AGP Executive Report

Energy & Engineering: Verbrec has landed about $16m in new energy security contracts across Australia, including a $6.8m Queensland gas pipeline job covering engineering, construction and inspection work, with awards now spanning seven clients including Papua New Guinea. Agribusiness & Trade: A new Pacific Trade Invest Australia report says selected Pacific agricultural imports into Australia have more than tripled in five years, with PNG exporters among those seeing growing demand. Healthcare Logistics: Samaritan Aviation says it has flown nearly 200 remote PNG medevacs this year, aiming for 350+ flights as it tackles access gaps. Telecoms Infrastructure: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG signed a network-sharing pact to share towers and fibre and shift to a “bill and keep” model to cut cross-network call and text costs. Digital & Data Centres: Datec PNG and Telikom PNG inaugurated Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s sovereign cloud and AI data centre, positioning onshore data processing for government and business. Aviation & Infrastructure: Gurney Airport in Milne Bay officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade under CADIP II, boosting safety, capacity and connectivity. Education & Skills: Port Moresby Business College launched a new website as part of PNG’s wider digital education push, while UPNG hosted a science fair showcasing local research and innovation. Biosecurity & Industry Capability: A young PNG engineer is gaining hands-on experience delivering the country’s first specialised PCR suite for the Biosecurity Authority, strengthening pest and disease detection for trade. Public Services & Resilience: PNG’s new Resilient School Infrastructure Policy sets stronger standards for disaster-ready school planning, design and maintenance. Sports & Culture: FIBA unveiled the 2026 Polynesian Cups logos in Tahiti, adding cultural branding as qualifiers build toward the Pacific Games 2027. Environment & Science: Researchers rediscovered the spinach pipefish in the Sepik River after more than 40 years, highlighting the role of local knowledge in conservation.

Telecom Infrastructure: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG signed a co-location and network-sharing pact, shifting to a “bill and keep” model to cut cross-network call/text costs and expand coverage. Health & Industry: PMGH received PNG’s first Halcyon Linear Accelerator for advanced cancer radiation treatment, as Kumul Petroleum Holdings backs the broader Comprehensive Cancer Centre push. Aviation & Connectivity: Gurney Airport in Alotau officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade under CADIP II, adding safer operations, cargo capacity and better passenger processing for Milne Bay. Disaster-Ready Schools: PNG launched a revised Resilient School Infrastructure Policy with stronger standards across planning, design, construction and maintenance for earthquakes, floods, landslides and cyclones. Digital Sovereignty: Datec PNG and Telikom inaugurated Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, built for onshore data processing. Business & Printing: BizPrint brought in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C12010S, billed as the first industrial digital press of its kind in the Pacific. Economy Watch: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger on commodity prices, resource activity and Connect PNG spending, but reforms must still translate into livelihoods. Mining Output: Ramu nickel production dipped 4% in Q2 2026, while nickel and cobalt sales rose as prices strengthened. Education & Skills: New Porgera Limited launched a legal scholarship for commercial law students, pairing tuition support with internships. Agriculture Trade: FSA will host the Agriculture & Trade Festival in Goroka on 28 August, marking 70 years of PNG coffee and agriculture industry development.

Aviation & Infrastructure: Gurney Airport in Alotau officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade under CADIP II, adding a new terminal, runway and airfield works to boost safety, capacity and Milne Bay connectivity. Power Reliability: Morobe MPs renewed pressure on PNG Power over months of daily blackouts, saying businesses are forced to run generators while health and education services suffer. Disaster-Ready Schools: PNG launched a revised Resilient School Infrastructure Policy with stronger standards across planning, design, construction and maintenance to keep schools operating through earthquakes, floods, landslides and cyclones. Economy Watch: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger on higher commodity prices, better resource activity and Connect PNG spending, but reforms must translate into wider livelihood gains. Mining & Metals: Ramu nickel output dipped 4% in Q2 but sales rose as prices strengthened; costs also climbed on higher sulphur. Energy/Tech for Industry: Datec PNG and Telikom inaugurated Kumul Cloud Infinity, positioning PNG for onshore sovereign cloud and AI data processing. Manufacturing & Services: BizPrint brought in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress C12010S, pitching a first-of-its-kind digital production print capability for the Pacific. Legal & Skills Pipeline: New Porgera Limited launched a commercial law scholarship to fund top students and place interns with the company. Biodiversity & Research: A PNG deep-sea robot survey found a hot hydrothermal vent beside a cool methane seep near Lihir, a rare pairing that could reshape marine science.

