Papua New Guinea has renewed its call for stronger trade and investment partnerships with Europe as Prime Minister James Marape officially opened the 5th EU-PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby. The two-day forum, held at the Hilton Hotel, has brought together approximately 400 participants, including government officials, investors, development partners, business leaders and more than 40 European companies interested in exploring opportunities in Papua New Guinea. Opening the forum, Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea is positioning itself as a key investment destination in the Pacific and is committed to creating an environment that encourages sustainable economic growth and private sector development. He highlighted the country's vast natural resources, growing population and strategic location, while encouraging European investors to look beyond traditional sectors and explore opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, fisheries, tourism, digital connectivity and infrastructure development. The Prime Minister emphasized the Government's vision of moving the country away from simply exporting raw materials and towards greater downstream processing and value-added industries that create jobs and retain more economic benefits within Papua New Guinea. "Our goal is to build a stronger, more diversified economy that creates opportunities for our people while ensuring that investment contributes to long-term and sustainable development," he said. European Union Ambassador Erika Hasznos echoed the Prime Minister's sentiments, describing the forum as a significant platform for strengthening economic cooperation between Papua New Guinea and the European Union. She said the EU remains committed to supporting Papua New Guinea's development ambitions through investment, trade partnerships and private sector engagement. Ambassador Hasznos noted that European businesses are increasingly interested in opportunities across the Pacific and that Papua New Guinea's economic potential, natural resources and growing market continue to attract attention from investors. "The European Union sees Papua New Guinea as an important partner. Through forums like this, we can build stronger commercial relationships, identify investment opportunities and support sustainable growth that benefits both Papua New Guinea and European businesses," she said. The forum comes at a time when Papua New Guinea and the European Union are seeking to deepen economic cooperation through initiatives that support infrastructure development, climate resilience, renewable energy projects and improved market access. Panel discussions throughout the first day focused on investment opportunities, economic reforms, sustainable resource development, and the role of the private sector in driving growth. Business leaders from Papua New Guinea and Europe also participated in networking sessions and business-to-business meetings aimed at establishing new partnerships and exploring potential investments. The event was expected to generate discussions around key sectors identified as critical to Papua New Guinea's economic future, including agriculture, fisheries, energy, digital transformation and transport infrastructure. This was an important opportunity for government and business leaders to engage directly on challenges and opportunities facing investors while promoting Papua New Guinea as a destination for responsible and sustainable investment.

PNG Air says it is entering a new phase of growth with fleet expansion and network development aimed at strengthening air connectivity across Papua New Guinea. The airline announced that new aircraft are joining its fleet as part of an aggressive expansion strategy designed to improve services and support growing passenger demand. The latest addition, Mangi Kutubu, recently completed its maiden flight and is now part of PNG Air's modernising fleet. Chief Executive Officer Brian Fraser said the airline remains focused on reliability, safety and connecting communities throughout the country. "We are proud to be the People's Choice Airline. Aviation plays a vital role in connecting communities, supporting business, improving access to services, and creating opportunities for growth," he said. As part of the fleet renewal program, PNG Air will begin phasing out its Dash 8 aircraft in the coming weeks. The Dash 8 has served Papua New Guinea for decades and has been a key part of the country's aviation network, particularly in connecting remote communities. Mr. Fraser acknowledged the aircraft's contribution to the nation's aviation history, describing its retirement as the end of an important chapter for the airline. The fleet upgrade comes as PNG Air continues to invest in improving services and expanding its network across the country. The airline also highlighted its operational performance, noting that it currently ranks among the top-performing airlines in Oceania for on-time arrivals, alongside major regional carriers. PNG Air says its ongoing investments are aimed at ensuring safer, more reliable and more efficient travel for Papua New Guineans well into the future.

