The new President of Indonesia is arriving to Papua New Guinea (PNG) today, touching down at the Jackson International Airport at noon (12pm) along with his delegation on his first visit to the country. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has offered a very warm welcome to Indonesia’s new president, President Prabowo Subianto, as he awaits the arrival of the Indonesian leader in Port Moresby city. “It is a high honour for him to dedicate his first national visit as the President-elect to Papua New Guinea,” said PM Marape. “We share land border with Indonesia. Our people from this side of the border share common Melanesian heritage with theirs. “The incoming leader of one of the world’s biggest economies has decided to pay us a visit on one of his first visits after being elected as president of his country.” Prime Minister Marape is looking forward to receiving him at the APEC Terminal today. “We will give him the full honours befitting a Head of State, and I look forward to sitting with him in the bilateral meeting that follows and the exchanges that will flow from it.” Marape said the bilateral meeting agenda will comprise 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. “We will pick up from previous discussions on education scholarships for our students to study in Indonesia,” said the PM. “We also have to ramp up on more trade visits. PNG follows suit on Indonesia’s progress as a processor of its own natural resources. PNG has a big room full of raw produce in our country, especially in agriculture, fisheries and forestry, similar to their produce and our minerals are similar to theirs.” “So, we are synergizing, not just government to government but also business to business. This is now the common agenda I have been driving." Marape said in the last meeting he had with him in Jakarta, the President-elect indicated a fresh approach to managing his people, including those in West Papua. "He was very open to the discussions especially in respect to the preservation of cultural and heritage rights of his people in West Papua,” Marape stated.

The two- day 2024 PNG Update has commenced today at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in Port Moresby city with much to talk about on an array of topics on pressing issues impacting the country and its people. Dr. Laurence Sause from the UPNG School of Business and Public Policy- programs and research, said the PNG Update is a platform whereby research based on credible data are presented to engage the views of participants and creating dialogue on topics of concern to the development of Papua New Guinea. “Much of what you will hear will be ideas that are coming out from research work of people who will be presenting in those two days,” said Dr. Sause. “Those research work entails the collection of data from engaging with the community and engaging with the society to find out exactly what is happening and collect evidence and present on the platform, which is the 2024 PNG Update.” The topics to be presented in the two days of the PNG Update range from the country’s economic outlook to geopolitics, agriculture, education and health, politics and governance, microeconomics, land issues, gender and gender-based violence, technology, security, infrastructure and development, and climate change. Organized by the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Business and Public Policy and the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre, the PNG Update is the premier forum for the discussion of research and analysis relating to contemporary economic and public policy issues in PNG. The 2024 PNG Update is being held at the University of Papua New Guinea’s Waigani campus from the 21st to the 22nd of August with the theme, “Securing a stable Environment for Growth and Development”. Participants at the event include people from the industries, the government, the civil society, academics, students and interested members of the public.

The Global Chair of Transparency International will be arriving in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for a two-day visit in a move to strengthen efforts in the fight against corruption in the country. Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) in a statement released on Monday 19th August, announced that the Global Chair of Transparency International, Mr. Francois Valerian, will be in country on this week. The visit, scheduled for Thursday 22nd of August to Friday 23rd of August, marks a significant milestone for TIPNG as the leading internationally accredited Civil Society Organization locally mandated to empower people and organizations in PNG to combat corruption. Mr. Francois Valerian will be engaging with key stakeholders during the visit, including government officials, civil society partners, and business leaders. His presence will provide a valuable opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the fight against corruption in PNG. Elected Chair of Transparency International in 2023, François Valérian has extensive experience in both public and private sectors. He has been instrumental in various committees, including chairing the Membership Accreditation Committee until 2022. His work spans from tracking illicit financial flows and political integrity to strategic litigation. François led business integrity programs at the Transparency International Secretariat and initiated anti-corruption advocacy at the G20. His professional career includes roles at BNP Paribas, Accenture, and teaching positions at CNAM and École des Mines de Paris. An accomplished author and editor, he holds degrees from École Polytechnique and École des Mines de Paris and a PhD in History.

