Great news for consumers nationwide, there will be a Good and Services Tax (GST) Zero Rating of Essential Goods Effective on the 1st of June 2025 to 30th June 2026. The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) has put out a public notice informing the general public and the business community that, as part of the Government’s response to ongoing cost-of-living pressures, the following essential goods will be zero rated for Goods and Services Tax (GST) effective 1st June 2025 to 30th June 2026. This means no GST shall be charged on the sale of the items listed. No.   Item   Description   1 Baby diapers All types of baby diapers 2 Tinned fish Includes mackerel, tuna, sardines, salmon, anchovies, etc... 3 Cooking oil All edible vegetable oils (soya bean, canola, olive, coconut, mustard oil etc...) 4 Biscuits All varieties including cream and salted biscuits 5 Wheat Flour Plain, self-raising, and whole meal (wheat-based only) 6 Chicken Fresh, sliced, frozen, processed and packed 7 Instant Noodles All types packaged with seasoning (excluding pasta) 8 Coffee Ground, powdered, or beans (excluding iced/hot coffee drinks) 9 Tinned Meat All varieties including beef (ox & Palm), chicken, pork (Tulip) 10 Rice Common rice types (including basmati, jasmine, long grain, brown rice etc...) 11 Sanitary Pads & Tampons All types 12 Soap All solid bar soaps (excluding liquid hand wash and dishwashing liquids) 13 Tea All types and packaging (excluding iced/hot tea drinks) IRC Commission General Mr. Sam Koim stated that businesses, retailers and suppliers should be aware that the Government’s intention is to provide direct relief to consumers. “All registered suppliers, retailers, and traders are legally required to adjust their pricing to reflect the zero-rating of GST on the listed goods. You must not charge GST on these items during the zero-rating period. Any failure to pass on tax relief to consumers, whether by continuing to apply GST or by retaining prices at pre-zero-rating levels-will be treated as non-compliance with tax laws. Offenders will be subjected to penalties under the Goods and Services Tax Act 2003 and other relevant laws,” Commissioner Koim said. Commissioner Koim said that compliance enforcement will be conducted by the IRC, in close partnership with the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) and PNG Customs Service. “These agencies will monitor pricing behavior, investigate complaints and take appropriate enforcement actions. We call on all members of the business community to cooperate in good faith and support this important policy by ensuring that consumers fully benefit from the GST exemptions,” Mr. Koim added.

In a move that underscores the growing role of technology leadership in financial markets, SNS Tech CEO and CTO Samson Korawali has been appointed to the Board of PNGX Group. SNS Tech stated that it is proud to announce the appointment of its CEO and CTO, Samson Korawali, to the Board of PNGX Group, the holding company of Papua New Guinea’s national stock exchange. In an official statement, PNGX Group welcomed Korawali to the Board. Group Chairman David Lawrence emphasized the critical role of technology and innovation in the growth of Papua New Guinea’s capital markets. “The PNGX business is heavily reliant on technology and innovation to develop the capital market in Papua New Guinea. Mr. Korawali brings a wealth of experience to the PNGX Group. The commercial and technology perspectives which Mr. Korawali brings will help us develop faster and more sustainably both in Papua New Guinea and the region,” Lawrence added. Following the announcement, Korawali expressed his enthusiasm about joining the PNGX Board and said that he is passionate about leveraging technology to drive business growth and efficiency and he is looking forward to contributing to the development of the stock exchange in Papua New Guinea. SNS Tech said that Samson Korawali is a highly accomplished technology leader with nearly two decades of global experience spanning industries such as banking, mining, education, and government. “He holds a Master of Business in IT Management, a Cyber Security certification, and possesses a diverse academic background in interactive entertainment and information technology. As a co-founder of four multinational tech companies, Korawali has successfully led the delivery of innovative technology solutions across the Pacific, Asia, and Western markets. Deeply knowledgeable in both the technology sector and Papua New Guinea’s business environment, he combines strategic vision with a strong commitment to collaboration and continuous growth in his leadership role at SNS Tech. The management and staff of SNS Tech warmly congratulate Samson Korawali on this significant appointment and express their pride in his continued leadership and contribution to the technology and business communities in Papua New Guinea and beyond,” SNS Tech said.

