Two Members of Parliament (MP) from the Morobe province have been bestowed with Ministerial Portfolios as the Marape- Rosso Government moves to make more new ministerial appointments. Prime Minister James Marape on Tuesday afternoon announced the appointment of Finschhafen MP Rainbo Paita as Minister Assisting the Prime Minister and Menyamya MP Solen Loifa as Vice Minister Assisting the Prime Minister. The announcement follows their swearing-in by Governor-General H.E. Sir Bob Dadae at Government House in Port Moresby city. Minister Paita's appointment brings the number of Cabinet ministers to 39, marking a pivotal moment for the government's stability and unity following his departure last year. Paita left the government in 2024 as part of a coalition aligned with an unsuccessful vote-of-no-confidence attempt. “It is now 39 out of 39, and we welcome his experience back into Cabinet,” said Prime Minister Marape. The Prime Minister emphasized that Minister Paita’s return underscores the enduring strength of the coalition government. “The Honorable Rainbo Paita is the leader of Our Party, and I extend my congratulations to the leaders who have come together to form what is now Our Party. Their efforts bring significant strength to the coalition government, contributing 14 members—a substantial bloc in terms of numbers.” Prime Minister Marape noted that Paita’s decision to rejoin the government reflects a shared commitment to advancing national priorities. “Our Party members have shown unwavering loyalty and dedication to the country’s progress. When they rejoined government in November 2024, they did not hesitate to deploy their numbers to assist the government in passing key constitutional laws. This is the kind of loyalty and focus we need to deliver meaningful reforms,” said the Prime Minister. The government, which took office in 2019, is entering a crucial phase as Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Prime Minister Marape highlighted the importance of the government’s legislative and policy agenda, including major reforms in resource laws, decentralization, and governance structures. “This year is no ordinary year. Since 2019, we have worked relentlessly to redirect the course of this country, particularly on economic benefits and national entitlements tied to our resources. These reforms are critical for restructuring our governance systems and improving service delivery,” he said. Prime Minister Marape also outlined plans for a government-wide performance review in the coming weeks. “Over the next two weeks, I will meet with all ministers and departmental heads to set clear expectations for their performance. Key performance indicators have already been issued, and we expect tangible outcomes. This government is not here to pass time; we are here to deliver results for our people,” he said. The Prime Minister warmly welcomed Paita and Loifa back into leadership roles, noting their importance in the government’s continued efforts to deliver better outcomes for Papua New Guineans. “With this, I warmly welcome the Minister and Vice Minister. They will have specific project responsibilities to address gaps in performance and ensure progress in key areas. Congratulations to the leader of Our Party, the Vice Minister, and the new Minister. Let us continue working together to advance our nation’s progress.”

The recent decision by the United States (US) President to withdraw from climate efforts, has been viewed as an irresponsible act by Prime Minister James Marape. Prime Minister Marape who spoke at the recent World Economic Forum Annual Meeting on Thursday at Davos in Switzerland, asked that President Donald Trump reconsider his decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement and current global climate efforts. Prime Minister Marape said he was greatly concerned for Papua New Guinea and the smaller Pacific Island countries who have been unjustly subjected to the effects of Climate Change in rising sea levels and severe weather pattern changes that continue to have devastating impact on their fragile economies. He said it was within the President’s right to think of his country, but for the President to withdraw the second biggest emitter of carbon dioxide from the Paris Agreement without announcing the shut-down of coal power plants is “totally irresponsible”. “I am speaking from the PNG perspective as the big forest and ocean nation and a leader of the Pacific region. I ask President Trump to reconsider his decision to withdraw USA from the Paris Agreement,” said PM Marape. “The United States is the second biggest holder of carbon footprint, only after China. The United States is not shutting down any of its coal power plants yet, decides