The Yangoru-Saussia District is set to partner with PNG Power Limited to completely remove blackouts. Member for Yangoru-Saussia and Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru said he met with the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PNG Power Limited (PPL), Mr. Ivan Pekaea, and his team recently, to negotiate for Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) and PPL to be strategic partners to completely remove blackouts in Yangoru-Saussia. Minister Maru said the initial phase of the project will cost K2.5 million where they will buy two generators and also look at staff housing and vehicles and the management of the project. “We are also keen on the Phase 2 of the project which will be establishment of a solar farm,” he said. He said Mr. Pekaea and his team will be traveling to Yangoru-Saussia in the coming weeks to inspect and agree on the proposed location for the power station and the solar farm in the future. “After their visit we will sign a formal Memorandum of Agreement on the obligations on the part of PPL and obligations on the part of Yangoru-Saussia DDA, especially the funding and the operations of the power station. We want PPL to manage the power station, operate it and run it for us, and to work with us to develop Phase 2 of the project because it is their core business and not ours,” he said. Minister Maru said as far as they are concerned, their investment will generate a lot of income for PPL because there will no longer be blackouts and that income should be used to make sure they always have fuel for the standby generators and ensure that the power station will always provide electricity when the power supply from Wewak is not available.

Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru has directed the Department of International Trade and Investment and the National Trade Office to undertake an Immediate Review on the Impact of the U.S Tariffs. Minister Maru has stated that Papua New Guinea will not rush into taking any decisions on its future trade and investment relationship with the United States (U.S). He said this is a response to U.S President Donald Trump’s far-reaching new tariffs on nearly all U.S trading partners with 10% tariff on Papua New Guinea (PNG) Exports. Australia, New Zealand and Fiji have openly reacted against such an imposition. “For PNG, we will not react until we understand and fully appreciate the impact of this imposition on our country. We will first undertake a full review on the impact that U.S tariff is going to have on our goods that we export to the U.S and how it will affect companies who do business with the U.S. We have to fully understand the impact that this tariff will have on our mining and petroleum companies and other sectors like agriculture and fisheries. Clearly, the imposition of this tariff will make our goods very expensive, making our exports to the U.S less competitive while the countries who are not hit by these tariffs will continue to have cheaper market access into the U.S Market. They are to report back to the National Executive Council within the next three weeks, with the full assessment on whether this tariff is going to affect PNG or there will be opportunities for us to take advantage of it to do business with other countries,” Minister Maru said. He added that in terms of direct import and export, the US is a very small trading partner to PNG compared to China, Japan and Australia. “US imports from PNG were US$80.9 million in 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on International Trade,” he said.

Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has condemned the recent circulation of an artificial intelligence-generated video falsely portraying a conflict between himself and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape. "The video, which shows a fabricated argument between the two leaders, has been widely distributed on social media, causing confusion among the public and drawing concern from political observers," he said. President Toroama described the video as a dangerous act of digital manipulation, calling it not only deceptive but also harmful to the ongoing peace and cooperation between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea. “This kind of content is not only fabricated—it is a serious threat to the progress we have made through dialogue and mutual respect. "Such actions jeopardize the spirit of peace and partnership we’ve worked hard to maintain," President Toroma said. The President underscored the need for responsible digital behavior, especially as advanced technologies such as AI become more accessible. While acknowledging the importance of freedom of speech, he stressed that such rights must be practiced with accountability and truthfulness. “Democracy allows us to express ourselves, but that freedom must be exercised ethically. Spreading false narratives with AI tools damages reputations and can spark real-world tensions,” he said. Toroama appealed to content creators, tech users, and the general public to think critically about the consequences of spreading misinformation, particularly content that can stir political instability. He urged for a deeper conversation about ethics in digital spaces and called for stronger measures by tech platforms and regulatory agencies to prevent the proliferation of AI-generated falsehoods. “As we embrace the digital age, we must also adopt shared values to guide our use of powerful technologies. Truth must remain the cornerstone of how we communicate,” the President said. Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and unity, Toroama stated that such digital fabrications will not derail Bougainville’s pursuit of a stable and collaborative political future. He also called on the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) to investigate the source and dissemination of the misleading video. President Toroama concluded by urging collective vigilance and moral responsibility in navigating the evolving digital landscape, emphasizing that the integrity of public discourse must be preserved.

