NIUSKY Pacific Limited turns another chapter in its story with the launching of two significant documents aimed at taking the state-owned entity to new heights in its services to ensuring safe skies in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Launched today at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city, are the NiuSky Pacific 2025- 2027 Corporate Plan and the Strategic Direction witnessed by NiuSky staff, the board and management and invited guests including the Minister for Aviation and Transport and MP for Namanatanai, Walter Schnaubelt. NiuSky Pacific Board Chairman, Mr. Robin Kembo’ nga Kawat said the launching today is a milestone achievement for NiuSky. He said the two documents took 22 months to put together, which started back in January 2023. He said the result today shows the determination of the NiuSky team modernize the entity so as to better provide tower control and air traffic services in PNG. Minister for Aviation and Transport, Walter Schnaubelt took the opportunity in his keynote speech to congratulate NiuSky Pacific Limited for its achievement, stating that this achievement, would not have been possible without external support. “At this juncture, on behalf of the Government and People of Papua New Guinea, I would like to again acknowledge and thank the Government and People of Australia through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for your respective partnerships as NiuSky Pacific’s key development partners, throughout that journey,” said Minister Schnaubelt. “I am proud to declare, that the launching of NiuSky Pacific’s Corporate Strategy through the ceremony we just witnessed, now paves way for the new direction, the new path forward, to what NiuSky envisions as the new future. It is an important next step in the company’s journey to sustaining and building on past achievements, as Papua New Guinea’s thriving Air Navigation Service Provider." He said this signals a new chapter for NiuSky Pacific Limited, aligning its focus with that of the National Government, which is to have a robust transport sector with improve facilities and high-end technologies. “This vision reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing our air transport systems while fostering inclusive development throughout Papua New Guinea. It is an important step forward as we strive for excellence in the provision of aviation services.” “With your renewed Strategic Direction as the compass and the comprehensive 3 year-long Corporate Plan as your commitment to deliver on the outcomes, we trust that we can expect a great deal more advancements in the provision of air navigation and air traffic management services and most importantly, that our skies will continue to be a safe place to travel,” the minister said. “Thank you for this commitment and for the determination to evolve, because you have to. Thank you for the sustained commitment and dedication to ensuring our skies are safe and for your contributions to the realization of our national government’s plans and key priorities for the development of the Aviation and Air Transport Industry in Papua New Guinea.” Meantime, NiuSky Pacific Acting Managing Director, Mr. Graham Blythe who gave a historical background of the evolution of the state entity from its days as a government department to its privatization and its progress to this stage, told his team that now its time to work together to effectively implement these two significant documents to achieve NiuSky Pacific strategic goals.

The national flag carrier, Air Niugini, has just added a new aircraft to its fleet of Q400 aircrafts to improve its services in the domestic route, all thanks to funding support from the National Government. Just over the weekend on Saturday 19th October, Air Niugini welcomed its 4th Q400 to Port Moresby city as part of the airline’s fleet transition program. The acquisition of this aircraft, PXT was fully funded by the National Government through the Public Investment Program (PIP) with the support of Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH). The aircraft costs about 7 million US dollars. There was water salute as part of tradition to welcome PXT as it touched down at Jacksons International Airport. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon and part of his management team were at the airport to receive the aircraft. Mr. Seddon said it has been 10 years since Air Niugini last purchased an aircraft and the acquisition is a testament to the airline’s commitment to improving and expanding its services across the country. He thanked the Marape/Rosso government for the funding support through the PIP and KCH for its continuous invaluable assistance. “This aircraft will play a crucial role in improving our operating efficiency and schedule reliability on domestic routes. The advanced technology and versality are ideally suited for our operation needs, ensuring Air Niugini continues to provide safe, efficient, and reliable services to the people of Papua New Guinea.” “I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the government, particularly our Minster for State Owned Enterprises William Duma for championing this program as well as chairman and managing director and the team at KCH for their unwavering support in making this possible.” Mr. Seddon said Once all Civil Aviation Safety Authority, PNG (CASA PNG) regulatory requirements are complete, PXT is expected to commence commercial operations by November. The airline is looking at a total 8 to replace the current Dash 8 classics. Q400s are high in demand in this region, they are substantially larger, much faster, more comfortable, with vastly superior and more powerful engines and propellers, and carry up to 76 passengers, about 30 more than Dash8 classics. The Q400s are ideally suitable for operations in PNG environment.