to withdraw from current climate efforts. This is totally irresponsible. “President Trump has his rights in his Put America First agenda, but he needs to tell us how he will respond to the matter of climate change because the Science is not lying to us about the planet heating up. “It is morally wrong for him not to be sensitive to the global climate change issues. As the Leader of the Free World, Trump and the United States have the moral responsibility to ensure that our planet remains safe to sustain all of us. “Good global leaders are also responsible world statesmen. They take responsibility not just for their own countries, but also for our planet,” said the Prime Minister. PM Marape has urged the President to reconsider his decision and find another solution if he feels the US is unfairly being expected to carry the bigger load of responsibility of the climate issue. PM Marape said he would take the matter up at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) to have PIF make a combined statement on Trump’s withdrawal of USA from the climate talks. “The United States has recently revitalized its relations with the Pacific, and it is very discouraging to see it backing down from climate talks which have direct impact on climate change mitigation for us in the Pacific. We continue to be subjected to rising sea levels, unpredictable weather patterns that impacts lives and economies. “Big nations like the United Sates can afford to withstand the impact of typhoons, wildfires and tornadoes. But for small nations like us, we cannot,” said Prime Minister Marape.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has achieved another outstanding year of performance, achieving excellent results for the 2024 financial year. OTML announced this is a statement saying that it achieved outstanding strong, safe and reliable production results, surpassing set targets for copper, gold, and silver. The company actually produced 103,246 tonnes of Copper metal, 265,830 ounces of Gold and 993,274 ounces of Silver, showing and reinforcing its turnaround of the business in the last 18 months. Despite some operational challenges, this success is attributed to the dedication of OTML workforce, optimized operational efficiency from the pit to the port, and a seamless execution of the major processing plant shutdown earlier in the year. OTML delivered robust unaudited financial results, reflecting increased metal prices, efficient cost management, and consistent production levels. The company reported a revenue of K5.7 billion (US$1.5 Billion) contributing significantly to Papua New Guinea’s economy through royalties of K106M, taxes K346M, compensation K119M, training K30M, Tax Credit Scheme K285M, and a total of K450M in dividends for the year 2024. The company also celebrated 40 years of production since 1984, highlighting its significant contribution to PNG’s economy over the years. The year 2024 also brought its share of challenges; among the hurdles faced were shipping constraints, such as fuel, concentrate and cargo shipment issues and evolving operational demands. In addressing the fuel crisis, OTML not only ensured operational continuity but also supported the nation by supplying JET A1 fuel to commercial airlines. Furthermore, as a responsible corporate entity, the company made significant contributions through key donations at both local and national levels, reinforcing its commitment to the community. Looking ahead, OTML remains steadfast in pursuing its Growth 2050 Strategy, which focuses on long-term sustainability, operational excellence, and community partnerships. Key initiatives include: · Environmental Stewardship & Sustainable Growth Projects · Engineered Waste Rock Dump 1 & 2 · Electrical Haul Truck Drive · Process Asset Renewal (PAR) · Pyrite Concentrate (PCon) Pit 4 Construction · Tailings Storage Facility · Copper Mark Certification · Electrification & Energy Transition Strategy · Accessibility to Diesel & Jet A1 Storage & Supply Facilities in the country OTML’s Managing Director and CEO, Kedi Ilimbit, stated that 2024 has been an extraordinary year of resilience, collaboration, and achievement for Ok Tedi. “These results reaffirm our commitment to creating value for all stakeholders, while upholding our responsibilities to the people of Papua New Guinea and future generations.” He said their focus on sustainable growth under the Growth 2050 framework ensures that OTML is well-positioned for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. “Our unwavering commitment to responsible mining practices and sustainable development has delivered outstanding outcomes for stakeholders, employees, and the communities in which we operate,” said Mr. Ilimbit.