Automotive & Mobility: Ela Motors marked 60+ years in PNG with the official unveiling of the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux, pitching it as a next-step upgrade for PNG’s construction, mining, business fleets and everyday users. Power & Business Continuity: Morobe’s MP Sam Basil Jnr says daily blackouts of 4–5 hours for months are forcing households and small firms to buy generators, calling PNG Power’s excuses unacceptable and demanding faster fixes. Aviation & Connectivity: Gurney Airport in Alotau officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade under CADIP II, adding a new terminal, runway and airfield works to boost safety and Milne Bay economic access. Disaster-Ready Infrastructure: PNG launched a Resilient School Infrastructure Policy to tighten standards across planning, design, construction and maintenance so schools can withstand earthquakes, floods, landslides and cyclones. Economy Watch: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger on higher commodity prices, better resource activity and IMF-backed reforms, but growth must translate into livelihoods and services. Digital & Data Sovereignty: Datec PNG and Telikom launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, positioning PNG as able to run AI workloads onshore with data kept under PNG jurisdiction. Engineering Standards: Works and Highways released a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk inputs and requirements for safer infrastructure planning and builds. Mining & Metals: Ramu nickel output dipped in Q2 but sales rose as prices strengthened; separately, Harmony flagged near-doubling earnings on strong gold and copper performance including Hidden Valley. Regional Trade Push: PNG and Solomon Islands opened a business investment forum in Honiara to build a “growth corridor” focused on investment, trade, downstream processing and jobs. Education & Skills: New Porgera Limited launched a legal scholarship to grow PNG’s next commercial lawyers, while India’s High Commissioner highlighted 1,500+ PNG students studying in India and a “Study in India” roadshow. Media & Governance: A New Ireland deputy governor urged the government to respect mainstream media’s watchdog role while drafting a National Media Development Policy. Environment & Land Rights: A PNG-linked discussion argues direct cash support to Indigenous communities can strengthen rainforest protection by reducing pressure to accept logging or mining offers. Science & Biodiversity: A New Guinea groundsnake was named Lielaphis slashi after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, underscoring how much of PNG’s biodiversity still remains to be documented.

Aviation & Infrastructure: Gurney Airport in Milne Bay officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade by NAC with PNG and ADB support, aiming for full operational certification and tighter safety and security compliance. Digital & Data Infrastructure: Datec launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, positioning onshore data processing for government, SOEs and private firms. Manufacturing & Industry Tech: BizPrint brought in an industrial digital press (Konica Minolta AccurioPress C12010S), a first for the Pacific, promising faster, higher-quality production with built-in finishing. Engineering Standards: PNG released a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk inputs and requirements for safer planning, design and construction. Mining & Commodities: Ramu nickel output dipped 4% in Q2 2026, but nickel and cobalt sales rose as prices strengthened. Resources & Skills: New Porgera Limited launched a legal scholarship to train commercial lawyers, linking education directly to PNG’s resources sector. Health & Business: KPHL reported progress on PMGH’s cancer and heart facilities, while ordering a review of a stalled surgical ward project. Trade & Regional Growth: PNG and Solomon Islands pushed a “growth corridor” agenda to turn political ties into investment, trade and downstream jobs.

