Whilst there is potential for growth and opportunities within Papua New Guinea’s mineral petroleum and energy sectors, security challenges remain a cause for concern, particularly in certain regions of the country. This is according to the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE), when presenting at the recent Business Council of PNG 2025 Praivet Gavamani Konekt session on protecting PNG businesses. PNG CORE Manager Policy and Analysis, Gretel Orake, provided an overview of the industry, and its outlook on security as well as the efforts that the industry is making to deal with them. “As the peak organization representing the mineral petroleum and energy sectors, we recognize the important role of security in the success of projects. In terms of law & order for all projects, safe and secure communities translate to safe projects whereas this relationship is critical for shared success.” “We note that there have been instances of a breakdown in law & order, which have in turn affected project security in recent times.” She added that, much of these have been due to tribal conflicts, landowner disputes, as well as increasing instances of illegal mining which have all had an effect on projects. “As an industry, we remain committed to working with all stakeholders to deal with these challenges, through constant engagement at the community, district, provincial and national levels.” Whilst individual projects engage with the respective levels of government where they operate, PNG CORE acknowledges the need for industry to continue engaging in strategic areas. Some of these strategic measures include Community Engagement and Negotiations, Infrastructure and Social Services Restoration, Legal and Policy Advocacy, as well as contributing to the local economy through job creation, local hires, and community development programs. Orake stated that these are just some of the measures taken to support the restoration of law & order, in areas where there have been challenges. “We continuously work with stakeholders to ensure that security concerns from our members are dealt with in a timely manner so that operations can continue without disruption, and in turn contribute meaningfully to communities where they operate.” “This is critical, especially as we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.”

After weeks of negotiations the Parties to the Central Cement & Limestone Project Community Development Agreement (CDA) have reached the initialization drafting of the project documents. The initializing drifting of the project documents basically means the process of creating and defining all the necessary documents related to the resources needed for the project. The Project is located in the Hiri-Koiari District and the parties include the Kido Landowners Association, Rearea Landowners Association, Hiri-Rural Local Level government, Central Government, the State and the developer Mayur Resources Limited. Benefits that were negotiated include Royalties, Special Support Grants, Tax Credit scheme, Business development Plan (spin-off benefits/contract for landowners) and Infrastructure development. Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) Representative Mr. Nathan Mosusu thanked all parties involved in the negotiation for a fruitful discussion that took place before the initializing of the project documents and engaged the landowner leaders to ensure everyone is part of the project and will benefit from the project that will take place on their land. “For all the other parties, one of the major issues that we face on other projects in other provinces is Good Governance. We talk about project deliveries; we talk about equity benefits of people, but rarely do we see our people benefit and these are things that we need to work on to improve going forward. Companies will honor the part of their agreement but when it comes to our wealth something goes wrong somewhere. So, what I would like to see is that this project benefits our people at Kido and Lealea village and I would like to ask the president and the local member to see to it that this project benefit our people,” Mr. Mosusu said. Developer Mayur Resources Limited Managing Director Paul Molder said that Central Province will now be the heart of building materials for PNG when the project kicks off. Central Governor Rufina Peter stated that the initialization drafting of the Central Cement & Limestone Project is a great day for PNG because whatever outcomes of the project will benefit PNG. She added that she is very happy that Central Province will be a supplier of Cement and other by- products to the country for infrastructure and others. Member for Hiri-Koiari Keith Iduhu commends the parties involved for achieving the initialization of the CDA. Both the representatives of the landowner groups thanked all parties involved and stated that they are happy to work with the developer and other parties to reach the initialization of the CDA and are looking forward to the development that will take place on their land.