The Papa Village is a recipient of a Community Village Court House donated by ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG). EMPNG stated that the Low set building is currently being used by the Papa community to conduct Village Court sittings by the village court magistrate. “This new Village Court House has positively strengthened the law and justice system and has given structure and credibility to the village court setting and court officials to do their job diligently and proactively,” EMPNG stated. Papa village Court Magistrate Teddy Vani said that before getting this village courthouse, they have been listening to cases under trees or houses, and it is a dream come true for them as this will make it easy for them to conduct their work, and it will improve their work to strengthen the law and justice system in the village. Magistrate Vani said that the new village courthouse has boosted their work, and they now can hear cases from morning till the afternoon or much later where they deal with more than six (6) cases every Tuesday. “We deal with civil cases where we can refer them to the district court but because we are at the village level we try our best to resolve these cases at the village level and maintain it. The main challenge is that we have drug and alcohol cases with sleepless nights due to noise pollution that is caused by the drunkards or what we call the boombox generation that villagers and elders dislike. So, with the new village courthouse donated by ExxonMobil, we can get these people and deal with them and if we need to refer them, we will do it,” Magistrate Vani said. Magistrate Vani added that with the new courthouse he is not using the community police, but he is utilizing the village chief and councilors to deal with the law-and-order issues in the village. Village Chief Nao Nao said that he is delighted that ExxonMobil has provided the village with a new courthouse because it was a very sad sense to see the Magistrate trying to conduct his job under a tree or under a house. “The new building now gives our Magistrate a good working environment to do his job, and we really appreciate what ExxonMobil has done for us. Now our village Magistrate can sit under a propre courthouse and conduct his job and not under the tree trying to hide from the heat of the sun,” Mr. Nao said.

On Saturday 17th May Papa Junior High school in Papa Village in Central province opened its new ICT Learning Centre which contains 20 new computers and accessories. Minister for Information and Communication Technology Timothy Masiu said at the launch that the school will have high speed broadband internet access for 2 years paid for by the Government through Universal Access and Service (UAS) ICT Projects program managed by the National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA). Minister Masiu said that the facilities also come with the backup power supply to ensure access to services are not disrupted by power outage. “I acknowledge the efforts of ExxonMobil and the community leaders for prioritizing education in putting up the infrastructure in these areas. We must be seen to be working in partnership so we can achieve more, and this impressive building fully equipped with digital learning resources is a testament to that. This is just one of many more projects we have done with more to come under the UAS that will empower our nation and bring us closer to a digitally connected, inclusive and thriving society,” Minister Masiu said. He said the support of all the stakeholders has ensured the successful deployment of this project and will be important moving forward to ensure sustainably with a clear focus on long-term benefits for all. “Our government recognizes the transformative power of ICT and remains steadfast in our commitment to ensure that every citizen can benefit from Digital Connectivity. This project is a key part of our national strategy to provide affordable, reliable and accessible services to all citizens, regardless of where they live. Through this initiative, we are addressing the challenges of rural and underserved communities, ensuring that they are no longer isolated but integrated into the digital economy,” he said. Minister Masiu added that this project is not just about infrastructure, it is about creating meaningful, lasting impact. “It will improve access to education for the students at Papa Junior High School and where possible for the surrounding community. The launch of this project is now the second for Central Province in 2025 and more projects will be implemented across Central Province and Papua New Guinea,” Minister Masiu said.

The Government is prioritizing the improvement of service delivery and infrastructure in newly established districts through the New District Infrastructure Development Program (NDIDP), with a strong focus on setting new standards for sustainable growth. The Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) stated that a high-level meeting was held to finalize the architectural designs and costings standards, marking a key step toward streamlining development and enhancing inter-agency coordination. “This initiative aims to standardize infrastructure projects, optimize resource use, and ensure long-term scalability and sustainability. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) Secretary Koney Samuel, along with representatives from the Department of Works and Highways and the Department of Provincial and Local-Level Government Affairs. Together, they reviewed and approved Phase 1 concept designs and costings for minimum service standard (MSS) infrastructure across 13 new districts. These designs, developed by the General Engineering, Quantity Surveying & Building Board Services Branch, represent a critical milestone in aligning infrastructure development with the National Service Delivery Framework and the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV). The Government applauds the continued cooperation between departments and calls for ongoing collaboration to build resilient, inclusive, and well-serviced districts for all Papua New Guineans,” DNPM said.