Aviation & Infrastructure: Gurney Airport in Milne Bay has officially reopened after a K76.8m upgrade by NAC with PNG Government and ADB support, aiming for full operational certification and higher safety and security standards. Digital & Data Centres: Datec PNG and Telikom PNG inaugurated Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, positioning onshore data storage and AI workloads for government, SOEs and private firms. Manufacturing & Printing: BizPrint brought in an industrial digital press (Konica Minolta AccurioPress C12010S), pitching faster, higher-quality 5-colour production printing with built-in finishing for the PNG and Pacific market. Mining & Resources: Ramu Nickel-Cobalt reported a 4% dip in contained nickel production in Q2 2026, though nickel and cobalt sales rose as prices strengthened. Engineering Standards: PNG launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk guidance for safer planning, design and construction. Health & Energy Assets: KPHL says progress is underway on PMGH’s cancer and heart facilities, while ordering a review of a stalled surgical ward project. Business & Regional Trade: PNG and Solomon Islands pushed a “growth corridor” agenda at a business forum in Honiara, aiming to turn political ties into investment, jobs and downstream processing. Education & Skills: New Porgera Limited launched a legal scholarship to grow PNG’s next commercial lawyers, pairing tuition support with internships. Media Policy: A New Ireland deputy governor urged the government to respect mainstream media’s watchdog role while drafting a National Media Development Policy. Agriculture & Community: PNGFM and FSA partner to broadcast the 70th PNG Agriculture & Trade Festival nationwide. Transport & Mobility: Ela Motors unveiled the 9th-generation Toyota Hilux, highlighting continued demand across construction, mining and fleet use. Science & Nature: A new New Guinea groundsnake was named Lielaphis slashi after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, underscoring PNG’s biodiversity draw.

Digital Printing Upgrade: BizPrint has brought the Konica Minolta AccurioPress C12010S to Port Moresby, pitching it as the Pacific’s first of its kind for faster, higher-quality production printing with built-in finishing. Sovereign Cloud & AI: Datec PNG, with Telikom PNG, launched Kumul Cloud Infinity—PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre—aimed at keeping data onshore and supporting government, SOEs and private firms with GPU-backed AI workloads. Engineering & Infrastructure Standards: PNG released a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk inputs and requirements for safer construction nationwide. Construction Delivery Model: CE Group highlighted stronger integrated engineering capability to start earlier in project lifecycles across mining, hospitals, water and renewables in PNG and the wider Pacific. Mining & Metals Watch: Ramu nickel-cobalt output dipped in Q2 but sales rose as prices strengthened; Harmony Gold also flagged near-doubling earnings tied to gold and copper performance, including PNG’s Hidden Valley. Health Infrastructure: KPHL says progress continues on PMGH cancer and heart facilities, while it orders a review of a stalled surgical ward project. Education & Skills Pipeline: New Porgera Limited launched a legal scholarship for commercial law students, while India’s High Commissioner noted growing PNG student numbers heading to Indian universities. PNG–Solomons Investment Push: Marape and Wale opened a PNG–Solomon Islands investment forum focused on turning ties into bankable projects, trade and downstream processing. Agriculture & Trade Festival: PNGFM and FSA partner to broadcast the 70th PNG Agriculture & Trade Festival nationwide from 28–30 August. Media & Information Systems: A parliamentary communications report backs stronger information systems, including calls to reintroduce school radio broadcasts.

Engineering & Infrastructure: CE Group says it has strengthened in-house engineering to get involved earlier and deliver integrated electrical and engineering packages for complex PNG projects. Transport Safety: PNG launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk inputs and engineering requirements using newer hazard assessments. Health & Construction Oversight: KPHL reports progress on PMGH’s cancer and heart facilities, but orders a review of the stalled surgical ward project. Mining & Commodities: Ramu nickel output dipped in Q2, though nickel and cobalt sales rose as prices strengthened. Law, Skills & Industry: New Porgera Limited launched a legal scholarship to build PNG’s next generation of commercial lawyers, with tuition support and internships. Education & Consumer Mobility: India highlighted growing study links with PNG students; Ela Motors unveiled the 9th-gen Toyota Hilux for PNG’s construction, mining and fleet users. Policy & Media Systems: A parliamentary communications report calls for stronger information systems, including training and cybercrime capacity for journalists. Trade & Regional Growth Corridor: PNG and Solomon Islands push a “growth corridor” at a new investment forum, aiming to turn business ties into bankable investment and jobs. Agriculture & Value Chains: PNGFM and FSA partner to amplify the 70th PNG Agriculture & Trade Festival nationwide; FAO rolled out safer, fuel-efficient fish smoking dryers for Sepik processors. Energy/Resources Outlook: Westpac says PNG’s economy is stronger entering 2H 2026, but reforms still matter for broader household benefits. Careers: Veteran aviation engineer Kalogo Gulaga’s retirement story spotlights PNG’s aviation engineering talent pipeline.

