AGP Executive Report

Provincial Infrastructure Push: New Ireland unveiled a revised K499.57m budget, with K268.3m earmarked for transport and public works, including road sealing and highway continuation, as it targets growth and more provincial autonomy. Digital Forestry Upgrade: The EU-backed Forestry-Climate-Change-Biodiversity programme delivered new comms and video-conferencing gear to the PNG Forest Authority to cut costs and improve coordination across 22 provincial offices. Coffee Export Momentum: PNG coffee exporters project K9.7m in sales after Melbourne’s International Coffee Expo helped them secure new buyer links and market feedback. Skills for Industry and Defence: Newmont PNG expanded trade training with NATTB-accredited onsite Belt Splicing testing at Lihir, while PNG Defence Force personnel completed automotive and carpentry training under the PNG-Australia partnership. Jobs Gap Warning: A World Bank report says PNG’s growth is strong, but formal jobs and living conditions lag, with most work still informal and earnings often staying offshore. SME Funding Under Scrutiny: PNG’s Commerce Minister Win Bakri Daki faces renewed calls for an independent probe into the K200m SME scheme as the government orders a review to protect funding integrity. Mining Tailings and Forestry Value-Add: Ok Tedi submitted its ESIA for a major tailings storage facility, and Oro’s Kararata balsa processing MOU points to a future special economic zone to lift export value. Food and Water Systems: NCDC ran a food safety workshop for Moresby businesses, while a Wau-Waria WASH rollout added community water supply and school fencing. Regional Trade and Standards: Australia’s National Measurement Institute donated fuel measurement trolleys to PNG and other Pacific states to improve pump accuracy and fair fuel transactions. Education Tech Leap: Western Pacific University launched an AI-enabled digital knowledge hub (LearnX) and rolled out SmartX learning tablets.

WASH & Schools: Wau-Waria District in Wau-Waria welcomed the official launch of a new community water supply at Pinetop Primary School, plus fencing and a five-year WASH program backed by PNGAust Partnership and ADRA PNG, with Australia also supporting a double classroom for Kasangare Junior High. SME Funding Scrutiny: Papua New Guinea’s Commerce and Industry Minister Win Bakri Daki faces renewed resignation calls after Opposition Leader James Nomane pushed for an independent review of the K200 million SME Support Programme, amid claims of mismanagement and alleged fraud, while Daki denies wrongdoing and urges proper legal channels. Mining & Environment: Ok Tedi submitted its ESIA for a major Tailings Storage Facility at Ok Birim to PNG regulators, aiming to cut downstream impacts from riverine tailings disposal under its Growth 2050 plan. Agri-Exports Upgrade: Sepik cocoa and vanilla producers moved closer to higher-value trade after three products—Misim Vanilla, Torricelli Vanilla and Yuat River Cocoa—won validated Geographical Indications status steps via the EU-STREIT PNG/FAO programme. Roads & Connectivity: NCD Governor Powes Parkop officially opened the Erima-Mambu Road resealing project, a K2.3m works push by local contractor Arbra Construction. Aviation Modernisation: Niusky Pacific Limited advanced PNG air traffic upgrades with a new board and plans for digital towers, fibre links and power reliability. Food Safety Push: NCDC ran a food safety workshop for Moresby North-East businesses, stressing shared responsibility to protect consumers. Regional Resource Cooperation: PNG Prime Minister Marape offered Solomon Islands mining policy support, including expert help to refine resource laws and secure long-term benefits.

Tailings & Mining Sustainability: Ok Tedi submitted its ESIA for a new Tailings Storage Facility at Ok Birim, aiming to cut downstream impacts and lock in long-term operations under its Growth 2050 plan. Forestry Value-Add & SEZ Push: Oro Province’s Kararata balsa processing deal (via an MOU) sets up downstream manufacturing and a proposed Special Economic Zone to lift jobs and export value. Agri-Exports & Branding: Sepik cocoa and vanilla products (Misim Vanilla, Torricelli Vanilla, Yuat River Cocoa) cleared GI validation steps, opening stronger premium export prospects. Aviation Infrastructure: PNG launched the K2.5bn Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment to modernise terminals and runway upgrades over 6.5 years. Roads & Connectivity: NCD Governor Parkop opened the Erima–Mambu road resealing project, while West Sepik received go-ahead for major Sepik Highway works under Connect PNG. SME Funding Integrity: Government ordered a review of the K200m SME Support Programme amid concerns over administration and misuse claims, with calls for delivery through trusted banks. Mining Governance Regionally: PNG offered Solomon Islands mining policy support as both countries sign cooperation on mining reforms and trade for 2026–2030. Digital Skills for Industry: Western Pacific University launched an AI-enabled LearnX hub with SmartX tablets, boosting workforce-ready learning tools. Food Security & Research: World Bank-backed agri-food transformation work highlights productivity and value-chain reforms to broaden PNG’s growth beyond resources.