The Member (MP) for Hiri-Koiari Keith Iduhu is pleased that schools in his district are benefactors of ICT Learning Center funded by the National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA) under the ICT Minister Timothy Masiu. Mr. Iduhu said this during the launch of the ICT Learning Center of Papa Junior High School in Papa Village in the Hiri-Koiari district no Saturday May 17th, 2025. The launch was hosted by the National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA) and ICT Minister Timothy Masiu in line with the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day 2025 under the theme: Gender Equality in digital transformation. “I am very pleased that out of 10,000 schools in the country we did not get one school, we did not get two schools, but we got three schools to pilot this project. I want the Hiri-Koiari people to know that ICT is a very important sector and a very important mover of development because through ICT and this sort of establishment and education is one area where we are growing our economy and that is through the future human capital of this country which requires such enablers,” Mr. Iduhu said. He said that people of Hiri-Koiari must know that where fuel drums and transportation cannot reach, ICT will break all barriers and bring them knowledge. “I am happy to see all the Papa Primary and Junior High school students here in their school uniforms because it shows your hunger and commitment to learn. We must use these assets well, we must make the most out of these assets as the sky is the limit for us. I believe education is the key to the future and we must take this opportunity and run with it. I want to encourage the Papa Village community to support the children as learning is a team effort. We must know that learning does not rest with the children only, parents must take the responsibility for our children as it is a joint effort, so our children develop into resourceful adults of Hiri-Koiari and PNG,” Mr. Iduhu said. He told the students who are recipients of the ICT Learning Center that they are the future, and they will transform Papua New Guinea through ICT. “I want to commend our good ICT Minister Timothy Masiu and the agencies under him for bringing this initiative and being aggressive in your sector,” he concluded. The Member for Hiri-Koiari was also praised by the school and community leaders for his continued support in ICT Development in his district and also for providing houses for teachers and other necessity for schools in his district.

The Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Timothy Masiu on Saturday 17th May announced the “50 for 50” Connectivity Project when commemorating the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD). Minister Masiu was in Papa Junior High School, in Central Province to launch the ICT Learning Center which was funded by the National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA) under the Universal Access Services (UAS). “It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Marape Rosso government through my ministry and specifically through NICTA’s UAS program, to announce our “50 for 50” Connectivity Project aimed at increasing internet and voice coverage from current levels to 100%. This is for basic voice services and internet connectivity ensuring that no Papua New Guinean, regardless of gender or location, is not left behind. Our journey over the years has been marked by dedicated policy development, robust regulatory interventions, and ambitious connectivity programs aimed at transforming our nation’s digital landscape. The “50 for 50” Connectivity Project is a landmark initiative celebrating Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary,” Minister Masiu said. He said that the “50 for 50” Project aims to bridge the broadband telecommunications mobile and broadcasting access gap in Papua New Guinea, addressing both the supply and demand sides of connectivity through mobile, broadcasting, and other ICT projects. “This initiative is expected to provide ICT services to approximately 2.5 million people across the country, with an estimated total cost of K50 million. Through the “50 for 50” Project, more than one hundred (100) institutions including Local Level Governments (LLGs), Districts, schools, health centres, government stations, rural airstrips local communities and small enterprises across the nation will benefit from this project,” he added. In commemorating PNG’s 50th anniversary and marking the World ICT Day, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to harnessing technology to promote sustainable development, economic opportunity, and social inclusion.