The new TISA Bank is ready to open its doors to customers come next week Monday following its official launching last night in Port Moresby city witnessed by staff, dignitaries and the TISA board and management. TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Sumit Pakharel said the Waigani branch in Port Moresby city will open on Monday 21st October, marking the start of operations for the newest homegrown bank in Papua New Guinea. "After this branch, we will open the Lae, Mt Hagen, Kokopo branches and then the other centers," he said. TISA has over 85, 000 members and the commencement of operations and subsequent extension of its banking services will serve its members better. TISA Bank Chairman, Mr. Moses Koiri, who is a distinguished senior lawyer and Principal of Albatross Law, said TISA aspires to be a bank for the people by focusing on improving banking services to empower customers and businesses to thrive, through its tailored service products to suit different customer needs. He said TISA aims to provide responsible banking services driven by the principle of serving the people. Meanwhile, guest speaker at the launching night Sir Ano Pala the Minister for National Planning and MP for Rigo open, praised TISA for its milestone achievement. Sir Pala, who represented Prime Minister James Marape at the event, said the introduction of TISA Bank into the country's banking sector would lead to better banking and financial services and improve the overall growth of the country's economy in the long run. The introduction of TISA bank will mean healthy competition in the banking sector, which will then lead to improved services and products provided to customers throughout the country, less banking fees, and the reach of banking services to the rural parts of the country will be improved, which will then lead to the country achieving financial inclusion for all Papua New Guineans. He concluded by thanking TISA for its services over the 52 years as a savings and loans society for teachers, and congratulated TISA for rolling out its first and newest commercial bank in Papua New Guinea.

Today in Port Moresby city saw 230 participants, mostly women, graduate with certificates from a new training program provided by the SME Corporation (SMEC). This new training program called "Invest and Grow Money", which runs for two weeks, aims to equip participants with the right skills and knowledge to start up their small business and then provide funding support for the participants through a soft loan, and later supporting them through further trainings to help their businesses grow. The Acting Manager Capacity Building, Mr. Bill Reuben said that initially the SMEC only provides training to participants from the SME sector over the years and does not provide fundings or conduct follow-ups on the progress of their businesses. But this new training program marks a new chapter for SMEC in helping Papua New Guineans start their small businesses. Mr. Ruben said the “Invest and Grow Money” program is new to the SMEC, but it has been very successful in many parts of the world, something which can be mirrored here in Papua New Guinea (PNG). SMEC Officer in Charge (OIC) and Director for the BACB Division, Mrs. Diana Guria said this new training program bridges the gap between training and funding support; a first for the SME Corporation in its 27 years of existence. “SME Corporation has seen gradual decline in business start- ups with its participants in the past Start Your Business (SYB) trainings, and now has opted to use a new approach of lending a manageable amount via revolving fund concept for participants to start businesses,” said Mrs. Guria K100, 000 was allocated by SMEC for this program, where K20, 000 will be diverted to the five main group accounts established with Women’s Micro Bank. Each participant will then get K500 soft loan for start ups. “After receiving the soft loan, all participants will undergo 16 weeks intensive business start- up program. They will start small businesses and manage their income generating projects for 16 weeks with the close supervision, assessment and evaluation by SME Corporation.” “It is anticipated that with the new concept, participants will start micro to small businesses immediately after the training, unlike the trainings conducted in the past because this time soft loans will be made available,” she said. She further added that at the end of the week- 16, each entrepreneur will repay the principle with no interest back to the SMEC and continue to operate with the remaining balance. The five groups consist of 40 participants each, and of the 230 first batch under this training program, 213 are women and 17 are men who graduated today at the FAPNG Building in Gordons.