The Central Provincial Government has committed K1 million to the Central Cement & Limestone project that reached its initialization on Thursday. During the initialization drafting of the project documents, Central Province Governor Rufina Peter stated that the provincial government will make a commitment to the landowner companies of Kido and Rearea in the Hiri-Koiari district that the Provincial government will commit K1 million to support the landowner companies. Governor Peter stated that from the K1 million the two landowner companies will receive K500,000 each to assist them in preparation of their parts in this journey. She added that the provincial government will consult closely with the developer in terms of the criteria that they need to tick off before they release the funds, but it is a Central Provincial government commitment that demonstrates their support. “As the State gives their contribution, we are also equally taking up responsibility to make sure that this project has kicked off and take the journey that it needs to take,” she said. The main beneficiaries of the Central Cement and Limestone project will be the Rearea Landowner Mineral Association and the Kido Landowner Association. During the negotiation discussion, Governor Peter told stakeholders that the Provincial government are in support of the project as the project is going to impact the Hiri-Koiari district, the province and the country. Governor Peter and Member for Hiri-Koiari district Mr. Keith Iduhu, both stated that they were ready to lead their people into realizing benefits out of the project.

The Central Cement & Limestone project initializing in the Hiri-Koiari district is an achievement not only for Hiri-Koiari or Central Province but this country, says Member for Hiri-Koiari Keith Iduhu. Mr. Iduhu thanked the Provincial government and the Hiri Local Level Government (LLG) for recognizing the dynamic shift change in policies and social contracts of the people and their demands of goods and services delivery in the district through the District Development Authority (DDA). “This agreement is unique to the extent that royalties are up to 80% in favor of the local landowners. This is very important to know, and I commend and congratulate the chairmen's and landowners of Kido Landowners Association and Rearea Landowner Association, as this project is unique as it will be the source of building materials for the entire country,” Mr. Iduhu said. He added that, the project is also unique in a sense that the domestic market obligation is 100% Papua New Guinea favored, and a very nationalistic agreement and he is very proud to be of the entire process having witnessed the discussions throughout the course of discussions when it started till now. “Whilst it is low in value of a mineral commodity, it is high in volume and high-stake value adding product. So, it will be used for the roads, as concrete that is used and many other applications that this product will bring to the floor, and it is a catalyst for greater things to this country. I want to commend the Mining Minister Wake Goi for having launched this consultative conference under section (4) of the Mining Act into concluded it successfully within a record time of three (3) months. In the last 5 years, this must be the best Community Development Authority (CDA) our country has achieved,” Mr. Iduhu said. Mr. Iduhu added that he is very grateful to be part of the discussions of the Central Cement & Limestone project and this journey that they will embark on.

Sogeri Health Staff receives new home in support of the Four-Square Gospel in PNG Inc, funded by the European Union and Co-funded by the Central Provincial Government. A significant milestone in healthcare infrastructure and staff welfare was achieved as the Sogeri Health Staff received a brand-new-three-bedroom home, marking a collaboration between the Church of the Four-Square Gospel in PNG Inc., the European Union (EU), and the Central Provincial Government. Central Province Governor Rufina Peter and European Union Chancellor-Head of Department, Corporation Dr. Hans Lambrecht on Tuesday officially open the house with a ribbon cutting ceremony, witnessed by the dignitaries from Foursquare Church, the European Union (EU) and the Governor of Central Province, Member for Hiri-Koiari, the Central Provincial Health Authority, and local communities that was in attendance. The new health staff housing facility is part of an ongoing commitment under the EU Program Titled “Addressing the Needs of Disadvantage People in Rural Communities” to improve welfare of health workers, trainings and health awareness programs in rural health centres. This project is supported by the funding partnership, where the European Union contributed through financial support of K3,800,000 and the Central Provincial Government assisted with K500,000.00 allowing the construction of seven accommodation for the health workers working in the rural areas of Central province, as this project represents the first out seven to be completed. Governor Rufina Peter recognized the Church of the Four-Square Gospel in PNG Inc. for the great initiative in proposing for this project through European Union, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in getting this project done. ‘’I must thank the Foursquare church and Mr. Jack Totona for this, without this intervention this would not have happened. I also thanked the CEO for Central Provincial Health Authority Dr. James Amini for having worked closely together with the proponent to get this project done,” the Governor said. She also praised the public servants for their hard work, passion and the commitment they had shown in not only Sogeri but through Central Province. ’’I want to acknowledge the hard work of the public servants throughout Central Province, especially in the health and education sector where many of these people work in remote areas despite the remoteness and the challenges, they give their 110 percent’’, she said. The Governor said that it is the government’s responsibility to make sure that the public servants are housed in acceptable houses or conditions and thanked the European Union for the partnership. The representative of the Church of the Four-Square Gospel in PNG Inc. and the project manager Mr. Jack Totona emphasizes the importance of this initiative and the partnership between the church and the European Union that not only supports the healthcare professionals, but also the bond between the EU and the Central Provincial Government. ‘’Every year we have money available to support such projects that make an effort to advance human rights. So, when we received the proposal from the Foursquare church, it was well and convincing, so we funded the project,” said Dr. Hans Lambrecht, Chancellor- Head of Department of Corporation, European Union. He said, giving access for everyone, that means men, women, children, rich people, poor people who are in inaccessible areas is vital because everyone has the same rights for access to good quality healthcare for the care they need, whether it is for infectious diseases, preventative healthcare, for the victims of violence, particularly women.