Bilateral Investment Push: PNG and Solomon Islands opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, with PM Matthew Wale urging a “structured, bankable” partnership and PM James Marape calling for a new era of economic independence through investment, trade, jobs and downstream processing. Aviation & Infrastructure: In Morobe, Finschhafen DDA and NAC moved ahead on the Gagidu Airport redevelopment, setting up a Grievance Redress Committee to manage landowner and community concerns during works. Energy & LNG Watch: Santos flagged momentum on its Papua LNG decision timeline and reiterated focus on major upstream projects, while Pikka in Alaska reached continuous production—keeping investor attention on PNG-linked energy outcomes. Agriculture & Trade Media: PNGFM partnered with the Farmers & Settlers Association to amplify the 70th PNG Agriculture & Trade Festival nationwide ahead of the Goroka event (28–30 Aug). Water Security Under El Niño: A warning on slow government action highlights freshwater shortages as a direct threat to livelihoods, food security and smallholder farming. Security & Local Capacity: Bougainville’s ABG backed a local contractors conference in Buka to strengthen tendering and contract management readiness. Community & Health: K92 Mining renewed healthcare support with a K50,000 sponsorship for PNG’s 60th Annual Medical Symposium. Wildlife Discovery: A new New Guinea groundsnake was named Lielaphis slashi in honour of Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, underscoring how much PNG’s biodiversity remains undocumented.

PNG–China Trade Push: International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru says PNG’s future is “absolutely linked” to China as anchor sponsors are launched for the inaugural PNG–China Business Forum and Trade Expo in Port Moresby. Agribusiness Media Boost: PNGFM partners with the Farmers & Settlers Association to amplify the 70th PNG Agriculture & Trade Festival nationwide via radio and digital coverage ahead of the Goroka event (28–30 Aug). Infrastructure & Public Safety: Popondetta Police HQ is decommissioned after 45 years to make way for a new K1.5m facility under the SPAP program, with construction to start immediately. Aviation & Skills Pipeline: Kokopo Technical Secondary students tour Tokua Airport as Air Niugini engineers replace an aircraft engine—showcasing aviation engineering careers. Airports & Local Governance: Finschhafen DDA and NAC move ahead on the Gagidu Airport redevelopment, setting up a Grievance Redress Committee with landowners and agencies to manage construction concerns. Regional Investment Drive: PNG and Solomon Islands leaders open the inaugural investment conference in Honiara, pushing a “Melanesian growth corridor” model aimed at turning ties into bankable projects and jobs. Cocoa Value Addition: Paradise Foods’ Queen Emma chocolate expansion continues to build downstream processing in PNG’s cocoa sector, with earlier FAO-backed farmer support tied to broader value-chain upgrades. Energy Project Signals: Santos reiterates Papua LNG decision timing (end of year) while Pikka ramps toward plateau after continuous production begins in Alaska. Fisheries Processing Upgrade: FAO rolls out safer, fuel-efficient portable fish smoking drums for Sepik processors to improve health, quality and market value. Mining Leadership: K92 Mining confirms CEO succession, with David Medilek set to take over from John Lewins from Oct 1, 2026.