A team from the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) from Western province had the opportunity to learn about cocoa beans processing in a recent visit to the Huon Gulf district of Morobe province. Small holder cocoa farmers from the Huon Gulf District hosted the OTDF Board and Executive members to share ideas for community development by showcasing their cocoa drying facility. The visit saw the Nasuapum Cooperative Center showcase the village’s cocoa drier facility funded by Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture (WGJV). The visit was arranged by Mr. David Masani Community Affairs Manager for WGJV Project. Nasuapum Cocoa Cooperative Chairlady and Apollo Elliot Cooperative Center Manager, Mrs. Namoatz Apollo, presented to the visiting OTDF team the idea which the WGJV Project community affairs team term as the “Trupla Morobe” story. The husband-and-wife team established the Nasuapum Cocoa Co-operative, an endeavour aimed at transforming the lives of their community. With more than 50 active members, including women and youth, the co-operative reflects grassroots development through agriculture. In 2023 alone, the group earned K70,000, reinvesting in critical infrastructure projects like solar lighting for local schools. Supported by the (WGJV) and the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea, it empowers local farmers to become self-sufficient, generating economic stability through sustainable cocoa farming practices. According to Mrs. Apollo, as the co-operative grows, it contributes to education, infrastructure, and skills training, reflecting the founders’ vision of self-reliance and progress. The visit also allowed OTDF officials to witness firsthand the co-operative's transformative impact on local people and infrastructure. Before proceeding to Nasuapum village project site, the OTDF team were shown the WGJV Project Information Center in the heart of Lae, and the production facility managed by the PNG Cocoa Board where the Solar Powered Cocoa Driers were being fabricated by a local team managed by Roy Pinjo of AP & Son fabrication team. This cocoa co-operative highlights the power of local entrepreneurship, innovation, and partnerships to bring lasting improvements to remote areas. It demonstrates how smallholder farmers, with the right support, can create sustainable change for generations to come.

Over ten business houses in the New Ireland province are now in the glaring eyes of the country’s consumer watchdog for price gouging. That watchdog, the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC), issued a statement on this matter just recently stating that it will prosecute eleven (11) shops in the province for increasing their prices above 10 percent (10%) without prior approval from ICCC. During ICCC’s nationwide price measure exercise carried out in the province recently, it was recorded that 11 shops in Kavieng and Namatanai districts were found to have increased prices of certain goods listed in schedule 1 of the Price Measure No. 4 without seeking prior approval from the ICCC. Out of 32 shops inspected by the ICCC, 11 shops were issued with an Infringement Notice (IN) for failing to comply with the Price Control No. 4. Of this total, 8 shops were in Kavieng, 1 in Lakurumau (Poliamba) and 2 in Namatanai. These shops have been given 14- days if they choose to appeal the IN that was issued by the ICCC. In the appeal, these shops are to justify their reasons for increasing the prices of the certain goods sold or pay a K10, 000 fine for non- compliance. Failing this, they will be taken to court by the ICCC. ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Paulus Ain who was on ground, noted the retail prices for flour, cooking oil, laundry soap and sugar remained steady when the base price was collected last year during Phase 1. However, the prices for rice have been increasing gradually and it is a concern. Mr. Ain is warning shop owners who pretend to comply with the Price Order during the price inspection exercise that this is an ongoing exercise and if they are caught, they will be penalised. “Let this be a warning to all top shop owners that ICCC will not hesitate to penalise any shop that increases its prices of certain goods per Schedule 1 without applying to the ICCC prior to increasing the prices,” Mr. Ain warned. Meantime, the Commissioner also applauded the other shop owners for being compliant and keeping their prices at a reasonable level despite the current inflationary pressure experienced in the country.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape met with the New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (PNG) on yesterday where he proclaimed that NZ continues to be very consistent partner the country’s development. Prime Minister Marape described New Zealand as “steady and reliable” in its partnership with PNG during his meeting with the New Zealand High Commissioner, H.E Peter Zwart. The bilateral meeting saw the two leaders discuss common issues of mutual interest between the two countries, New Zealand’s involvement in community development projects throughout the country, ongoing technical support to the revitalization of the Papua New Guinea public service, and Bougainville. In the next three years, New Zealand expects to invest some K350 million into projects and programs in PNG, including the rehabilitation of Lae market which has started. Prime Minister Marape thanked High Commissioner Zwart and the New Zealand Government for the assistance and continued his call for technical assistance in expertise to support the public service further. He acknowledged the similarity of indigenous cultures between PNG and the Maori and appealed for New Zealand’s assistance in supporting the growth of agriculture in the country, while inviting New Zealand companies to extend their investments in PNG. Marape highlighted to Mr. Zwart the country’s upcoming 50th Independence anniversary next year, revealing that the Government was planning a special reconciliatory event for Bougainville “to bring closure”, which, he said, New Zealand would have a special role to play in because of its continued involvement in the Bougainville peace process.