The National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) in partnership with the local Member for Sinesine- Yongomugl, Kerenga Kua, recently presented 15 brand new sewing machines to the District Youth Development Council (DYDC) for the upskilling of youths in sewing. The new sewing machines were presented to support and enhance the Sewing and Screen-Printing Training Program conducted by the NYDA in collaboration with Nivan Tailoring for the youths in the district. During the presentation ceremony, the Member expressed his commitment to supporting the youth of his district through his representative and commended NYDA for their efforts in empowering the youths in the Highlands region. “This is a good example partnership for youth empowerment,” he said. The presentation of sewing machines signified a positive step towards empowering and equipping the youth with valuable skills for their future endeavors. The support and collaboration among various stakeholders also highlight the importance of community development and uplifting the youths within Sinesine- Yongomugl District, Simbu province. The presentation event was attended by key stakeholders including Mrs. Katrine Aiwa from the Simbu Provincial Community Development Division, Mr. Ken Tommy (District Administrator), and Mrs. Grace (District Community Development Officer). Also present to witness the event were teams from Sinesine- Yongomugl Coffee Development Corporation, Sinesine- Yongomugl Inland Fisheries, Church Pastors, and Community Leaders.

The prime minister has said that the country’s economic outlook is looking promising with further improvements to the county’s economy expected going forward. This might come as some good news for the people especially when things have been quite tough with the increases in price of goods and services. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape announced that Papua New Guinea’s economic outlook is showing significant improvement, driven by stronger growth, low and stable inflation, and a substantial easing of foreign exchange (FX) shortages. In addition to this, Marape said the country is also ranked amongst the fastest growing economies in the region with a GDP growth projection of 4.6 percent for 2024 as per the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report. “The FX backlog for essential imports has improved drastically with waiting times for essential orders dropping significantly. BSP Financial Group has reduced wait times from a peak of six-to-eight weeks to just two-to-four weeks, with other banks reporting similar improvements,” said the prime minister. “The Bank of Papua New Guinea is also injecting more FX into the market than ever before. This will help promote investment, jobs, and growth.” PM Marape attributed all these to sound policies and decisions that his government has made so far. “These positive outcomes are the result of taking tough policy decisions, proving that doing the right thing is paying off. Overall, the outlook is bright, with stronger growth, stable inflation, and easing FX shortages leading the way forward.”

The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) will now be reviewing the 2024 Prices Order for the Stevedoring and Handling services provided at Lae and Port Moresby international ports after it recently revoked it, following a direction issue by the National Court. According to a statement released by the ICCC, a comprehensive review undertaking by the ICCC in 2023, determined that the ICCC will apply price controls on stevedoring and handling services provided at the Motukea International Container Terminal Limited in Port Moresby city, and the South Pacific International Container Terminal Limited in Lae city. Based on that pricing review in 2023, the maximum average prices for both international ports were substantially reduced in 2024, which was published in the National Gazette No. G959 of 5th December 2023. According to those approved changes, the 2023 Average Price for Motukea decreased from K572 per TEU to 2024 Maximum average price of K308 per TEU, while for the Lae port, the 2023 Average price of K656 per TEU decreased to the 2024 Maximum average price of K293 per TEU. However, this will now undergo another review after the port operator went against this. “The 2024 Prices Order was immediately suspended following a court order taken by the port operator against the ICCC,” said Mr. Ain. “Mr. Ain advised that through extensive discussions between the ICCC and the parties concerned, and upon a consent direction provided by the National Court, the ICCC proceeded to revoke the 2024 Price Order through the publication of the National Gazette No. G573 of 2024. Now that the 2024 Prices Order has been officially revoked, Mr. Ain reaffirmed that the ICCC will relook at the review process carefully in the Prices Regulation Act (Chapter 320) Consolidate No. 11of the 2008 amended ‘Prices Regulation Act,’ and redo the pricing review using the appropriate and relevant provisions of the Prices Regulation Act. Mr. Ain said all industry stakeholders and the public will be notified of the review process once it recommences. “The ICCC will continue to pursue and promote industry efficiency, protect port users of key services in the maritime sector, and in particular, closely monitor the rates charged at the ports,” Mr. Ain stated.