In light of the high cost of living experienced by Papua New Guineans, the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) has come out to call on the government to do something about it now. The consumer watchdog is concerned about this rising cost of living and is calling for concerted efforts from all relevant government agencies to work together to mitigate this issue. The ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Paulus Ain, said the increase is felt all over the world including PNG as a result of global supply disruptions caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic and aggravated by other geopolitical events, including the Russia- Ukraine conflict and the ongoing conflict along the Suez Canal that is forcing the global sea freight index to increase, which then increases the cost of imports- dependent countries like PNG. He said other factor that also directly influence the cost of imports is the depreciation of the Kina against the US Dollar, as the main international trading currency. But Mr. Ain is adamant that in the long- term, the imbalance in the foreign exchange market will self- correct, leading to price stability. Mr. Ain also acknowledged the government’s efforts to lessen the high costs, especially the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) exemption on the prices of 13 selected basic goods/ items that will come into effect in July 2025; however, he says more needs to be done. He stressed that a collaborative effort is needed from all relevant government agencies to mitigate the high cost of living in the country. These include policy measures to reduce inflation, appropriate tax policies, structure adjustments policies, investment of programs and activities to address infrastructure challenges such as poor roads, unreliable electricity, and security challenges, and the creation of income generation avenues can surely assist in alleviating the cost-of-living pressures on the domestic economy.

The Remington Group, comprising Remington Technology, BizPrint, FX Business Centre, and OFC, held its first-ever Kick-Off 2025 event at the APEC Haus on Saturday 18th January at Port Moresby city. Theme "One Team, One Vision, One Tribe," the event marked the beginning of an exciting year, bringing together staff and business units nationwide to align with the company’s renewed vision, mission, and strategy for 2025. It provided a platform to inspire unity, strengthen shared objectives, and energize the workforce for the year ahead. A key highlight of the event was the recognition of outstanding employees who exceeded their 2024 targets, alongside long-serving staff who were honoured for their loyalty and dedication. These celebrations emphasized the Group’s commitment to acknowledging excellence and fostering a unified, motivated team. Reflecting on the event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Navin Raju said, “This is not just about starting a new year; it’s about uniting as one team with a shared vision and purpose. Together, we are stronger and better equipped to achieve better results in 2025.” Through this landmark event, the Remington Group reaffirmed its dedication to aligning all business units toward shared goals, ensuring that 2025 begins with clarity, collaboration, and a collective drive for success.

The Kairuku district in Central province aims to become a top tourism destination in the country, and with a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed, it could just help them achieve that. That MoU signing was between the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNG TPA) and the Kairuku District Development Authority (DDA) on Friday 17th January in Port Moresby city, all to strengthen the district’s tourism potential through sustainable development, cultural preservation, and strategic marketing initiatives. Member (MP) for Kairuku, Peter Isoaimo, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, calling it a significant step toward positioning Kairuku as a key tourism destination in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The partnership will focus on activities like the PNG Flag Festival, the development of the Owsenwke Cultural Centre, and the hosting of game fishing competitions. Capacity-building programs, including tour guide and guest management training, are also planned to equip locals with the skills to support and sustain tourism development. “Our district is blessed with diverse cultural and natural attractions, from Yule Island’s historical significance to our festivals and pristine coastlines. This MOU paves the way for these assets to be showcased to the world, bringing long-term benefits to our communities,” said Isoaimo. He reaffirmed the DDA’s commitment to working closely with TPA to ensure the success of the initiatives outlined in the MOU, noting that tourism can drive positive change by creating jobs, empowering communities, and strengthening cultural pride. TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership. “This MOU is a milestone for both TPA and Kairuku DDA. Together, we will develop a vibrant and sustainable tourism sector that celebrates the district’s rich cultural heritage while providing economic opportunities for local communities,” said Uvovo. He highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach in achieving national tourism goals outlined in Vision 2050 and the Tourism Sector Development Plan (2022-2026). The MOU sets a clear framework for governance, accountability, and collaborative action. It includes the establishment of a Joint Milestones Matrix (JMM) to track progress and ensure that the development initiatives remain aligned with national and district goals. “This partnership reflects our shared vision for a sustainable tourism industry that empowers local communities while protecting our cultural and natural heritage,” said Uvovo. Uvovo also said that, with a roadmap in place and the joint commitment of TPA and Kairuku DDA, the district will become a thriving hub for cultural and eco-tourism, bringing PNG one step closer to realizing its tourism potential.