It is not just a road, it is our channel of development over the past, now and into the future, this is how the late Sir Julius Chan described the Boluminski Highway during its opening in 2019. As he made his last journey down the Highway he travelled back and forth throughout his life his people along the Highway stood in numbers of men, women, children all came to pay their last respects and bid him farewell. Late Sir Julius once described the Boluminski Highway as the backbone of New Ireland but as the Boluminski Highway he too was the backbone of New Ireland and the Pride of New Ireland. During his final journey down the highway on Wednesday, his people decorated the entire highway for their great leader to travel through. His people dressed in black with their traditional attire and their famous shell money (mis) around their necks and sung in their mother Tongue to bid their son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, friend and their great leader goodbye. Women wipe as men sung traditional songs to mourn, school students all dressed up in their uniforms and waved the New Ireland and PNG flag as the vehicle carrying the casket pass them along the highway. As Sir Julius made his final stop at Sentral New Ireland, he was welcomed with a traditional dance by women and men and Maimais (Chiefs) who sang and waved tanget leaves to farewell him. At Namatanai Sir Julius rested for five (5) minutes with his people who loved him and chose him to be their leader before continuing his journey home to his final resting place at his home in Huris. Now Sir Julius is finally home in Manmantinut where he will be laid to rest after the funeral service. His wife Lady Stella, Children Vanessa, Mark, Baron and Toea, his people of New Ireland and PNG honored his wish to lay him to rest after 7 days of his passing.

Minister for International Trade and Investment and Member for Yangoru-Saussia Richard Maru pays his final farewell to the late Sir Julius Chan. “I will return to Huris in Namatanai District in New Ireland Province to witness the burial of one of our greatest founding fathers, the last man standing, Sir Julius Chan. I am here to represent my people of Yangoru-Saussia District in East Sepik Province, my family, the people of the Greater Sepik Region and the generation of post-Independence Leaders of our nation to bid farewell the two-time Prime Minister, the first Finance Minister, the father of our own currency Kina and Toea, the first Deputy Prime Minister and right hand man to his brother and founding father our late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare. I had a rare privilege to visit his residence at Huris yesterday with my fellow Ministers and Sandaun Govenor and spent one hour with his dear wife, Lady Stella Chan,” Minister Maru stated. He said that when meeting Lady Stella, she recalled their over 60 years of marriage and his political journey, his vision and dream to turning PNG into a very rich and prosperous country and how he worked very hard to see his dream come true both for New Ireland and for Papua New Guinea. “As we left her, she concluded with these very sobering words, and I quote: “When he became a politician, his blood changed to politics. He never retired from politics. He died while doing the job he loved best- serving the people of New Ireland and our great nation of Papua New Guinea." These were indeed very moving and inspirational words. Thank you, Lady Stella Chan, for being the soul mate and best friend to our founding father and last man standing Sir Julius Chan for over 60 years and a great mother to Papua New Guinea. I am deeply humbled and happy that I can be here today at New Ireland and Huris to bid farewell to one of our greatest founding fathers, Rt Honorable Sir Julius Chan, GCL, GCMG, KBE, PC, MP,” Minister Maru said.