The result for the first ever grand final match for the Gerehu Magpies in the Port Moresby Moni Plus 2024 AFL season was perhaps something they did not expect, with the boys from the Moresby North- West suburb drew with the Gereka Bombers and will share the Premiership. The Senior Men’s grand final match commenced after 3pm with both teams taking the field. The opening goal of the match came from the Bombers, securing their 6 points. The first- quarter saw the Magpies take the lead with 2- goals and 2- behinds, securing a total of 14 points, while the Bombers secure just 1- goal and 3- behinds to secure 9 points. The second- quarter was a tight one with both teams exchanging goals and behinds. The Magpies added 3- goals and 4- behinds to secure 36 points while the Bombers added 3- goals and 4- behinds to secure 31 points, a 5 points difference. After half- time, the poor performance by the Bombers saw the Magpies seized the opportunity to give quite a distance from them in the third- quarter. Magpies added 3- goals and 3- behinds to secure a comfortable lead of 57 points to the Bombers, where they scored no goals and added just 1- behind to secure just 32 points. The final fourth- quarter was the intense of the whole match as the Bombers fought hard to get back on the scoreboards. The Bombers added 6- goals and 2- behinds while the Magpies only added 2- goals and 1- behind before the final hooter went off to end the grand final match. Both teams in the end of all the intensity of the fourth- quarter drew 70 points all with the POM AFL team deciding to award the 2024 premiership to both teams, with the Bombers to hold the premiership trophy for the first six months of 2025, while the Magpies to hold it for the second six months of the year. POM AFL President Mr. Douglas Lai said this is second time in the history of the POM AFL competition where two teams drew in a grand final match. The first grand final draw was 25 years ago in 1999 between the Concept Kobonis and West Eagles. The President also extended his much appreciating to the clubs, the players, club executives, the sponsor Moni Plus and the fans for making the Port Moresby Moni Plus 2024 AFL season a very competitive one and a successful one as well. “It was a competitive season in 2024, and the best teams went to the grand finals and the best teams won the grand finals,” he expressed. “Everyone contributed today, and we had a very nice grand final.” Meantime, it was a different story for the Reserve Grade grand final match between the University Tigers and the TSI Lamana Dockers, which took place before the main event. The Tigers took home the premiership in a very hard contested match with just a one-point difference. The final scores, University Tigers 39 and the TSI Lamana Dockers 38.

The Port Moresby Moni Plus 2024 Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final matches are all set for tomorrow, and for the Gerehu Magpies senior men’s team, this is their maiden showdown in the competition. PNG HAUSBUNG had a chat with the Head Coach of the Gerehu Magpies, Mr. Rodney Wasman this week where he shared with us the story of their journey to this level in the city competition. Mr. Wasman said the Gerehu Magpies AFL Club was established in 2012 in the Port Moresby Premier AFL competition with both the men’s and women’s teams. Since then, they have had their share of hurdles in the competition. “There have been a lot of challenge we’ve experienced, but it’s exciting this time around,” he said. “You know, for the first time the club has gone into the grand final. Everyone is so excited to see what the outcome would be like this weekend on Saturday.” He said overcoming the challenges in the club’s 12-year journey in the competition has led them to this stage in the club’s history and they are looking at making the best of the moment. “Everyone is looking forward to this weekend especially the players. They’ve worked so hard this season, and they’ve also prepared well again this week for this weekend’s grand final.” For their loyal fans, Coach Wasman has nothing but appreciation for their undying support through the good times and the down times. “For all the supporters out there, thank you so much for this season and the past seasons. You’ve come along way with the Gerehu Magpies. It’s a long time coming for Gerehu, so expect to see a good result this weekend.” The Magpies will meet the Gereka Bombers tomorrow, Saturday 17th August in the Senior Men’s Grand Final. It is the main event of the day and will start at 3 pm in the afternoon. Meantime, in the Reserve Grade Grand Final, the TSI Lamana Dockers will go head-to-head with the University Tigers at 12 pm. Both matches will be preceded by the curtain raiser match between the KAK Demons and the Hula Hawks from the Hood Lagoon Challenge Cup from the Central province at 10 am in the morning.

