align with Gulf leaders ahead of next month’s forum. Mining & Finance: Marape told Parliament PNG government dividends from Porgera have reached about US$400m (K1.7b), alongside updates on Wafi-Golpu and other resource returns. Forestry & Exports: PNGFA is pushing strong stakeholder coordination to implement the timber legality standard and build a timber legality verification system to meet international market expectations. Infrastructure & Water: Government reports K11.93b spent on infrastructure since 2019, while the EU/EIB backed a Water Wise Communities deal to improve drinking-water access for 400,000 people. Digital Economy: PNG is moving to use Digital Public Infrastructure to strengthen media trust via digital identity, payments and secure data exchange. Natural Disruption: Floating pumice from Bismarck Sea eruptions is trapping Manus coastal communities, disrupting fishing and raising urgent food and water concerns. Earthquake Risk: A major Philippines quake triggered tsunami alerts affecting the region, including Papua New Guinea, underscoring ongoing disaster preparedness needs. Hospitality Tech: Coral Sea Hotels Group is rolling out Shiji’s Daylight PMS, with Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby the first PNG property to adopt the system. Telecom Costs: A new look at mobile internet pricing finds stability through 2025 despite ongoing connectivity upgrades. Agriculture & Local Services: National Volunteer Service will deploy volunteers across Central Province LLGs to support cocoa, coffee and other cash-crop extension, plus SMEs and cooperatives. Marine Conservation: PNG plans a Western Manus marine protected area banning fishing over about 200,000 km², aiming to protect biodiversity while balancing local livelihoods.

Energy & Industry Leadership: PNG CORE appoints Richard Kassman as executive director, tapping his long career across energy, governance and stakeholder engagement. LNG & Investment Pipeline: Prime Minister Marape leads a Kikori visit ahead of the Papua LNG Development Forum, signalling a decade-long construction and production run tied to Papua LNG and follow-on projects. Mining Revenue: Porgera dividends reach about K1.7 billion, with Marape citing the renegotiated JV structure and outlining broader resource-sector updates. Gold Exploration: K92 expands high-grade Arakompa zones with new drilling results ahead of a maiden resource estimate mid-2026. Timber Governance: PNGFA pushes strong stakeholder coordination to implement the timber legality standard and roadmap for a timber legality verification system. Infrastructure Spend: Government reports K11.93b spent on roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure since 2019, with K17.5b allocated over seven years. Connectivity & Costs: Research finds mobile internet prices in PNG stayed stable through 2025 amid ongoing cable build-outs. Fuel Relief: PNG keeps June fuel prices at March levels under the Fuel Relief Assistance. Water & EU Funding: EU and EIB back a Water Wise Communities project to expand drinking-water access for 400,000 people. Agribusiness & Jobs: NVS plans volunteer deployment in Central Province to support cocoa, coffee and other cash-crop extension via LLGs. Disaster & Food Security Risk: A 7.8 quake and tsunami hit the southern Philippines, while PNG faces coastal disruption from floating pumice in Manus that threatens fishing and supplies. Marine Conservation: PNG moves to protect 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a total fishing ban, aiming for a major sanctuary.

Education & Human Capital: PM Marape says PNG has invested about K877m in the tuition fee subsidy, reaching 2.5m students, plus HELP support and classroom upgrades to keep kids in school. Digital Economy & Media Integrity: Government is rolling out Sevis PNG Digital ID to help identify fake Facebook accounts and online abusers, while new DPI legislation will underpin SevisPass, SevisWallet and secure data exchange for trusted digital services. Mining & Processing: K92 expands its Arakompa AR1 high-grade zones with 33 more surface diamond drill holes (100 holes released total), ahead of a maiden resource estimate mid-2026. Land Administration Reform: Deputy PM John Rosso tells Parliament ILG registration remains too lengthy, and reforms are being developed to cut delays and reduce abuse. Water Infrastructure (EU): EU and EIB Global back the Water Wise Communities project with €25m loan and €16.4m grant to improve drinking-water access for 400,000 people. Aviation Regulation: ICCC recommends independent economic regulation for NAC and NiuSky Pacific, plus an airport investment steering committee to improve charges and planning. Marine Conservation: PNG moves to protect ~200,000 km² of western Manus ocean with a total fishing ban, aiming for legal backing nationally. Renewables Pipeline: ISA and World Bank push a bankable solar-and-storage push across island economies, with PNG among focus countries.

Marine Conservation: Papua New Guinea will protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a total fishing ban, aiming to lock in biodiversity gains and feed legal work for a Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. EU Investment & Water Security: The EU and EIB Global backed the Water Wise Communities project with €25m concessional loan plus €16.4m grant to expand drinking-water networks for 400,000 more people. EU–PNG Business Push: The 5th EU–PNG Business Forum drew 300+ participants and 77 companies, with talks on renewable energy, water security, digital transformation, connectivity and agricultural value chains. Digital Economy & Media Trust: PNG is rolling out DPI to tackle fake accounts and misinformation, including Sevis Digital ID and a new legal framework for verifiable credentials, data exchange and trusted digital transactions. Aviation Regulation: PNG’s competition watchdog ICCC recommends independent economic regulation for NAC and NiuSky Pacific, plus an airport investment steering committee to improve charges, service quality and coordination. Mining & Exploration: K92 expanded high-grade Arakompa zones near Kainantu ahead of a maiden resource estimate, while Metso flagged ongoing work-permit and licensing delays affecting hiring and operations. Fisheries Compliance: Pacific fisheries officials trained for new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, expected to affect 97% of eligible Pacific vessels. Workforce & Skills: Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School signed an MOU to boost workplace training and staff upskilling, and PAS PNG supported hospitality skills at Loloata Island Resort.