CPL Group is currently looking to expand its footprint in the country with plans to open more branches across the country. CPL Head of Pharmacy Mr. Pradee Panda said that CPL Group has a lot of plans to expand now as they signed a MoU with Kerema in Gulf province a couple of months ago and they are looking at the Western Province as well because they do not have any footprint there. Mr. Panda said that they might go and open a few more stores in Bougainville as well to increase their presence and provide affordable services to the people. “We are looking at a lot of places around the country because we want to bring more healthcare services to the people by opening more pharmacies. Apart from expanding our reach, CPL Group is also a big supporter and promoter of local Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) products. We have partnered with a lot of SMEs where we get their products and put them inside City Pharmacy right across the country for them to take advantage of getting more sales. For CPL to assist a local SME sell its product (health) first thing we look for is the quality of the product, quality certification if they have one, which is essential for us, second thing we look at the quality of the packaging and third thing is the pricing,” Mr. Panda said. He added that while it is the SMEs responsibility for developing the product, CPL helps the local SME in terms of product designing, packaging design and also product marketing strategy. “Our operation team and CPL Foundation work closely with the local SMEs to guide them on the basic principles of how to develop a good quality product and marketing of the product,” he said.

Prime Minister James Marape on February 4, 2025, held a meeting with senior officials from the World Bank. This included, Country Director for PNG and the Pacific Islands Stephen Ndegwa, PNG Country Manager Khwima Nthara, and Lead Economist for Education in East Asia and the Pacific Lars Sondergaard. Also in attendance were Treasurer Ian Ling Stuckey, Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, and National Planning and Monitoring Secretary Koney Samuel. Discussions focused on two major development initiatives: the New Country Partnership Framework (2025–2031) and the Learning Enhancement & Access Project, both of which align with the government’s broader vision for economic growth, education reform, and social transformation. The New Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2025–2031 was a central topic of discussion, as it sets out key priority areas for development collaboration between Papua New Guinea and the World Bank over the next six years. The CPF is designed to address critical economic and infrastructure challenges, with a focus on four key outcome areas: • Increased private investment to create more and better jobs • Improved infrastructure connectivity to link communities to essential services • Enhanced human capital outcomes through better health and education systems • Strengthened macroeconomic management and institutional governance The CPF aims to support Papua New Guinea’s long-term economic growth by fostering investment, enhancing infrastructure development, and strengthening financial systems. The meeting also focused on education reform through the Learning Enhancement & Access Project, an initiative led by the National Department of Education. This project is designed to improve access to quality education, particularly in rural and underserved communities, while addressing critical gaps in literacy, numeracy, and teacher capacity. PM Marape reiterated his commitment to making teachers among the highest-paid professionals in the country, recognizing that investing in educators is fundamental to national development. Discussions emphasized: • The need for competitive teacher salaries to attract and retain top talent • Addressing low literacy and numeracy rates, with over 70% of primary students struggling with basic skills • Strengthening curriculum development and teacher training programs • Expanding education infrastructure to improve school accessibility “As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th anniversary of independence in 2025, both the Country Partnership Framework and the Learning Enhancement & Access Project are viewed as strategic initiatives to drive national transformation. “The government is committed to ensuring that investments in education, infrastructure, and economic stability contribute to long-term prosperity. The meeting reinforced the strong partnership between PNG and the World Bank, with a shared commitment to economic growth, education reform, and national development. The government will continue working closely with development partners to implement policies that create jobs, strengthen education, and improve infrastructure for all Papua New Guineans,” Mr. Marape said.

CPL Groups City Pharmacies outlets across the country are community pharmacies that not only sells and buys healthcare products but is filling in the gaps where health services are falling short. CPL Board of Director Mary Handen said that CPL Group has seen that space, and they realize how important health services is for Papua New Guineans. Mrs. Handen said health is important and through City Pharmacy CPL Group, they are delivering these health services so everyone can look after themselves. “CPL Group is very proud at the fact that we have a household name here which is City Pharmacy that has been around for a very long time in the country. We have 36 different pharmacies in the country with 24 wellness clinics. So, if you feel that it is convenient for you to come to a city pharmacy wellness clinic instead of going to the public clinic provided by the government, then be it because we are bringing the services to you and that is what CPL Group is proud off,” Mrs. Handen said. She added that CPL Group is here to provide and fill in the gaps in the health services that is available here in Papua New Guinea. CPL Head of Pharmacy Mr. Pradee Panda, with 24 wellness clinics around the country, CPL Group is reducing the heath burden in the country. Mr. Panda added that just last year they saw 270,000 people across these clinics around the country. In terms of community health activity, our pharmacies across the country do at least one community activity every month for any health disease like skin care or dental hygiene,” Mr. Panda said.