The Cocoa buyers in Sepik are in need of K9 million per day to purchase Cocoa from Local Cocoa farmers. East Sepik Provincial Member Allan Bird in a public post on Facebook stated that during a meeting with 5 exporters, Cocoa Board, East Sepik Provincial Administration and his office this afternoon, the following issues were discussed: 1. Exporters require K9million every day to purchase cocoa for the next 72 days of this cocoa flush. There are limits to how much cash they can access daily from the commercial banks. 2. Fermentary owners require cash to buy wet beans at K8/9 per kilo. Banking limits make it hard for them to get enough cash to pay the farmers. Fermentary owners prefer cash for easier transactions. 3. EU Streit confirms the opening of 112,000 accounts for farmers with MiBank and Women's Micro Bank. However, most of those accounts are not being used. It is very difficult for farmers to open accounts with commercial banks. 4. Exporters are experiencing container shortages at the wharf as well due to the sudden increase in volumes. 5. Exporters are also experiencing stock build-up in their warehouses. Mr. Bird said the exporters have agreed to speak to the shipping companies to increase the supply of containers and exporters have already noticed an increase in production as the first harvests come in. "Exporters were requested to collect data on all the sellers to see if we can assist them to open bank accounts with commercial banks. I will speak to BSP management next week to see what can be done to increase the cash supply in Wewak and Maprik. A regular meeting will be held with exporters to help resolve our challenges going forward. Finding solutions to new problems is refreshing," Mr. Bird said.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Ruth Waram to the position of Manager Media & Public Relations, reporting to the General Manager People & Culture. OTML stated that Ms. Waram commenced work with Ok Tedi this week and is based at its Port Moresby Office. “For the next three months, Ms. Waram will initially focus on supporting the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy Team to deliver on the Chamber’s PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary Grand Exhibition. She brings to OTML over three decades of experience in journalism, corporate communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement and most recently serving as Manager Communications & External Affairs with Newmont Corporation at their Lihir Operations. Her extensive background includes key senior roles with Oil Search Limited, where she led communications during major national events such as the 2018 APEC Leaders’ Summit, the 2018 Earthquake Relief effort in Southern Highlands, and the Rugby League World Cup,” OTML said. OTML added that she began her career as a journalist with Times Newspaper and Post Courier, later progressing into leadership positions in the media and public relations field. “Ruth’s strength in strategic communications, event management, and public image development has earned her national recognition, including multiple journalism awards and roles in high-level industry forums. Ms. Waram also brings her passion for community service, including voluntary leadership roles experiences with the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Port Moresby and the PNG Orchids Women’s Rugby League Team. We are pleased to have Ms. Waram join Ok Tedi, and we are looking forward to her contributions to this great company," said Kevin Russell, General Manager People and Culture at OTML. “I am excited at this opportunity to join Ok Tedi Mining Limited, a very successful Papua New Guinea company, that is thriving in the mining sector, and I look forward to working with the team,’’ Ms. Waram said. Ends///… TOP NEWS

The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) has taken a bold step into the digital future with the official launch of the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) Project—marking a historic turning point in Papua New Guinea’s tax administration. IRC stated that project is backed by the cutting-edge Multi-Tax Solution (MTS) from global provider Blyce and ITAS is more than a technology upgrade—it is the backbone of IRC’s vision to become a world-class, modern, and efficient tax authority. “The MTS platform is already transforming tax systems in many countries, where it has simplified compliance, enhanced transparency, and dramatically improved taxpayer services. Now, Papua New Guinea joins that league of forward-thinking administrations. What Makes ITAS a Game-Changer? Aside from this digital platform streamlining all core tax functions of registration, filing, payment, assessments, compliance, collections, refunds, and dispute resolution into one integrated system, it offers: Self-Service Taxpayer Portal: Accessible from any device, allowing taxpayers to file returns, make payments, and view account information—anytime, anywhere. Powerful Data Analytics & Dashboards: Enabling smarter, faster decisions with real-time insights and reporting tools. Seamless Integration: Designed to work in tandem with other third-party systems including IRC’s new Goods Monitoring System (GMS), creating a unified digital tax ecosystem. The launch comes in the wake of two major disruptions: the sudden liquidation of IRC’s legacy system (SIGTAS) provider, SOGEMA in Canada, and a recent cyber-attack that nearly paralyzed the country’s primary revenue stream. What could have been a period of crisis has instead become a catalyst for innovation. Through agile and strategic leadership, IRC is turning adversity into opportunity—paving the way for a stronger, smarter future. With Blyce and its partner C2D on board—both seasoned experts in migrating systems from SIGTAS to the advanced system —IRC is not starting over but building forward on a foundation of proven expertise,” IRC said. “Yesterday, we launched the system. Today, we launch our future. This is not just a project. It is a national transformation. It is the platform on which the next generation of tax administration will be built,” said IRC Commissioner General Mr. Sam Koim. Commissioner Koim said that ITAS is also arriving at the perfect moment: PNG’s most significant tax law reforms in over 60 years—the new Income Tax Act and Tax Administration Act—will come into force in January 2026. “The capabilities of MTS will enable IRC to implement these new laws with precision, agility, and confidence. Running two major digital projects—ITAS and GMS—alongside preparing for the implementation of the new legislations is undeniably ambitious,” he added. Commissioner Koim called on every IRC officer and stakeholder to rally behind the transformation saying, this is a once- in-a-generation moment. Let’s rise to it—together. He said that the system providers are now on the ground conducting assessments and collaborating with IRC teams to customize the solution for PNG’s unique needs. “The full rollout is expected within two years, but IRC is determined to accelerate that timeline— without compromising quality. This is our quantum leap. We are intentional and taking measured steps to build a modern tax administration that will live beyond my time at IRC,” Commissioner Koim said.