PNG Air has officially relaunched its partnership with Post PNG, expanding access to airline ticketing services through Post PNG's nationwide branch network. The partnership was relaunched today at the Post PNG Brian Bell Plaza outlet in Gordons in Port Moresby, bringing together two state-linked organisations with a shared goal of improving service delivery for Papua New Guineans. Under the first phase of the rollout, customers can now purchase PNG Air tickets at seven Post PNG locations in Port Moresby, including Konedobu, Boroko, Rainbow, 9 Mile, the University of Papua New Guinea campus and Gordons. PNG Air Chief Executive Officer Brian Fraser said the initiative reinforces the airline's commitment to making travel more accessible for people across the country. "At PNG Air, everything we do starts with our people. Our focus is on making travel easier, more accessible and more convenient for Papua New Guineans," Mr. Fraser said. He said partnering with Post PNG allows the airline to reach communities through a network that is already trusted and familiar to customers. Post PNG Chief Executive Officer Justin Worinu welcomed the renewed partnership, saying it aligns with the organisation's responsibility to bring services closer to the people. "As a state entity, it is our responsibility to continue creating important partnerships and improve access for our people," Mr. Worinu said. The ticketing service will be progressively rolled out to Post PNG branches across the Highlands, Momase, New Guinea Islands and Southern regions in the coming weeks. PNG Air says the partnership will help improve access to travel for communities that rely on air services for business, education, healthcare and family connections.

Round 5 of the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union (CRU) Premiership delivered one of the biggest upsets of the season, with Theodist MBB Marlins defeating reigning back-to-back premiers Valley Hunters 19-12 to announce themselves as genuine contenders in the 2026 competition.The result has shaken up the premiership race and demonstrated that the Marlins are capable of challenging the competition's established powerhouses.While Valley Hunters suffered their first major setback of the season, Brothers continued their unbeaten run and successfully defended the Douglas Guise Cup with a hard-fought 15-12 victory over Nova.Five rounds into the season, Brothers remain the only undefeated team in the Premiership and continue to lead the competition's pace setters.Harlequins also strengthened their premiership credentials with a dominant 37-12 win over University. The victory lifts them to second place on the ladder, boasting the best points differential in the competition.Across the other divisions, the race for premiership honours is also intensifying.University Piggies have climbed to the top of the A Grade standings following another strong performance, while Wanderers continue their unbeaten run in the Under-23 Boys competition.In the Under-20 Boys division, Kone Sharks remain undefeated and firmly in control of the competition after maintaining their perfect start to the season.The Open Women's competition is also beginning to take shape, with Valley Hunters and Juggernauts establishing themselves as early frontrunners.With five rounds completed, each division is beginning to develop its own storyline as teams position themselves for the second half of the season.The contenders are emerging, the challengers are closing the gap, and the battle for premiership glory is only getting more intense.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is looking to deepen its long-standing partnership with the European Union (EU) through increased trade, investment and business collaboration, says Deputy Secretary for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Michael Kumung.Speaking ahead of the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum, which will take place in Port Moresby on June 2nd and 3rd, Mr. Kumung said the European Union has been a key development partner for Papua New Guinea since Independence and continues to play an important role in the country's economic growth."I think today this conference expresses and reveals how important the EU is to PNG," he said.Mr. Kumung acknowledged the European Union's decades of support, noting that this year marks Papua New Guinea's 50th year of Independence and nearly five decades of development cooperation between the two partners.He said the EU's investment portfolio in Papua New Guinea has expanded over the years, supporting a wide range of sectors and contributing significantly to the country's development agenda.As the agency responsible for coordinating national development, Mr. Kumung said the Department of National Planning and Monitoring remains focused on achieving the country's Vision 2050 goals of becoming a happy, wealthy, united and prosperous nation."We acknowledge our partners' contribution. We can't do many things without the support we receive from our partners, and the EU is one of those traditional partners that has been supporting us," he said.Mr. Kumung highlighted the EU-funded trade programme as one of the largest investments made by the bloc in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region. He said the programme is already delivering positive outcomes at the community level, particularly in strengthening value chains and supporting economic opportunities in sectors such as fisheries.He said recent visits to project sites have demonstrated the impact of EU-supported initiatives in helping communities improve livelihoods and participate more effectively in economic activities.According to Mr. Kumung, the upcoming business forum represents an important opportunity to further strengthen EU engagement in Papua New Guinea, particularly in sectors that can drive sustainable economic growth.The forum is expected to focus on areas including value chain development, infrastructure, energy, sustainable development and the extractive industries, where there is growing interest from European businesses."We know this forum that will be happening next week is a big step towards increasing EU engagement in our country," he said.Mr. Kumung said the Government has already taken steps at the leadership level to strengthen international partnerships and create an enabling environment for investment through supportive policies and business-friendly reforms.He noted that Papua New Guinea's economy remains largely agriculture-based and that adding value to agricultural products presents significant opportunities for economic growth and job creation.He also welcomed reports that a large number of European businesses are expected to attend the forum, describing it as a positive sign of growing investor confidence in Papua New Guinea."PNG is a place to invest," he said.Mr. Kumung pointed to opportunities in fisheries, agriculture, forestry, climate-related industries, environmental services and the extractive sector, saying the country offers considerable potential for investors seeking opportunities in the Pacific region.He also highlighted Papua New Guinea's youthful population as a major asset, noting that around 60 per cent of the population is made up of young people eager to participate in the workforce.Mr. Kumung said stronger partnerships and increased investment would create employment opportunities for young Papua New Guineans while helping drive economic development across the country.He added that now is the right time for Papua New Guinea to strengthen relationships with serious business partners and investors committed to supporting sustainable and inclusive growth.