Indonesia’s President elect, Prabowo Subianto, while on his first State Visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in August, extended his invitation to Prime Minister (PM) James Marape for his inauguration, of which Marape accepted and will attend this weekend. Marape will represent the government and people of PNG at the inauguration of H.E. Prabowo Subianto as the eighth President of the Republic of Indonesia, scheduled for this Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the Senayan Parliament Complex in Jakarta. President-elect Subianto will be inaugurated alongside Vice President elect H.E. Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the son of outgoing President H.E. Joko Widodo. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by an array of esteemed international dignitaries, including leaders and high-ranking representatives. Key Indonesian figures, including former Presidents Megawati Sukarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, will also be present, underscoring the significance of this occasion in the nation’s history. PM Marape’s participation highlights the robust state of PNG-Indonesia relations, which have grown markedly stronger over recent years. President-elect Subianto and Prime Minister Marape engaged in a productive dialogue during the President-elect’s visit to Port Moresby in August, reaffirming mutual commitments to further collaboration between the two nations. The Prime Minister also recently held discussions with outgoing President Widodo during the 3rd PNG-Indonesia Annual Leaders’ Dialogue, hosted in Jakarta from July 13-15, 2024. Since its inception in Jakarta in 2022, this Dialogue has become a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, paving the way for increased engagement across multiple sectors. In August, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso led a PNG government delegation to Indonesia, seeking to promote trade and investment opportunities for Papua New Guinean businesses in Indonesian markets. This delegation included prominent leaders, such as International Trade and Investment Minister Hon. Richard Maru and Labor Minister Hon. Kessy Sawang, as well as key figures from the private sector, signalling a deepening of economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Reflecting on Indonesia’s progress, Prime Minister Marape remarked: “The remarkable growth of Indonesia, our closest neighbour, from a developing nation to a global economic powerhouse, is nothing short of extraordinary. Reflecting on Indonesia’s growth, Marape said Indonesia’s success in sectors such as downstream processing of minerals and LNG, agriculture, tourism, and SMEs offers invaluable lessons for PNG. “As Indonesia ascends to the world stage, we have much to gain by collaborating and learning from their journey.” He said Indonesia's economy, the largest in Southeast Asia, stands as a testament to what can be achieved through strategic vision and determination.