PNG–Solomon Investment Push: PM Matthew Wale and PM James Marape opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging a shift from goodwill to a “structured, bankable economic partnership” and a growth corridor built on trade, jobs and downstream processing, with business-to-business deals the real measure of success. SME Showcase: Day 2 featured Solomon Islands SMEs selling handicrafts and processed foods, aiming to connect local brands to investors and expand market access. Fisheries Value Chain Upgrade: FAO, via the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, handed over safer fish drying drums (“Portable Drum Fish Dryer”) to help Sepik women processors cut fuel use and improve smoked fish safety and quality. Defence & Skills Link: A PNG Defence Force officer’s return home for Operation Render Safe highlights deepening Australia–PNG defence ties, with PNG recruitment into the Australian Defence Force expected to ramp up. Energy Watch: Santos says a Papua LNG final investment decision is targeted for the fourth quarter/end-of-year, as community engagement and outstanding approvals continue. Mining Leadership: K92 Mining confirmed CEO succession at Kainantu, with David Medilek set to take over from John Lewins from Oct 1. Local Capacity in Construction: Bougainville’s ABG hosted a contractor conference in Buka to strengthen tendering, procurement and contract management ahead of expanded self-government powers. Trade Facilitation: China expands its AEO programme and mutual recognition to streamline customs for more firms, a signal for regional exporters and logistics players.

PNG–Solomons Investment Push: PM James Marape and PM Matthew Wale opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Business Investment Forum in Honiara, urging a “growth corridor” that turns Melanesian ties into bankable deals, jobs and downstream processing. Local Contracting Capacity: Bougainville’s ABG hosted a local contractors conference in Buka to lift compliance, tendering and contract management skills ahead of expanded self-government powers from 2027. Disaster Response Training: A Lae field exercise trained PNG agencies and partners on search and extraction, medical response, camp management and oil spill response at Port of Lae and Igam Barracks. Papua LNG Landowner Talks: Papuan LNG leaders met provincial/local government officials to clear outstanding issues, with frustration over the no-show of petroleum leadership. Papua LNG Decision Timeline: Santos says a final decision on the $20b Papua LNG project is expected by year-end, with community forum feedback positive and production lift from Pikka and Barossa. Mining Leadership Change: K92 Mining announced CEO succession at its Kainantu gold operation, with David Medilek set to take over from John Lewins on Oct 1, 2026. Trade & Logistics Links: ICTSI’s East Java terminal hosted Indonesian freight stakeholders to improve cargo connectivity across Eastern Indonesia—relevant for PNG shippers watching regional routes. Skills for Industry: Kokopo Technical Secondary students toured Tokua Airport to see Air Niugini engineering work, while ExxonMobil-backed trades courses in Port Moresby boosted women’s participation in carpentry, welding, mechanics and electrical. Working Holiday Visa Pause: Australia paused working holiday-maker visa processing for 24 countries including PNG, raising concerns for regional labour and agriculture.

K92 Mining Leadership: K92 has announced a succession plan for its PNG Kainantu Gold Mine, with David Medilek set to become CEO from Oct 1, 2026, while John Lewins moves to non-executive chair. Health & Logistics: UNICEF has started moving HPV vaccine vials into PNG, with the first 100,000 vials landed Aug 6 and a rollout planned from September to protect girls aged 9–14. Aviation Skills Pipeline: Kokopo Technical Secondary Grade 12 students visited Tokua Airport to watch Air Niugini engineers replace an engine on a Fokker 70, turning maintenance into hands-on STEM learning. Trade & Business Links: PNG and Solomon Islands are gearing up for the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands investment conference, with both prime ministers set to open talks aimed at turning ties into real investment. Tourism & Marine Growth: PNGTPA is reviving a dormant Port Moresby ferry to expand marine tourism products and boost private-sector participation. Finance Reform: The Bank of Papua New Guinea is stressing stability as it pushes exchange-rate reform and wider financial inclusion ahead of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion forum in Port Moresby (Sept 1–4). Public Safety at Hagen Show: Police increased presence at the Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show, responding to clashes after day one and restoring order. El Niño Support: K92 committed PGK3 million in in-kind aid to support El Niño response across Eastern Highlands, Morobe and Madang districts.