Papua New Guinea is looking to strengthen its agricultural exports to the European market as trade relations with the European Union continue to grow. Speaking during a press conference ahead of the 5th European Union–Papua New Guinea Business Forum, Chief Trade Officer Mr. Richard Yakam said the forum comes at a critical time as countries continue to face global trade uncertainty, inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising protectionism. Mr. Yakam said maintaining transparent and predictable international trade systems remains important for Papua New Guinea’s economic growth. He highlighted the success of Papua New Guinea’s fisheries exports under the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, which has allowed PNG duty-free and quota-free access to the European market since 2011. However, Mr. Yakam said more opportunities remain for agricultural products such as cocoa, coffee, vanilla, coconut and palm oil to expand into European markets. “The EU market is huge, with over 450 million consumers who prefer sustainably produced products, which offer higher margins of profit for the private sector,” he said. Mr. Yakam said agriculture, forestry and fisheries continue to play a major role in Papua New Guinea’s economy, contributing around 17 percent of GDP and employing nearly 80 percent of the rural population. He said Papua New Guinea must also prepare for changing European Union regulations relating to deforestation-free products, traceability and sustainable production standards. Mr. Yakam welcomed the business forum’s workshops and masterclasses, saying they would help exporters and government agencies improve technical understanding and market readiness. He also acknowledged the continued support of the European Union through programmes aimed at strengthening value chains, improving market access and creating opportunities for small farmers and SMEs across Papua New Guinea. Mr. Yakam said despite Papua New Guinea’s strong agricultural potential, challenges remain in logistics, post-harvest handling, certification systems, food safety compliance and trade finance. He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government, industry and development partners to ensure Papua New Guinea continues accessing premium international markets while promoting sustainable economic growth.

More than 400 participants are expected to attend the 5th European Union–Papua New Guinea Business Forum in Port Moresby next week as Papua New Guinea and the European Union seek to strengthen investment and business partnerships. Speaking during a press conference yesterday hosted by the National Trade Office, European Union Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, H.E. Erika Hasznos said this year’s forum will focus entirely on Papua New Guinea and attracting more European investment into the country. “We decided to have the business forum in Port Moresby, and it is only focusing on European Union–Papua New Guinea business,” Ambassador Hasznos said. She said the latest 2025 trade figures showed trade between Papua New Guinea and the European Union has grown by 60 percent over the past decade. According to Ambassador Hasznos, the European Union is now Papua New Guinea’s fourth-largest export market and fourth-largest trading partner overall. She said the European Union continues to import large amounts of fisheries and high-quality agricultural products from Papua New Guinea. Ambassador Hasznos also highlighted the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy, which supports sustainable investments in renewable energy, transport, digital connectivity, and infrastructure development. She confirmed that major announcements on future infrastructure and investment projects, including updates on the redevelopment of Rabaul Port into the Pacific’s first green port, will be made during the forum. The Ambassador said 80 representatives from European companies and organisations have already registered to attend, many of whom will be visiting Papua New Guinea for the first time. Participants will also include Papua New Guinea businesses, state-owned enterprises, government agencies and international development partners such as the European Investment Bank, Asian Development Bank, IMF and the World Bank. Prime Minister James Marape is expected to officially open the forum alongside senior government officials and European Union representatives. The conference will include discussions on sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy, digital transformation, extractive industries, and agricultural value chains. Major European companies expected to participate include Nokia, Airbus and Total Energies, along with smaller firms specialising in mining equipment and investment support services. Ambassador Hasznos encouraged local media organisations to register and cover the event, saying the forum would create opportunities for stronger business partnerships between Papua New Guinea and Europe.