The National Energy Authority (NEA) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is now able to resolve conflicts or issues brought about by its stakeholders regarding matters relating to the country’s energy and electricity sector, through its newly launched Appeals Panel. The NEA also launched its Appeals Panel Guideline and Board Charter for Good Governance yesterday in Port Moresby city, along with the induction of the panel members, which includes the inaugural Chairman of the NEA Appeals Panel Mr. James Gore, who represents the Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA) of PNG. “The primary purpose of the NEA Appeals Panel is to ensure a fair and transparent process for addressing grievances and appeals within the National Energy Authority,” said Mr. Gore. The NEA Appeals Panel Mandate includes: · Reviewing Appeals; the Appeals Panel will meticulously review appeals submitted by stakeholders ensuring that each case is based on merit and in accordance with NEA policies and regulations, · Maintain Transparency; the Appeals Panel is committed to maintaining a transparent process providing clear and comprehensive explanation to all parties involved, and · Upholding Standards: through the Appeals Panel work, the NEA aims to uphold the highest standards of justice and fairness, reinforcing the credibility and trust in the NEA. Furthermore, Mr. Gore said the NEA Appeals Panel serves as an alternate resolution channel for resolving conflicts outside the court system. “This approach not only expedites the resolution process, but also reduces legal costs for all parties involved” “So, in conclusion, collective we will foster and environment of trust, accountability and excellence within the National Energy Authority.” Meantime, both documents (Board Charter and Appeals Panel Guideline) are vital for good governance and will support and guide the functions and operations of its governing Board and Appeals Panel. PURPOSE The purpose of this Guideline is to provide a clear process that guides the Appeals Panel and the Authority. 1. Ensure that all stakeholders in the electricity supply services understands the proper process for lodging an appeal application or requesting a review of a decision made under Part IV of the NEA Act, and 2. Provide the timeframe within which an appeal application should be dealt with regards to the lodgement and the review period; and 3. Outline the form and manner in which the appeal application will be lodged. APPLICABLE LAWS For purposes of this Guideline, the applicable laws referenced are: · The Constitution of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea · The National Energy Authority Act 2021 · The Electricity Industry Act Chapter 78 · The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission Act 2002 (ICCC Act 2002) · The Boards (Fees and Allowances) Act 1995 LEGAL BASIS The Appeals Panel is established by Section 42 of the NEA Act. Section 121 (2) (f) of the NEA Act allows for the Appeals Panel Committees established under the NEA Act to develop governing rules to be enacted as regulations. However, the development and enactment process require a longer period of time, therefore, the option taken is a “necessary and convenient” approach to develop this Guideline to be approved by the Board pursuit to Section 11 (1) of the NEA Act.

The Teachers Saving and Loans Society (TISA) Limited has turned a new chapter in its long story, transitioning into the commercial banking sector, and its only fitting that TISA pays tribute to its long serving members who have taken this financial institution to this stage. Well, TISA did just that by recognising over 130 staff with long service awards recently on Friday 11th October 2024. The longest serving staff, Dorothy Bega, clocked in almost 40 years of service, serving in various roles within the organisation. Mrs. Bega, reflected on her journey, and proudly added, that TISA has always served the people by understanding the challenges, that people face. She added, her journey with TISA can be best described as a journey of trust, commitment and integrity. “When I joined TISA in 1987, I did not have a clear direction on where I wanted to be. Looking back at my journey, I can say I have been given opportunities that have paved the way for my career with the organization. I was fortunate to be involved with several key milestones of TISA for which I am truly grateful for, and I look forward to the next chapter with TISA Bank.” Dorothy said. Senior Application Administrator, Taita Labi, served over 20 years with TISA. Mrs Labi was instrumental in the early days of TISA, when the IT and Infrastructure for TISA was in its infancy. She reflected on one of her significant highlights in her journey, when Michael Koisen, the Group CEO of TISA, had a vision to reach Papua New Guineans, and open branches that could service most people in PNG as a savings and loan society. Mrs. Labi, says she looked on the map and all she could do was to believe in the Group CEO’s vision, that, TISA will reach PNG. TISA Bank is a testament of this vision. Mrs. Labi encouraged staff to believe in the effort and commitment they give to their job, as it contributes to making the service available to the member and customer. Head of People & Culture, Ms. Anna Leidimo, in her opening remarks for the evening said, “While we have grown as an organization, TISA remains committed to our people. Our people remain one of our most challenging yet rewarding part of the TISA journey. “Together, there is a wealth of history, experience and key learnings that all our staff share with this TISA story, and we are pleased to recognise staff for their commitment,” Ms. Leidimo added. TISA has grown and matured as an organization with a wealth of history, and a powerful brand story that spans over 50 years. As TISA prepares to embark on offering commercial banking services, it acknowledges the 130 long service staff who collectively have over 1, 350 years of service, from 5 years, 10 years, 15 years and 20 plus years, the longest serving staff clocking in almost 40 years of service. TISA Group Chief Executive Officer Michael Koisen acknowledged and congratulated the long service staff, saying that their commitment is a testament to their character and perseverance. “I truly am grateful for your commitment and support over the years, and I would like to encourage you all to continue to give that same commitment as we transition to TISA Bank.