The ExxonMobil PNG (EMPG) has donated a double story duplex classroom and an administration building to Porebada Primary School built in response to natural disaster. Porebada Primary School Head Teacher Mr. Jack Mario said that they are truly grateful for the support from ExxonMobil PNG given the school lost a few of its classrooms and its administration building to a natural disaster in 2023. Mr. Mario stated that Porebada Primary school has a total of 1, 400 students and 26 teaching staff and during the disaster the primary school lost two 4- in- 1 classroom buildings and the Admin Block. “When we lost our buildings, we had to use makeshift buildings and in Porebada we usually face king tides so it was a struggle when there is high tide because we had to suspend classes due to sea water entering classroom which are built on the ground. ExxonMobil PNG was the first people to respond to our need by sending in their team to assess the damage and negotiated with the Primary school for the project to commence and they have built high post buildings to avoid sea water entering classrooms during king tides. ExxonMobil PNG started work in 2024 and it was completed towards the end of the year. The two buildings were handed over to school officially in December 2024 which we are currently using,” Mr. Mario said. He added that ExxonMobil PNG has been very helpful in contributing positively by making sure that they take part in the students learning by carrying out a science ambassador program which has helped students. “We are thankful to ExxonMobil PNG for the help they are providing, not just to Porebada village but all the impacted village. As head teacher I am thankful because ExxonMobil has also built the house that I am living in and that has contributed positively to my work as well. Without ExxonMobil PNG assistance, I am sure we will not have such buildings in the school for our students and staff to use, so we are truly thankful for their help,” Mr. Mario added.

City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) officially launched its first Wellness Medical Center under the City Pharmacy Wellness Clinic brand, located at Vision City – Port Moresby. CPL Group stated that the City Pharmacy Wellness Medical Center is a premier health care facility dedicated to serving the people of Papua New Guinea. The center represents a commitment to providing full healthcare services that prioritize patient well-being, accessibility and professional excellence. “The medical center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by experienced healthcare professionals. It offers a wide range of healthcare services designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families. The medical center provides the following services. Primary Healthcare Services Outpatient Treatment Doctor Consultation Optometry Dentist Childcare & Immunization Women’s Clinic Pre-Employment & Insurance Medical Assessments Referrals Medical Procedures & Diagnostics Daycare Treatment Procedures Wound Care X-ray & Ultrasound Lab services The launch follows the successful launch of HER Health Hub, a cervical cancer screening and HPV testing clinic for women, a partnership between CPL Foundation Inc. and Sir Brian Bell Foundation,” CPL Group stated. City Pharmacy Limited’s Head of Pharmacy Pradeep Panda said that over the past year, their primary healthcare outreach programs—powered by their dedicated nurses and health extension officers—have reached approximately 200,000 patients. “That’s more than just a statistic: it’s 200,000 people who didn’t need to crowd provincial hospitals, helping to ease the strain on those vital facilities.” “Healthcare isn’t a new venture for us—it’s been part of our DNA since 1987 when we opened a humble pharmacy. Fast forward to today, we’re proud to say CPL is the largest healthcare provider in PNG, spanning 19 provinces and extending our services to other parts of the South Pacific. We cover everything from retail pharmacy to wholesale, tenders, and even medical equipment,” Mr. Panda said. Dr. Dora Lentrut, Deputy Health Secretary – National Health Standards, stated that this project clearly shows the power of collaboration with government health agencies. “The CPL team has actively partnered with both provincial and national health authorities to ensure the Centre meets regulatory requirements and contributes meaningfully to the broader vision of achieving Universal Health Coverage. This new Wellness Medical Center is a big step forward for community health. It combines pharmacy services, doctor consultations, testing, health checks, and education all in one place. This makes it easier for people to get the care they need, while also helping to catch and prevent health problems early taking pressure off public hospitals in the long run. One of the most important parts of this center is its strong referral system. If a patient needs specialist treatment or hospital care, they’ll be smoothly directed to the right public or private facility. This helps make sure care continues beyond just one visit and supports the government’s goal of improving basic healthcare and easing overcrowding in big hospitals,” Dr. Lentrut said. Dr. Robin Oge, Acting CEO, National Capital District Provincial Health Authority said this Wellness Medical Center is a welcome addition to their healthcare network in the National Capital District. “It shows what can be achieved when the private sector works hand in hand with public health systems to deliver accessible, quality care to our communities,” Dr. Oge said. The City Pharmacy Wellness Medical Center is open to the public and is located near the entry and exit area of the underground carpark at the Vision City Mega Mall premises.