Round 4 of the 2026 Capital Rugby Union (CRU) competition delivered another exciting weekend of action, with several teams making strong statements as the race for ladder positions intensifies across all divisions.In the Pepsi CRU Premiership, Brothers continue to lead the competition unbeaten after another solid outing. However, reigning consecutive champions Valley Hunters reminded the competition of their title credentials after producing a commanding 39-3 victory over Juggernauts.The A Grade division remains one of the most competitive this season, with Defence narrowly overcoming Brothers in a close contest. Kone Sharks also managed to hold off Nova in a thrilling one-point win, while University stunned Valley Hunters with an impressive defensive display to keep them scoreless.In the Under-23 Boys division, Nova stood out with one of the strongest performances of the round after defeating Kone Sharks convincingly. Brothers, Wanderers, Crusaders and Valley Hunters also secured valuable wins as teams continue to battle for positions on the ladder.The Under-20 Boys competition again showcased the depth of young rugby talent, with Wanderers, Valley Hunters, Defence, Crusaders, and Kone Sharks all recording important victories during the round.Meanwhile, the Open Women’s division produced another entertaining set of matches, with Valley Hunters and Nova both claiming dominant wins. Kone Sharks and Juggernauts also earned hard-fought victories in closely contested encounters.As the season progresses, the competition across all divisions is becoming more intense, with teams building combinations and every match carrying greater importance in the push towards the finals.

The Defence Rugby Union Club (DRUC) is preparing to compete in the Cairns 7s tournament in Queensland, Australia later this year.DRUC 7s Coach, Corporal Suang Liebert, described the opportunity as a major step forward for the club, which has mainly competed in local tournaments across Papua New Guinea (PNG). “It’s the first of its kind for the club to have an invitation from an overseas tournament. Everyone is excited about it,” Liebert said. The club, made up of both Papua New Guinea Defence Force personnel and civilians, hopes to showcase discipline, teamwork and PNG pride on the international stage. Liebert said the soldiers within the team bring a unique mindset developed through military training that helps motivate the entire squad. “The soldiers are trained to go into battlefields, and they bring that mindset into the team to motivate and help the civilian players and the team as a whole,” he said. Discipline remains one of the club’s key values. Liebert explained that DRUC operates under the PNGDF umbrella, with military ethics and disciplinary standards adapted into the rugby environment. “The management always reminds players to stay disciplined and be good ambassadors and representatives for the club,” he said. He added that the club has recently strengthened its focus on discipline following a suspension incident, with management enforcing stricter player conduct measures. “The management is utilizing every means to bring discipline and change the mindset of every individual player,” Liebert stated. The coach said balancing rugby with work, military duties, school and family responsibilities continues to be one of the biggest challenges for players. “Basically it comes down to time management and scheduling priorities,” he said. Liebert said the Cairns tournament will provide valuable international exposure for players, coaches and management. “It will be a good experience for our players to compete against great athletes, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and improve their game style,” he said. Known for their aggressive style of rugby, DRUC players carry the club motto “Maintain Smash” before every match. Liebert also stressed the importance of mental preparation, encouraging players to take care of family, school, and personal responsibilities before game day. “When those things are taken care of, players will be mentally prepared for the game,” he said. During matches, players are encouraged to trust their training, stick to team structures, and support one another under pressure. Beyond rugby, the club hopes to inspire younger players and promote Papua New Guinea’s culture during the tournament. “One of the long-term goals for the club is to inspire and build young juniors to become disciplined and better rugby players in the future,” Liebert said. “In DRUC, we not only train rugby but also encourage players to apply the same principles in life to become better people in the future.”