It is the start of the year and things are starting to roll for the country to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary come September, with much to be expected in the lead up. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape indicated this upon his return from Palau on Friday 17th January, when he said there are planned activities that will be rolled out very soon as lead up to September 16th, 2025. He said the official announcement and launching of the 50th Anniversary program would take place towards the end of this month. “On the 30th of this month, Minister Tkatchenko, myself, Governor Parkop and all other governors at the parliament, will launch our 50th anniversary program for this year,” said the PM. He said there is much to be expected, including the government’s plans for implementation of services and developments going forward, 2025 and beyond. “It was this time 50 years ago that the fathers and mothers prepared this country for independence." “This month 50 years ago it was January 1975, the nation was gearing towards independence; therefore, I want our country to prepare ourselves for the 50th,” said the PM

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape is attending the exclusive World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Switzerland which starts tomorrow. Prime Minister Marape announced this following his return from Palau on Friday 17th January, saying that this is another trip with a strategic intent behind it. The WEF is a non-government global organization that brings together leaders from business, politics, academia, and civil society to address global issues, with the objective of improving the world by shaping global agendas and finding solutions to challenges. Opportunities to attend the meeting are given strictly by invitation only, directly from the Founder of WEF, Professor Klaus Schwab, which PM Marape revealed that this is the second invitation from Professor Schwab to him to address the Forum after missing his first opportunity last year because of the unfortunate situation that occurred on January 10th, 2024. “These meetings are relevant to our economy, to our country’s benefit,” said the PM. “There is strategic intent behind why we pitch those visits. My pattern of visits has strategic economic rationale behind the choice of visits.” Prime Minister Marape has already left the country for Switzerland, leaving the Deputy PM in charge as acting PM for at least four days during his absence. The 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum takes place from 20-24 January in Davos. The meeting brings together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, and 350 governmental leaders, including 60 heads of states and governments, from all key regions.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape who arrived back in country following his trip to Palau to see the inauguration of the President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr, said the whole trip was a great success. Prime Minster Marape at the press conference at the APEC Terminal in Port Moresby city after getting off the plane, said the trip was a success because of positive outcomes on talks about fisheries. Accompanied by the Fisheries Minister, Jelta Wong, the PM said the aim was to establish a pacific block in exporting fisheries product and tap into the rewards of the 30% export of tuna from the pacific to the world market. The PNG team had a strategic intent going to Palau, using the trip as part of plans to maximize tuna exports. “It was part of our bigger game plan to mobilize our pacific fisheries resources into a power block in as far as pacific resources are concerned,” said the PM. “That is getting momentum as we speak and I want to confirm that the Micronesian nations as well as PNG, Solomon Islands, are deep in that conversation.” Sometime next month, Minister Wong and all the pacific island ministers will be meeting in Honiara (Solomon Islands) to progress this agenda to mobilize all fisheries resources so that they can be processed here in PNG, strategically to develop marine downstream processing of fisheries in PNG. “Minister Maru (Richard Maru), Minister Wong are working in that space. Pacific Maritime Zone will be the first place of development as well as potentially Rabaul, Kieta, Lae and other parts of our coastal areas.” He further reiterated that the trip to Palau was important because like other Micronesian countries, Palau has a vast ocean territory where fisheries resources can be extracted. “Population wise, they may be small, but they are a big block in the total fisheries and tuna supply to the world.” “We want to get all of them together, so we have a united approach in as far as fisheries resources are concerned for us to supply into the market, nearby and far away.