Aviation & Infrastructure: PNG launched the K2.5b Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment, rolling out runway and terminal upgrades in four phases to boost trade, tourism and connectivity. Mining & Regional Policy: PM James Marape offered Solomon Islands PNG’s mining-policy experience as both countries push mining sector reforms and governance, with PNG companies flagged for partnership talks. Oil & Gas: Island Passage Exploration accelerated work at Bougainville’s EL02 copper-gold-molybdenum project, reporting strong copper and gold results from soil and trenching campaigns. Education Tech: Western Pacific University officially launched its AI-enabled LearnX digital knowledge hub and began distributing SmartX learning tablets. Food Systems & Safety: NCDC ran a food safety workshop for Moresby North-East food businesses, stressing shared responsibility to protect public health. Agriculture Investment: A World Bank report launched in Lae says PNG can lift agri incomes and jobs by boosting farm productivity, value chains and investment conditions. Energy & Jobs: Chinese investment in PNG has generated 10,000+ direct jobs across infrastructure, energy, mining, agriculture and trade. Public Finance Dispute: Commerce Minister Win Bakri Daki denied social-media claims of misuse of SME funds, calling the posts defamatory. Health & Climate: SPREP highlighted El Niño’s mixed impacts, while PNG’s food security remains a key concern.

Mining & Regional Policy: PNG Prime Minister James Marape offered Solomon Islands PNG’s mining policy and resource governance experience, including support from Kumul Minerals Holdings and Ok Tedi Mining, as both sides push mining reforms and aim to keep more value at home. Mining & Investment: Solomon Islands and PNG signed a 2026–2030 framework to deepen cooperation across trade, infrastructure, security, fisheries and mining, with plans for stronger governance and investment flows. Deep-Sea Risk Debate: An anti-deep sea mining group warns that radioactive material could enter the marine food chain if seabed mining disturbs deposits, calling for a moratorium until risks are better understood. Aviation & Infrastructure: PNG launched a K2.5b Port Moresby airport redevelopment to modernise terminals and runways over 6.5 years, while Niusky Pacific advances digital upgrades for safer air traffic management. Agri-Food Push: A World Bank report backs reforms to lift productivity and attract investment in PNG’s agri-food system; ACIAR also announced new research funding to strengthen resilient food systems. Food Security on the Ground: Korea/KOICA delivered tractors for the Norikori rice project to boost commercial production and rice self-sufficiency. Education & Skills: Western Pacific University launched an AI-enabled digital knowledge hub (LearnX) with SmartX tablets, and Project Skul is sending repurposed classroom learning tools to under-resourced schools. Industry & Energy: SP Brewery in Lae commissioned rooftop solar and a new warehouse, while Bougainville’s tax office urged Lloyds Metals and Energy to update taxpayer registration to correctly attribute revenue. Health Watch: Authorities urged calm after a fifth bird flu detection in Australia, saying there’s no sign of mass mortalities or spread to poultry.

Aviation & Infrastructure: PNG has launched the K2.5b Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment, a multi-phase upgrade aimed at boosting runway capacity and passenger services over the next 50 years. Mining Governance & Regional Deals: PNG and Solomon Islands agreed to deepen cooperation on mining reforms and resource governance, with PNG offering legal and technical support and both sides pushing for more transparency and national benefit. Energy & Offshore Exploration: TotalEnergies and Petronas have started drilling the Mailu-1 deepwater exploration well in PNG’s Gulf of Papua, PNG’s first deepwater test. Resources Week & Industry Pipeline: PNG CORE confirmed Prime Minister James Marape will open PNG Resources Week 2026, spotlighting “PNG Resources Beyond 50” and national content priorities. Food & Agriculture: PNG’s rice push got a boost with Korean-backed farm machinery for the Norikori Rice Project, while a PNG UoT conference will focus on food systems, nutrition and climate resilience. Education & Skills: Western Pacific University launched an AI-enabled digital knowledge hub, and Project Skul continues delivering classroom learning tools to under-resourced rural schools. Health & Construction: Work is progressing on the K65m Koroba Level 4 District Hospital, adding specialist services for remote Hela communities. Industry & Jobs: SP Brewery commissioned rooftop solar and a new warehouse in Lae to improve efficiency and distribution. Women in Business: Westpac Outstanding Women Awards 2026 finalists were announced across seven categories, highlighting leadership in PNG’s private sector, public sector and sustainability.