Marie Stopes Papua New Guinea (MSPNG) and the Papua New Guinea Assembly of Disabled Persons (PNG ADP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for persons with disabilities. The signing ceremony brought together key leaders from both organizations, with Ms. Angelyn Famudi, Country Director of MSPNG, and Mr. Kaman Wasup, Treasurer of PNG ADP, officially establishing the partnership. The partnership between the two organizations was formalized at the Marie Stopes PNG office in Port Moresby on the 19th of March 2025. The three-year partnership will implement specialized training programs for healthcare providers to enhance disability-inclusive service delivery, while also conducting comprehensive awareness campaigns on sexual and reproductive health rights specifically designed for persons with disabilities. A key component of the collaboration involves strengthening data collection systems to better identify and address healthcare gaps in service provision. The organizations will also engage in joint advocacy efforts with key stakeholders. Ms. Famudi emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating: "This is a critical area that is not focused on; therefore, needs to be prioritized as persons with disabilities have the same sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHS) and needs as their non-disabled peers. “Providing information and accessible and quality sexual and reproductive health to all is important so no one is left behind on their right to informed decision and choice." Through the MoU, MSPNG will also work closely with Organizations for Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in several provinces across PNG to ensure people with disabilities have access to sexual and reproductive health services and their needs are met,” she said. Mr. Wasup highlighted the partnership's potential impact, and said the work of Marie Stopes plays a significant role in the lives of individuals everywhere. “For persons with disabilities, meaningful engagement and participation in Sexual and Reproductive Health are crucial. We are deeply grateful for this partnership, which will use our lived experience to support Marie Stopes in delivering inclusive services while aligning our shared goals,” he said. This strategic partnership aligns with Papua New Guinea's national health priorities and demonstrates both organizations' strong commitment to advancing Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion principles. Through MSPNG's healthcare expertise with PNG ADP's community knowledge and disability expertise, the partnership aims to create sustainable improvements in healthcare accessibility for persons with disabilities nationwide and ensure no one is left behind.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development (IGF) conducted a specialized technical workshop for the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The workshop is part of the Deep Dive Programme to Address Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) in the Extractive Industry. “The session, held on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, included participation from key stakeholders, including the Department of Treasury and the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA). The workshop aimed to strengthen tax administration enforcement and institutional capacity, with a targeted focus on: Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Implementation 🔳 With PNG’s introduction of a CGT regime under the Income Tax Act 2025, specifically targeting the extractive sector, the session provided technical guidance on administering the new legislation. 🔳 Experts from IGF led in-depth discussions on valuation methodologies for mining licenses, covering each phase of the project lifecycle—from exploration to mine development. 🔳 Participants included compliance, legal, and policy teams from the IRC, Treasury, and MRA. Mitigating BEPS Risks in Financial Transactions 🔳 Given the heightened risks of profit shifting through related party financing, the workshop delivered practical training on identifying, assessing, and pricing such arrangements in alignment with the OECD Transfer Pricing Guidelines. This initiative is a key component of PNG’s BEPS in Mining Program, which seeks to enhance the government’s capacity to address tax avoidance risks while improving compliance and revenue collection from extractive industries. In addition to the workshop, Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) experts commenced collaborative case reviews with IRC’s audit and investigations teams. These engagements covered extractive sector cases, forestry, and strategic work planning to ensure sustained implementation of best practices. This program will run for 18 months and underscores PNG’s commitment to transparency, fair taxation, and sustainable development in its resource sector.