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) will now better manage and support beche- de- mer fishery farmers and investors in the country with the newly revised National Beche- de- mer Fishery Management plan that was ratified just recently. NFA Managing Director, Mr. Justin Ilakini said the decision to close the beche-de- mer fishery is intended to allow stocks to fully recover and to provide sufficient time to review and update the National Beche-de-mer Fishery Management Plan, so to ensure it reflects the evolving dynamics of the fishery and the ecosystems that support its viability. “The revised management plan will continue to promote sustainable harvests of the stocks and to ensure long-term benefits for the livelihoods of coastal and island communities. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders.” Mr. Ilakini emphasized that the closure is essential for the finalisation and ratifying a new revised management plan by the NFA Board. This strategic modernisation plan aims to incorporate a holistic approach to ensure that the beche-de-mer fishery is incorporated, so to safeguard the interests of both present and future stakeholders while promoting economic prosperity for local communities without compromising the biological sustainability of the beche-de-mer stocks. “Furthermore, these revisions will support the implementation of initiatives such as community-based sandfish farming, commercial hatchery development, enhanced monitoring and reporting, and improved harvest strategies to enable longer open seasons for the fishery.” “The NFA is conducting a nationwide biological assessment to update the status of the beche-de-mer stocks.” “We expect to complete these efforts by the end of the year, after which a decision on reopening the fishery will be made.” The NFA seeks the support of island and coastal communities to assist the technical team in expediting the review of the management plan. This will help ensure that a management decision is made promptly, and the public is informed in a timely manner. Mr. Ilakini also reminded the coastal and island communities to be cautious of companies or individuals claiming to have valid licenses or permits, as this could lead to illegal beche-de-mer harvesting. “Companies and individuals engaging in such illegal activities should cease immediately, as the penalties are severe,” warned Mr. Ilakini. “The public will be informed of any reopening of the beche-de-mer fishery through the mainstream media by the National Fisheries Authority, once all requirements are met.” The NFA remains committed to promoting sustainable, responsible fishing practices and ensuring the preservation of marine resources for future generations.