Aviation & Infrastructure: PNG has launched the K2.5bn Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment, moving Jacksons International Airport through four phases over 6.5 years to expand terminals and upgrade runways, with public funding starting at K25m and more expected from private partners. Mining Governance & Regional Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands are deepening cooperation on mining reforms and resource governance, with PNG offering legal and technical support and both sides pushing for stronger national benefit from extractives. Energy & Oil & Gas: TotalEnergies and Petronas have started drilling PNG’s first deepwater well, Mailu-1, in the Gulf of Papua, while High Arctic is expanding industrial services and preparing to resume drilling later this year. Agriculture & Food Security: PNG is accelerating rice self-sufficiency with Korean-backed machinery for the Norikori Rice Project, and PNG UoT is set to host a food-systems transformation conference in Lae (1–3 July). Industry & Construction: Ark Pacific delivered a turnkey prefabricated construction camp for Santos’ Agogo Production Facility tie-in pipeline works, and SP Brewery commissioned rooftop solar plus a new warehouse in Lae to boost efficiency and distribution. Workforce & Skills: Mapex Training Institute graduates include Kashat, who earned dual operator certificates in trades still dominated by men. Community & Business Recognition: Westpac Outstanding Women Awards 2026 finalists were announced, highlighting leadership across PNG’s business, public, sports, arts and sustainability sectors.

Food Security & Nutrition: PNG University of Technology will host a 1–3 July conference in Lae on transforming food systems for nutrition and climate resilience, with 300–400 participants expected and support from DAL, FPDA, NARI, ACIAR, FAO and IFPRI. Water Infrastructure Risk: A new global map highlights how safe drinking water access still falls below 20% in several low-income countries, underscoring the scale of infrastructure gaps PNG planners can’t ignore. Offshore Energy: TotalEnergies and Petronas have started drilling the Mailu-1 frontier deepwater exploration well in PNG’s Gulf of Papua, using Noble Viking, targeting a major Eocene carbonate structure. El Niño Fallout: PNG disaster authorities have activated emergency arrangements after El Niño was declared, with frost and drought already damaging Highlands food gardens and cash crops. Resource Exports: Westpac reports stronger early-2026 export earnings, led by gold (K6.51b Jan–Apr) and LNG (K3.29b), supporting the economy. Cocoa Business Push: Cocoa Board urges extension officers to promote cocoa farming as a profitable business beyond subsistence. Regional Trade & Security: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 framework agreement covering investment, trade, infrastructure and security. Bird Flu Watch: Australia confirmed more H5N1 detections in migratory seabirds; PNG’s poultry import rules remain a key regional pressure point. Youth & Skills: Eastern Highlands completed NYDA’s National Youth Empowerment Scheme socialisation, formalising rollout plans.

Offshore Energy: TotalEnergies and Petronas have kicked off a “major” oil and gas exploration campaign in PNG’s Gulf of Papua, starting ultra-deepwater drilling with the Noble Viking near Kupiano—another signal that PNG remains open for frontier deepwater investment. Mining & Exports: Westpac reports PNG’s resource exports strengthened in early 2026, with gold and LNG still leading foreign exchange earnings as production holds up despite shifting global prices. Regional Trade & Security: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a new five-year Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030), setting a roadmap across investment, trade, infrastructure and security. Labour Mobility: Bougainville’s labour mobility pipeline continues, with 136 Bougainvilleans sent to Australia and New Zealand so far, and the recruitment hub set to transition into an ABG-operated unit. Disaster Preparedness: PNG’s National Disaster Centre has activated emergency arrangements ahead of El Niño impacts, with frost and drought already damaging food gardens in parts of the Highlands. Agribusiness Extension: Cocoa Board leaders urged extension officers to push cocoa farming as a business, pushing farmers beyond subsistence. Health & Biosecurity: Australia’s H5N1 bird flu detections in wild seabirds are renewing pressure on PNG’s poultry import rules and regional surveillance.