The relationship Papua New Guinea (PNG) has with its closest neighbour Indonesia, is expected to be strengthened even further this year onwards. According to the Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, with the 50th Independence Anniversary this year, PNG seeks to strengthen its relations with other countries, and one of these bilateral partner nations is Indonesia. “We look forward to embarking and making our relationship with Indonesia in trade and in commerce, in social, in education, in health in a bigger way,” the minister said. “Indonesia has been neglected by a long time in our bilateral and security and other arrangements. We’re going to strengthen that like never before.” PNG and Indonesia share a land border, and it is only proper that both countries further strengthen trade and bilateral ties in the name of mutual benefit. “That is happening, and I am really proud it’s happening. We look forward to Indonesia being a bigger part of our foreign policy.” What the good minister said further strengthened what Prime Minister James Marape had said when he met with the now Indonesia President, Prabowo Subianto, following his election early in 2024. In August 2024, Subianto, who was then president elect, visited PNG where he and Prime Minister Marape held bilateral talks where both leaders conversed on having a much stronger bilateral relationship going forward. In that meeting both leaders agreed to continue the respect of the sovereignty of both nations as PNG and Indonesia share a common land border and common people to people tie. That bilateral meeting comprised of discussions on education scholarships for PNG students, increase in trade visits to and from Indonesia, and a look into downstream processing for PNG with Indonesia’s assistance. The country has maintained good relations with Indonesia since 1975 when PNG became independent, and now that the country in marking its 50th anniversary, it's time to fine tune that relationship. Nevertheless, 2025 just commenced and the good minister said much is expected, not just with Indonesia, but with the other bilateral partner countries as well.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has given assurance that his government will continue to work towards enabling a conducive environment for the country’s manufacturing sector to further grow. In a statement released by his office, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the significant challenges highlighted by the Manufacturers Council of Papua New Guinea (PNG) regarding economic barriers faced by the country’s manufacturing sector and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to removing structural obstacles and creating a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive. “The concerns raised by the Manufacturers Council are valid and well understood. We recognize that high operational costs, regulatory uncertainty, and inadequate infrastructure continue to impede the growth of our manufacturing sector and other industries,” Prime Minister Marape said. The PM emphasized that PNG’s manufacturing sector is crucial for broadening the country’s economic base beyond resource extraction and reducing reliance on imports. He reiterated his government’s focus on economic diversification, job creation, and empowering local businesses to participate more meaningfully in national development. “The Government is actively working to reduce the cost of doing business in PNG by improving budgetary processes, fiscal management, and reducing bureaucratic red tape. This includes ensuring that state agencies operate efficiently and do not interfere unnecessarily with private sector operations,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We are committed to improving trade-related infrastructure — roads, ports, and electricity — to reduce production costs and improve market access. The Government is currently pursuing public-private partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate infrastructure investments across the country. The Prime Minister highlighted land access issues as a key focus of ongoing reforms. “We understand that secure access to land is critical for manufacturing and other industries to expand. The Government is working with traditional landowners and land agencies to streamline land tenure processes and make land more accessible for economic development,” he said. “The regulatory framework is also being reviewed to ensure policy stability and reduce compliance burdens on businesses.” Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that law and order challenges remain a major deterrent to investment and that addressing crime and corruption is high on the Government’s agenda. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving security for businesses and communities through increased police recruitment, training, and resourcing. “We must ensure that our people are skilled and educated to participate fully in economic opportunities,” Prime Minister Marape said. He outlined efforts to improve literacy levels, vocational training, and business skills development to empower Papua New Guineans to engage in entrepreneurship and business ownership.” The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to PNG’s Vision 2050, emphasizing inclusive and sustainable development across all sectors. “We are not blind to the barriers that hinder economic growth in our country. My government is actively working on reforms to address these issues — from land reforms, regulatory improvements, infrastructure development, and enhancing law and order. We are investing in our people, our businesses, and our future. “Our goal is simple: to make Papua New Guinea a better, safer, and more attractive place to do business, while ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach every Papua New Guinean.” Prime Minister Marape called on the private sector, development partners, and all Papua New Guineans to work together with the Government in achieving shared prosperity.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) is working very closely with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) in investigating an illicit drug case involving a senior army officer. This was stated by the Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Rear Admiral Philip Polewara in a statement, when commenting on investigations into the alleged drug possession case of Col. Paul Iatau. The CDF in that statement made it clear that the case is now a Police matter. “The military police are working closely with their civilian counterparts to assist the process and ensure that the case is brought to a closure,” said the CDF. Rear Admiral Polewara further clarified that the National Executive Council (NEC) has already discharged Col. Iatau as a senior officer of the Defence Force in 2024 following the drug possession allegations. “As such, the charges laid against him by the Police is his personal liability and the officer will answer to the charges as laid. The PNGDF is under no obligation to assist him on those matters,” the Rear Admiral clarified.