Financial literacy continues to be delivered to the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG) with the aim to empower people with the financial knowledge capacity to handle their money better, and financial institutions are very much in the forefront of this in partnership to deliver it. Just recently, one such financial institution is ANZ where it went into partnership with Santos to help more Papua New Guineans improve their money skills, knowledge and confidence, through its MoneyMinded training program. ANZ PNG Country Head, Lachlan Halstead, said: “We are pleased to deliver MoneyMinded training, ANZ's flagship adult financial education program, to Santos staff across their Port Moresby office and Field Operations, helping them make the most of their money throughout their working lives.” Around 10,000 people in PNG have already taken part in MoneyMinded training since 2010, which teaches skills including setting financial goals, budgeting, saving and investing. Santos Bank Accountant, Robyne Joshua, said: “With this training, I now have better control over my finances, which will help me remain disciplined, and continue to advocate financial literacy for my colleagues, family, and friends.” “One key takeaway from MoneyMinded is the importance of being assertive, specifically in the ability to say 'no' and clearly explain the reasons behind it. Taking those small steps to achieve my financial goals is a big win for me.” Santos Graduate Petroleum Engineer, Steven Pikip, said the MoneyMinded training gave him new budgeting techniques and savings strategies. “The vision board way to remind myself of my financial goals, and this visual reminder will help me stay focused on saving and making smarter financial decisions,” Mr Pikip said. ANZ’s flagship financial education program, MoneyMinded, aligns with Santos’ Healthier Me staff wellbeing initiative.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) continues to be a preferrable investment destination that has attracted a lot the world’s biggest names in business. That was the statement from Prime Minister (PM) James Marape when addressing the 2024 Business Advantage PNG Investment Conference at the Brisbane Convention Centre in Brisbane, Australia, when assuring foreign investors of the favourable business climate the country offers. Firstly, the prime minister apologized for being unable to attend the conference in person because of very busy work schedule, the prime minister addressed the gathering online and carried on his advocacy for PNG as an investment destination. “Papua New Guinea continues to remain as an investment hub. We have a huge potential remaining untapped in Agriculture, Tourism, the expansion of small businesses (SME),” said the PM. “We continue to host companies such as Steamships Trading long-term, who have been here for more than a hundred years.” “Some of the world’s biggest companies have invested and remain here. Barrick Gold (Canada), Newmont (USA), ExxonMobil (USA), TotalEnergies (France), Santos (Australia), Telstra (Australia), JX Nippon (Japan), and Toyota (Japan) continue to invest in Papua New Guinea.” “This demonstrates our potential for long-term heavy investment.” Marape continued by highlighting to the investors Papua New Guinea’s connections to markets through its existing membership on regional and multilateral bodies such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Pacific Island Forum (PIF); and its bilateral relationships with the United States of America, China, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia for ease of market access and trade. He said while there has been a big spate of movement in the minerals and gas sectors, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism continue to remain untapped, and invited Australian investors to explore these areas in PNG. The prime minister pointed out the development of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) initiatives in Port Moresby, Lae, Madang and Manus as further platforms for investment. He then highlighted the efforts his government was undertaking in developing enabling infrastructure to support investors, mentioning particularly the Connect PNG Programme and the construction of roads, bridges, wharves, airports and airstrips, powerlines, and telecommunication lines through this flagship programme. He also acknowledged challenges PNG is facing in law and order but assured the Australian audience of continuing government efforts in addressing these challenges through an upgrading of the police and judiciary in their policing and dispensation of justice. “We are expanding police manpower through additional recruitment. We are adding an appeals court into the court structure for better arbitration. We have increased the ceiling for judges and empowering the magisterial services with more financing. “Our Central Bank has an independent monetary policy which we are working to align with the government’s fiscal policy, as we continue to address the Forex issues,” said PM Marape. The prime minister concluded his remarks by thanking Australian investors who continue to invest in the country. “Papua New Guinea remains as a firm place for Australian investment, and I invite many more to come in,” he said.

The Port Moresby Moni Plus AFL 2024 season is drawing to a close with the grand finals set for this weekend to be played out at the Colts Oval. The Port Moresby AFL Association (POM AFL) President, Mr. Douglas Lai expressed delight that the season is coming to a close with not major hiccups so far. “The Moni Plus sponsored POM AFL 2024 season has gone very well since the start and this weekend we will be having our grand finals for the season for the men’s division,” said the POM AFL President. “We’ve had no major problems throughout the season unlike last year and the previous seasons. So, we are very happy that we are going to complete the 2024 season on a high this weekend.” Meantime, this weekend’s grand final line up will see the University Tigers taking on the Lamana Dockers in the A- Reserve grand final and the Gereka Bombers taking on the Gerehu Magpies in the main A- Grade (Senior Men’s) grand finale. The president adding that this grand final is also the first for the Gerehu Magpies. Mr. Lai also made mention that to open the grand finals this Saturday, there will be a curtain raiser match played out between two clubs from the Central province, one from Hood Lagoon and the other from Hula village in the inaugural Rigo Coast AFL Club Challenge. He said this will become an annual thing. “This is going to be an annual curtain raiser match for the grand final matches. We are doing this so to promote the AFL code in the Central province,” he said.