Gender-based violence: A new global ranking flags Papua New Guinea as one of the worst places for violence against women, with intimate partner sexual and domestic violence estimated at about 68%. Energy & LNG: Samsung E&A is progressing FEED for Indonesia’s Abadi gas project, a reminder of how regional LNG work keeps pulling in engineering capacity. Offshore oil & gas: TotalEnergies and Petronas have started a major offshore exploration campaign near Kupiano, with Marape calling it proof of PNG’s appeal to global investors. Mining exports: PNG’s gold and LNG earnings strengthened in the first four months of 2026, supporting overall export performance. Labour mobility: Bougainville’s labour mobility hub is set to transition to ABG operations, with hundreds already sent to Australia and New Zealand for work. Disaster risk: PNG disaster authorities have activated emergency response as El Niño threatens drought and frost, with Highlands food gardens hit. Biosecurity: PNG’s bird-flu import restrictions remain in focus as Australia reports more H5N1 detections in seabirds, raising regional poultry risk management questions. Bilateral trade & security: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a five-year framework for development and economic cooperation (2026–2030), covering trade, infrastructure, security and investment. Cocoa push: Cocoa Board leaders urged extension officers to sell cocoa farming as a business, pushing farmers beyond subsistence. Local value-add: A Milne Bay skincare brand is turning local ingredients into higher-value products, aiming to cut reliance on expensive imports. Youth & skills: Eastern Highlands completed NYDA youth empowerment socialisation, formalising rollout plans and district participation. Sports funding: The NGCB backed a nationwide kickboxing tournament to drive youth participation and talent identification. Water infrastructure: Experts warn Port Moresby’s ageing water network shows signs of imminent failure.

Offshore Energy Push: TotalEnergies and Petronas have kicked off a major ultra-deepwater exploration campaign in PNG’s Gulf of Papua, with drilling starting near Kupiano and framed by PM James Marape as a confidence signal for future discoveries and jobs. Resource Earnings: Westpac reports PNG’s gold and LNG exports strengthened foreign exchange in Jan–Apr 2026, with gold revenue up on higher prices and steady production across key mines. PNG–Solomons Deal: Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale signed a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation, targeting trade, investment, infrastructure, security and regional engagement. Labour Mobility Transition: Bougainvilleans continue flowing to Australia and New Zealand under labour mobility schemes, with the ARoB recruitment hub set to transition to ABG operation. Cocoa Business Drive: Cocoa Board leaders urged extension officers to promote cocoa farming as a profitable business and push farmers beyond subsistence. El Niño Response: PNG disaster authorities activated emergency arrangements after El Niño was declared, with frost and drought damage already reported in parts of the Highlands. Avian Flu Watch: PNG’s poultry import restrictions remain in the spotlight as Australia confirms more H5N1 cases in migratory seabirds, raising regional biosecurity concerns.

Offshore Energy: TotalEnergies and Petronas have kicked off a “major” ultra-deepwater exploration campaign off PNG’s Gulf of Papua, with drilling starting near Kupiano—another signal of investor confidence for the petroleum sector. Mining & Engineering: Trevi Group won about €117M in new Asia-Pacific contracts, including PNG ground-stabilisation and Indonesia port foundation/marine works, highlighting demand for specialist construction capability. Water & Infrastructure Risk: Experts warn Port Moresby’s ageing water supply network shows signs of imminent failure, raising urgent questions for sustainable engineering and public health. Climate & Food Security: PNG disaster authorities activated emergency response as El Niño threatens drought and frost, with Highlands reports of destroyed food gardens and cash crops. Agribusiness Push: Cocoa Board CEO urged extension officers to promote cocoa as a profitable business, pushing farmers beyond subsistence. Local Value-Add Brands: A new Alotau skincare and wellness business, 28 Essence, is turning PNG ingredients like coconut, turmeric and cocoa into higher-value products. Regional Trade & Security: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation, covering trade, investment, security and infrastructure. Health & Education: PNG expanded higher education support with new medical student dorm facilities in Lae and talks on international university links. Skills for Youth: NGCB backed a K300,000 kickboxing tournament to boost youth participation and talent identification nationwide. Maritime Workforce: PNG seafarers’ development and maritime training recognition remain a key focus for improving employability in global shipping.

El Niño Response: PNG’s National Disaster Centre has activated emergency arrangements after the weather service declared El Niño, with provincial disaster committees told to prepare as frost and drought damage food gardens in Southern and Western Highlands. Food Security Pressure: Separate reporting says El Niño is already driving depleted harvests, with Oxfam warning up to 3 million people could be affected and some households may run out of food in 2–3 months. Avian Flu Trade Shock: PNG has banned Australian poultry and egg imports over H5N1 fears, as Australia reports new suspected and confirmed cases in wild birds across Western Australia and South Australia, prompting tighter surveillance and testing. Water Infrastructure Risk: Experts flag signs Port Moresby’s ageing water supply network could be nearing imminent failure, raising urgency for repairs and sustainable engineering. Mining & Energy Investment: TotalEnergies and Petronas begin an offshore drilling campaign near Kupiano, while Newmont confirms progress toward the Wafi-Golpu development contract and highlights Lihir’s record tax instalment. Construction & Engineering Contracts: Trevi Group wins about €117M in Asia-Pacific work, including a PNG project focused on stabilising complex subsoil conditions near an industrial area. Youth & Skills: NGCB backs a nationwide kickboxing tournament with K300,000, and PNG expands education through new student facilities and international university links. Sports & Community Health: SP Brewery delivers responsible alcohol service training to hospitality students, supporting safer industry practices. Regional Diplomacy: PNG and Solomon Islands PMs sign a framework for development and economic cooperation, including talks on tailored free trade and mining collaboration.