Mining leadership change: K92 Mining has named David Medilek as CEO (from Oct 1, 2026) and John Lewins as non-executive chair, as the Kainantu Gold Mine ramps up with a new processing plant running above design expectations. Health logistics: UNICEF has moved PNG its first 100,000 HPV vaccine vials (with Scan Global Logistics and Air Niugini Cargo), with 180,000 more expected and a September 2026 start targeting girls aged 9–14 in two provinces. Cocoa downstream push: PNG inaugurated its largest cocoa processing facility, aiming to keep more value in-country for farmers and chocolate production. Tourism and marine business: PNGTPA is reviving a dormant Port Moresby ferry through a partnership to expand marine tourism and create new visitor experiences. Working holiday visa pause impact: Australia paused working holiday-maker visa processing for 24 countries including PNG, raising concerns for regional agriculture and tourism operators. Trade and investment diplomacy: PNG and Solomon Islands are set to open an inaugural investment conference with both prime ministers, while PNG’s trade surplus with South Korea continues to be driven by LNG and other resource exports. Energy and local jobs: The Pasca A Gas Project’s National Content Plan has been approved to boost PNG worker and locally owned business participation. Workforce training: Kokopo students got hands-on aviation engineering exposure with Air Niugini as women dominate new trades courses at Port Moresby’s Lions Vocational Centre.

Trade & Investment: PNG logged a US$10.35b (K46.39b) merchandise trade surplus with South Korea over 37 years, driven by LNG exports, while Korea supplies machinery, electrical goods and steel. Mining & Community: K92 Mining committed PGK3m in in-kind support for El Niño response across Eastern Highlands, Morobe and Madang, targeting water, food and health pressures. Cocoa Downstreaming: Paradise Foods expanded the Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, boosting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes per month and helping more cocoa be processed locally before export. Gas National Content: Petroleum Minister approved the Pasca A Gas Project National Content Plan, aiming to lift training, jobs and PNG-owned supplier participation. Infrastructure & Safety: PNG launched a revised seismic bridge design manual to improve earthquake resilience using updated risk data. Tourism & Transport: PNGTPA is reviving a Port Moresby ferry through a new partnership to grow marine tourism and sightseeing. Corporate Leadership: K92 Mining announced CEO and chair succession changes effective October 1, 2026. Regional Business & Skills: PNGUOT Alumni soft-launched an online platform to centralise alumni networking and support the university. Industry & Engineering Education: PNG’s STEM scholarship story highlights demand for reliable electricity and a push toward electrical engineering careers.

Health & Logistics: UNICEF delivered PNG’s first 100,000 HPV vaccine vials, with 180,000 more expected, kicking off a September 2026 rollout targeting about 60,000 girls (9–14) in two provinces before scaling up. Tourism & Transport: PNGTPA is partnering to revive a Port Moresby ferry, aiming to restart marine tourism and create new visitor experiences from the capital’s coastline. Mining & Climate Response: K92 Mining committed PGK3 million in in-kind support for El Niño impacts across Eastern Highlands, Morobe and Madang’s Usino-Bundi, focusing on water, crops, food security and health pressure. Gas & Local Business: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved the Pasca A Gas Project National Content Plan, designed to expand PNG workforce training and PNG-owned supplier participation. Cocoa Downstream Push: Paradise Foods opened/expanded the Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, upgrading capacity and helping shift cocoa value-add into-country. Infrastructure Safety: PNG launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges to improve earthquake resilience and public safety. Defence & Workforce: PNG and Australia moved to turn the Pukpuk Treaty into practical programs, including a planned pathway for PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force. Culture & Community: The Mt Hagen Cultural Show drew major international interest, despite clashes that were brought under control by police. Agribusiness Skills: Australia Awards backed a PNG agriculture trade short course to strengthen logistics, supply chains and export links.