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) will participate in the perhaps the biggest world expo in Osaka Japan next year, and the word is, there will be an extra space apart from the allocated Pacific Pavilion, for the PNG team to better showcase the country to the rest of the world. The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru confirmed this in a press conference this morning in Port Moresby city, when stating that PNG will not only have a pavilion at a shared pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka, because the National Government has made a very important decision for PNG to secure a commercial space outside the Expo Site to display and market its products and services. “I’m happy to announce today that cabinet has decided that apart from our shared pavilion on the Expo Site in Osaka, Japan the Government has now agreed to grant or lease office space outside of the Expo site for us to allow provinces, government entities and the private sector to go to Japan during the six months to go and set up your own display booths and market their products, their goods and service,” the minister announced. “We are looking at agencies like the Tourism Promotion Authority to go and promote our country and tourism opportunities and products in Japan,” Minister Maru said, adding that Japan has a keen interest in PNG in terms of tourism, given its history as well with the country. The ministers said this additional space is a boost to PNG’s participation in the Expo because in the shared Pacific Pavilion, all the provinces, private sector and government agencies, and public enterprises will only be doing digital exhibition to market their products and services. “That is why our government has made an important decision to secure a commercial space by providing K3 million (additional) funding in principle in the budget for next year to make this possible with the support of our private sector and SOEs.” “We want to make a bigger impact in the Japanese market and in the world at this Expo so we will be leasing a commercial space outside the Expo Site at the Osaka Bay Area where we can display and sell our products and services and promote PNG as an exciting tourism and investment destination.” Meantime, the overall total expected to send a PNG team to the 2025 Osaka Expo is around K8.6 million to be funding by the government. Minister Maru said this is a modest amount as he expects the Expo to bring a whole lot more benefit to PNG, stating that the expected outcomes would outweigh the cost. Minister Maru added that this will also further strengthen and expand the trade relation between PNG and Japan, stating that it's time as well to venture into other areas of trade between the two countries. Traditionally, PNG exports mostly petroleum products to Japan, but it's high time PNG and Japan trade in agricultural products as well, and this Expo is the way to do it. The 2025 Osaka Expo will commence in April and will run for six months altogether.

Over 300 Kids from the South Bridges International School in Port Moresby city launched and celebrate Global Handwashing Day with the Colgate- Palmolive (PNG) Limited team this morning along with the rest of the schools in the country. The school's Principal, Mr. Noel Bolvar, reminded his students that having clean hands play an important role in personal hygiene and as such, washing hands after using the toilet, coughing or sneezing, before touching or preparing food, and after touching animals, is important. He thanked Colgate- Palmolive for the initiative and for coming out to the school for this significant day. “We are honoured to have Colgate- Palmolive, a founding member of the global handwashing partnership, supporting this event.” “Their commitment to promoting hand washing awareness and improving hygiene standards worldwide, is truly commendable.” “Together with South Bridges International School, we aim to educate and inspire our community to adopt better health hygiene practices.” This morning’s event saw activities and demonstration sessions, designed to highlight hand washing to reduce the transmission of diseases to enhancing health and property, like the 4 Simple Step to washing hands: · Use soap & water · Scrub and rub hands for 20 seconds · Rinse hands with clean water · Dry hands with a clean towel “Remember that clean hands play a vital role in our daily lives,” said Principal Bolvar. Meantime, Colgate- Palmolive General Manager, Mr. John Wood, said Colgate- Palmolive through its brand Protex, and in collaboration with the National Department of Health, is encouraging the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to take two minutes out of their day to wash their hands, and promote a healthier future for everyone. Global Handwashing Day serves as a platform to increase awareness about the essential role of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infections and diseases. He said with the inclusion of the students at South Bridges International School, more than 416, 000 students nationwide registered to participate today in marking Global Handwashing Day. The Clean Hands Good Health (CHGH) program, running since 2012, has positively impacted over 2 million children on the importance of hand washing and personal hygiene. Communities, families, and individuals are encouraged to practice regular hand washing to build healthy habits, reduce the spread of germs and diseases, and maintain good health.