Prime Minister James Marape has made a strong call to action for Papua New Guinea’s agriculture sector, urging an immediate shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture as a mean of driving economic growth, job creation and national self-sufficiency. Mr. Marape underscored the urgent need to transform the agriculture sector into the backbone of PNG’s economy. He stressed that agriculture remains the most sustainable and inclusive path to national prosperity, given the country’s rich land, favorable climate and natural gas. The Prime Minister directed agriculture sector leaders to prioritize lands near ports and major road networks, ensuring that production areas are well-connected to markets. He urged all provincial and local level governments to identify suitable land for large-scale agriculture development. “Let us focus on areas that are well-connected by roads and ports, ensuring that we produce efficiently to both domestic and international markets,” Mr. Marape said. He outlined a clear and practical economic vision, stating that if one million families each earned a minimum of K10,000 annually from agriculture, the sector alone could contribute K10 billion to PNG’s economy. “A single bag of coffee sells for K700. If we help a farmer produce 10 to 20 bags per year, they can earn between K10,000 and K14,000 annually. Multiply that by one million families, and the economic impact is transformative,” he explained. Mr. Marape stressed that the focus must be on exportable crops such as coffee, cocoa, oil palm and spices, as well as livestock, fisheries and other high value agricultural products. He lamented that too many Papua New Guineans still operate at a basic survival level, depending on small-scale farming without access to market opportunities or financial support. “Many of our people are already planting taro, yam, cocoa, coconut and other crops, but they remain in subsistence mode. Our job is to migrate them into commercial farming by providing market access, price incentives, and freight support,” he said. PM Marape warned government departments and public servants that inefficiency and bureaucratic delays would no longer be tolerated.

The Kiunga Airport in the Western province will be getting a much-needed upgrade soon to improve its facilities to cater for aircrafts, where the groundbreaking took place yesterday. Prime Minister James Marape, Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi, Western Province Governor, Taboi Awi Yoto, North Fly MP, James Donald, and other Government Ministers, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and important guests broke ground at a ceremony in Kiunga, to officially mark the start of the Kiunga Airport Upgrade Project. The National Airport Corporation (NAC) stated that the Kiunga airport upgrade is valued at PGK 70.60 million. NAC said that the Kiunga Airport Upgrade, is a component of the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program II (CADIP II), is the second project awarded under Phase II. “On September 5, 2023, China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co. Ltd. (CRCEG) secured the contract, valued at PGK 70.60 million, to undertake the project. The project scope includes; • Pavement Strengthening & Widening of Existing Runway, Apron, Taxiway. • Construction of New Turning Nodes, New Apron and New Taxiway. • Application of 3-coat Bituminous Chip Sealing on all aircraft pavements. • Construction of New Aircraft Parking Pads & New Helipads. • Construction of New Terminal Building (Type C). • Construction of New powerhouse and standby power system. • Construction of New H90 Duplex NAC Staff Residence. • Construction of New Access Road to the New Terminal Building. The benefits of the project are; • 5 – 10 years 3 coat chip seal lifespan without major maintenance. • Modern airport terminal building facilities with improved passenger/cargo processing turnaround time. • Commercial opportunity for tenants and service providers; and • Employment for locals, especially in airport operation. NAC will work closely with the contractor and the respective stakeholders to ensure that the project is completed within 28 months as anticipated. Meanwhile, the Contractor has commenced mobilization to the project site.