CPL Group officially opened its newest City Pharmacy store at North Waigani, located inside the Thomand Plaza. The event marks another milestone in CPL’s Group commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare and pharmaceutical services for communities in PNG. CPL Head of Pharmacy Mr. Pradee Panda said this is the 36 pharmacy that the group has opened after the Namatanai City Pharmacy in New Ireland which is the 35 stores in the country that they will officially open soon. Mr. Panda said that City Pharmacy has been operating in the country for over four (4) decades now and CPL Group is a big diverse group who started with one branch, City Pharmacy, and today is the biggest retailer in the whole country. “When we talk about City Pharmacy, we are not just talking about buying and selling health care products, when we talk about City Pharmacy it is to give our people an overall healthcare solution and be a true community pharmacy for the people. There are multiple factors that make us a true community pharmacy and firstly through City Pharmacy we have opened CPL Wellness clinics with a total of 24 outstations across the country. Last year we saw 270,000 people across these clinics around the country and it is a good example of a public private partnership where we provide the healthcare at an affordable price and we are reducing the burden in the public healthcare system,” Mr. Panda said. CPL Board of Director Mary Handen said that when she was invited to officiate at the opening of the North-Waigani City Pharmacy, she sat and had a look at where the company has come so far. “Being a Papua New Guinean I am very proud as this is a community pharmacy that not only sell healthcare products, but we promote local small medium enterprises (SMEs), and we are filling in the gaps where health services are falling short in the country. We at CPL Group have seen that space and have realized how important health services are for our people and we are filling in these gaps,” she added.

Prime Minister James Marape has announced a bald tax reform strategy aimed at fostering investment, increasing consumer spending and driving local industry growth. The reforms will take effect once Papua New Guinea’s economy reaches a K150 billion milestone, a target expected to be achieved within the next three to four years. The Prime Minister announced this at the Back to Business Breakfast in Port Moresby. He emphasized that these changes would create a business-friendly environment, ensuring that economic expansion benefits both investors and citizens. Mr. Marape outlined key tax initiatives that will come into effect once PNG reaches the K150 billion economic threshold: Lowering corporate tax encourage business expansion and attract further investment Reducing personal income tax to increase disposable income and boost domestic consumption. Implementing stricter capital outflow regulations to ensure funds are reinvested locally rather than leaving the country. “These tax reductions will create the conditions necessary for businesses to thrive, ensuring that investment remains in the country and continues to support employment, infrastructure and industry growth,” he said. To further strengthen PNG’s economic position, the government is focusing on Special Economic Zones (SEZs), including a tax-free business hub in Manus Province, designed to attract regional trade, investment, and industrial development. “Our vision is to position Manus as a strategic trade hub, opening up new economic opportunities and fostering partnerships with businesses seeking to expand in the Asia-Pacific region,” said the Prime Minister. He also called upon leading business organizations, including the PNG Chamber of Commerce, the PNG Business Council, the Manufacturers Council, and the Chamber of Resources and Energy, to collaborate with the government in identifying growth opportunities and shaping investor-friendly policies. He highlighted import replacement and local manufacturing as key government priorities, urging multinational and domestic firms such as Trukai Industries and those in the food sector to invest in local production to reduce PNG’s dependence on imports. “With the right incentives, streamlined regulations, and stronger industry collaboration, we can transform PNG into a regional centre for manufacturing and downstream processing,” Mr. Marape added. The government is committed to: • Reducing bureaucratic barriers to make investment easier and more efficient. • Encouraging foreign and domestic businesses to scale their operations in PNG. • Developing an industrial and manufacturing base to create jobs and reduce reliance on imports. This is a defining moment for Papua New Guinea’s economy. "We are restructuring our fiscal policies to ensure PNG remains an attractive destination for investment while delivering tangible benefits for businesses, workers, and the wider population." "The Marape-Rosso Government remains focused on building a robust, sustainable economy that supports private sector growth, employment creation, and long-term prosperity for Papua New Guinea,” he said.