Maritime Workforce: PNG marked International Seafarer Day, with senior captain Peter Polapen urging reforms so the PNG Maritime College regains international recognition and PNG seafarers can compete globally. Energy & Investment: TotalEnergies and Petronas kicked off a major offshore drilling campaign near Kupiano, signaling US$100m–US$200m in investment and reinforcing exploration as the base for long-term petroleum growth. Mining Skills & Transparency: The U.S. Geological Survey backed PNG’s push to train more geoscientists and mining engineers, warning of a global workforce crunch, while also offering PNG lab quality support to boost investor confidence. Bird Flu Trade Shock: PNG suspended Australian poultry and egg imports over H5N1 fears, as Australia expanded H5N1 surveillance across multiple states; PNG later lifted the ban with caveats. Food Security: El Niño is biting hard in the Highlands, with frost and drought damaging crops and livestock and Oxfam warning up to 3 million people could be affected. Tourism Dollars: PNG tourism contributed about US$244m in 2025 as arrivals recovered, though average spend per visitor fell. Construction Materials: Pacific Lime and Cement advanced PNG’s local lime and cement push, targeting first lime in 2027 and a Central Cement FID by end-2026. Education & Partnerships: New student facilities and Malaysia-linked talks aim to expand PNG’s higher education and technical training pipeline.

Youth & Governance: Opposition leader James Nomane says PNG’s fast-growing youth population could power growth, but only if government fixes a “governance crisis” behind failing schools, medicine shortages, safety concerns and weak water access. Energy & Investment: PNG welcomed a major offshore drilling campaign near Kupiano as TotalEnergies and Petronas begin work, with Marape calling it a confidence signal for long-term petroleum growth. Mining Skills & Transparency: The USGS backed PNG efforts to train more geoscientists and mining engineers, warning of a global workforce crunch, and offered lab-quality support to boost trust in mineral data for investors. Mining Revenue & Pipeline: Newmont flagged progress toward the Wafi-Golpu development contract (about US$4.5b build) while Lihir delivered a record K852m tax instalment. Construction Materials: Pacific Lime and Cement pushed toward Central Cement FID by end-2026, targeting first lime in 2027 to cut import dependence for PNG’s building boom. Food Security: El Niño is hitting the Highlands hard, with frost and drought destroying gardens and threatening hunger for up to 3 million people. Education & Partnerships: PNG opened a new medical student dorm in Lae and discussed Malaysia university links to expand science and technical training. Tourism: 2025 tourism contributed about US$244m despite lower average spend per visitor. Aviation/Trade Shock: PNG’s H5N1 bird flu response remains in focus as Australia expands surveillance and PNG adjusts poultry import rules. Hospitality Training: SP Brewery delivered Responsible Service of Alcohol training to Mapex students, backing professional standards in PNG’s tourism sector.

Mining Finance: Newmont’s Lihir Gold in PNG made a record K852 million first tax instalment to the Internal Revenue Commission, underscoring gold’s steady cashflow. Copper Pipeline: Newmont says Wafi-Golpu is in final contract stages with the Marape government, pointing to a ~$4.5b development path and a 40-year PNG role in the copper race. Banking Reform: Tisa Group’s open-banking push got a strong endorsement, arguing it could cut costs, boost competition, and widen access—if PNG tightens cybersecurity and consumer safeguards. Food Trade Shock: PNG banned Australian poultry and eggs after H5N1 was found in wild seabirds in Australia, then later reversed the move with exemptions as authorities said there’s no evidence of spread into poultry systems. Aviation Works: Kiunga Airport runway restrictions will continue as upgrades hit 48% completion, with RPT services still suspended until further safety approvals. Climate Risk: PM Marape ordered nationwide preparedness for an El Niño-driven, potentially severe dry season. Governance & Integrity: ICAC urged Morobe business leaders to back honesty and accountability to prevent corruption taking root. Health in the Pacific: The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ reported 100,000+ sight-restoring surgeries across the Pacific, including outreach in PNG.