BSP Financial Group Limited, the South Pacific’s International Bank, has proudly unveiled its revitalized brand identity - marking a bold new chapter in its history. The refreshed brand marks a significant milestone in BSP’s journey, reflecting its evolution as a regional leader and its ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional banking services. More than a visual update, it reinforces BSP’s strong connection to the communities it serves across Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific. BSP Group CEO, Mark T Robinson, said the unveil marks an exciting new chapter for BSP. “Our new look captures the energy and ambition driving us forward, and our focus remains on delivering world-class banking services. While our look may be new, our unwavering commitment to the communities we serve remains - to support their prosperity and growth every step of the way.” The refreshed identity was developed with input from BSP’s staff and customers across the region and brings to life the spirit of the South Pacific through a modern, vibrant visual language. At its heart is the stylized Kundu, symbolizing the strength of connection, shared heritage, and unity across diverse island nations. “Each element of the new brand carries deep meaning; The drumbeat of the Kundu echoes across the Pacific, reminding us of our heritage and calling us together. The hook represents strength, stability, and prosperity -anchoring BSP to the region it proudly calls home,” Mr. Robinson said. He added that the waves reflect the oceans that connect us to one another and to the world and the bird in flight symbolizes aspiration and guides us on our shared journey toward a prosperous future. Mr. Robinson said BSP’s refreshed identity reflects its proud PNG heritage and growth across the South Pacific. “Respecting the unique cultural identities of each market, BSP’s new brand also features locally inspired patterns for each of its seven Pasifika countries. Designed by local artists, these patterns incorporate five core elements — growth, aspiration, care, prosperity, and journey - to tell stories that resonate with each community. “Our new brand identity reflects who we are today and where we’re headed. This is more than just a new brand — it’s our ongoing commitment to evolve and serve our customers better,” Mr. Robinson further stated. He added that BSP is embracing the future with confidence, innovation, and renewed energy — ensuring it remains a trusted financial partner for generations to come.

The CPL Group Limited and the Eliseo Group Limited have received their funding from the Government under phase three of the Government assistance program that helped business houses that were affected during the January 10 events or Black Wednesday. The CPL Group received K4 million, and Eliseo Group also received K4million from the Government. Acting Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu presented the cheques to both business houses at the Melanesian House today. Mr. Pomaleu said that the total is K8 million which is part of the K50 million that was put to assist businesses that were affected during the Black Wednesday ‘January 10, 2024’ events. “This is part of phase three (3) of the Government assistance program to businesses that lost properties, assets and business during the unfortunate events of January 10. This is the second round of payments we are releasing. The first was about K25 million which we gave to four business houses (Desh Bash Limited, Papindo Trading Company Limited, Bismillah Holdings Limited and Pypon Holdings Limited). He said phase 3 is to support those businesses whose properties were destroyed during the riots to rebuild their business properties to not only provide goods and services to the people but also to help them create employment for Papua New Guineans. “It's important just to continue to clarify that we have a working relationship with the business coalition that comprises the PNG Business Council and Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry in an operating arrangement that all claims for payments are processed, and the business coalition signs off on those claims before they come to our team here in the department to process. “We continue to encourage compliance with all business regulations so while we are indebted to companies that may have lost businesses during the riots, we must continue to be consistent in terms of our conversation and requirements relating to government compliance,” he said. Mr. Pomaleu informed the press that the total funding made available to assist businesses by the National Executive Council is K270 million. He said by the end of this round of payments, the government would have spent K101 million of the K270 million. “Phase 3 assistance is valued around K51 million and after the handing over of the cheques today, the total value paid under Phase 3 so far would be K31 million (including the K25 million paid last week). There are about four phases to government assistance. Phase one is the wage support that was paid last year to cover wages for National employees, estimated at around K8.7 million. Phase 2 is payment to businesses who qualified to get government assistance to remove debris from their properties which were destroyed. In phase 3, funding is now being made available, again to those businesses who qualify, to rebuild their business infrastructure,” he said. Mr. Pomaleu added that phase 4 will come, this is having dialogue with the businesses and commercial banks to make available concessional loans to businesses who qualify under the government assistance scheme to have access to those loan facilities.

The exhibition ‘Integrity and Action’ hosted by Transparency International PNG is not merely a display of information, it is a call to action, says Transparency International PNG Board Treasurer Michelle Hau’ofa. Ms. Hau’ofa stated that the exhibition is a testament to TIPNG’s unwavering commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and integrity within PNG. “I serve as the Treasurer of the TIPNG Board and on behalf of the entire board, I extend a warm welcome to each of you. Your presence here today underscores the importance of our collective efforts in building a more just and equitable Papua New Guinea. The exhibition showcases the challenges we face as a nation, the progress we have made, and the ongoing work required to combat corruption and foster a culture of integrity,” Ms. Hau’ofa stated. She said through the displays and presentations, TIPNG aim to: Highlight the impact of corruption on our communities. Showcase the initiatives and actions TIPNG and its exhibiting partners are undertaking to promote good governance. Inspire dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. Empower individuals to become integrity champions. “We believe that transparency and accountability are fundamental pillars for sustainable development. This exhibition provides a platform to engage with these principles in a tangible and meaningful way. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this exhibition a reality. Firstly, to all our exhibiting stakeholders who accepted our invitation to set up here for the next two days, to the schools and students that will be visiting and to our dedicated staff, volunteers and partners, your hard work and passion are truly commendable. We encourage you to explore the exhibition, engage with the material and share your insights. Let us work together to build a Papua New Guinea where integrity prevails, and action leads to positive change,” Ms. Hau’ofa concluded.

The Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) was amongst the participating agencies at the Transparency International PNG 'Integrity and Action' Exhibition held at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby city today. MCPNG President Neville Choi was present at the MCPNG Booth to speak to participants of the exhibition specifically students from few schools in NCD. Mr. Choi explained to the students and other exhibition participants about the role of the Media Council of PNG and also the role media play in society and in fighting corruption. The Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) was established back in 1985 and is a body responsible for the development of media and the regulator of media services in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The MCPNG’s purpose is to provide innovative solutions to strengthening the media in PNG. It is also responsible for enhancing the capacity of the media, and acting as a “watchdog, agenda-setter and gatekeeper”. In general, it is important for the MCPNG to participate in such an exhibition given the role media plays in fighting corruption in public institutions. Here are some ways in which the media can act against corruption: Inform and educate people about the detrimental effects of corruption and, through exposure, increase the political risk of those involved in corrupt practices. Act as an indirect check on corruption by informing public debate in a way that enhances political and economic competition. Hard-hitting independent journalism can act as an indirect check on corruption. There is a strong correlation between the incidence of corruption and the extent to which the media is free. Fierce competition for audiences means some media outlets aim to entertain and amuse than to inform and mobilize people for reform.

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) opened the 5TH Integrity and Action Exhibition today at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Port Moresby city. The two days of exhibition was officially opened by TIPNG Founding Director, Dame Meg Taylor. Dame Meg Taylor in her opening speech stated that the exhibition title ‘Integrity and Action’ speaks volume as both words are critical, not just as concepts, but as guiding principles for our society and our future. “Integrity at its heart is about honesty, transparency and accountability in our personal lives, our professional endeavours and in our governance.  Integrity is the quality of possessing high ethical principles or professional standards and keeping those standards consistent throughout all areas of your life, at school, church and at home. It's the foundation upon which trust is built, trust between individuals, trust in our institutions and trust in our leaders,” Dame Meg Taylor said. She added that integrity is important because integrity is the cure for corruption and if people always acted with integrity there would be no corruption. “There would be no need to eradicate this global systemic and systemic problem. In PNG, as in many nations, the fight against corruption is an ongoing battle. It requires constant vigilance, unwavering commitment and collective actions. We must all be champions of integrity in our own spheres of influence,” she said. Dame Meg said this is where the work of Transparency International PNG becomes so vital. “For years, TIPNG has been at the forefront of advocating for transparency and accountability. They have worked tirelessly to promote good governance and ethical leadership, empower citizens and provide platforms for dialogue and actions,” Dame Meg said. She said this exhibition is a testament to TIPNG’s commitment and it is an opportunity for all of the participants to learn more about the challenges they face, connect with organizations and agencies working to combat corruption and discover how they can each contribute to a more transparent and ethical society. “I officially open this exhibition and urge each of you to take the time to engage with this exhibition, to reflect on the importance of integrity, and to consider how you can be a force for positive change. Let us leave here today with a renewed commitment to integrity and a clear understanding that action, our collective action is essential to building a better future for PNG,” she concluded.