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) says Papua New Guinea’s fuel supply remains stable despite recent public concern over fuel shortages and subsidy delays.ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Roy Daggy, said consultations with fuel industry stakeholders and distributors, confirmed that there is enough fuel stock available in the country, including aviation fuel supplies. Mr. Daggy explained that temporary supply disruptions experienced recently were linked mainly to delays in subsidy payments rather than shortages in fuel imports. “When the subsidy is not available, suppliers go into what we call hoarding and they restrict supply. That’s why that happened,” he said. He said fuel distributors have assured ICCC that the fuel import chain remains sustainable and stable. Mr. Daggy also reassured the public that aviation fuel supplies remain sufficient to support both domestic and international flights. “The aviation industry is very important for us because most places in PNG are connected by air.” He noted that the government has been working closely with fuel suppliers and relevant agencies to ensure continuity of supply across the country “Fuel trucks were running through the night and by Sunday morning everything started stabilizing.” He also confirmed that subsidy payments had since been disbursed, allowing normal fuel supply operations to resume in most centers. Some provinces may still experience minor delays while waiting for subsidy processing, but overall, the situation is expected to normalize. The ICCC Commissioner also clarified that no direct funding under the fuel relief package has yet been received by ICCC for enforcement activities He said monitoring and compliance operations would be carried out jointly through a State high-level taskforce involving agencies such as PNG Customs, the Internal Revenue Commission and ICCC. “To date, ICCC has not received any direct funding. Any operational funding will be managed collectively through the State taskforce team.” Moreover, the government remains committed to maintaining the fuel subsidy throughout the year and is considering further budgetary and policy adjustments to sustain the program. Mr. Daggy urged businesses and transport operators to comply with existing laws and regulations while the Government continues implementing the fuel subsidy program.

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has warned fuel retailers and public motor vehicle operators against overcharging consumers amid ongoing concerns surrounding fuel pricing and subsidy delays.Speaking during a media conference, ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Roy Daggy confirmed that the commission had received reports of some service stations charging above approved fuel prices in Port Moresby and other parts of the country. Mr. Daggy explained that ICCC currently operates with two pricing structures, the subsidised retail price and the maximum market price. He said when Government fuel subsidy payments are delayed, retailers are forced to move towards the maximum approved market price. “That’s what happened around Friday and Saturday,” he said. However, he stressed that any retailer charging above the approved maximum price would be considered non-compliant and subject to enforcement action. “We are aware of cases in Port Moresby and outside of Port Moresby and our teams will conduct compliance checks,” Mr. Daggy said. He clarified that for May, the maximum market prices in Port Moresby were around K6.24 per litre for petrol, K8.35 for diesel and K8.48 for kerosene. Despite these actual market costs, the Government subsidy has allowed consumers to continue paying March-level prices of around K4.39 for petrol, K4.44 for diesel and K4.49 for kerosene. Mr. Daggy also raised concerns about PMV operators increasing fares or shortcutting routes due to fuel price fears. He reminded operators that Government subsidies remain in place, and that regulated PMV fares must still be followed. “We encourage commuters to report any PMV operators overcharging fares or shortcutting routes. Take a picture of the number plate, route number and send it to us for investigation,” he said. Mr. Daggy said first-time offenders could face fines of up to K10,000, while repeat offenders could be fined up to K30,000. He acknowledged that enforcement remains challenging during periods when subsidy payments are delayed but assured the public that ICCC and other regulators are continuing to monitor compliance closely. Mr. Daggy urged businesses and transport operators to comply with existing laws and regulations while the Government continues implementing the fuel subsidy program.

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has clarified its role in regulating fuel prices in Papua New Guinea while commending the Government for its continued fuel subsidy intervention aimed at easing the burden of rising global fuel prices on consumers.Speaking during a media conference, ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Roy Daggy said the Government’s fuel relief package has helped absorb the impact of increasing international fuel prices and maintain affordable domestic fuel prices. Mr. Daggy said the subsidy mechanism introduced by the Government has been effective since April and May and is continuing into June, with plans for support to continue throughout the year. “We, as the regulator, commend the Government because we stand between the businesses, the consumers and the Government, making sure that whatever fuel price that is passed through to the people is affordable and at a reasonable rate,” he said. He explained that ICCC works closely with a high-level State taskforce team, Government agencies and fuel industry stakeholders to ensure the subsidy mechanism and related policies are properly implemented. Mr. Daggy clarified that while ICCC has regulatory powers under the ICCC Act and the Price Regulation Act to regulate retail fuel pricing, the fuel subsidy itself remains a Government fiscal intervention. “ICCC does not make policy decisions, amend legislations or determine Government policy. We assess the market and provide advice and guidance to the Government on relevant fiscal and legislative measures,” he said. He said fuel prices are calculated monthly using verified market information including international fuel prices, shipping costs, exchange rate movements, domestic freight margins, taxes and Government subsidies. Mr. Daggy said ICCC directly regulates the retail margins for petrol, diesel and kerosene to ensure suppliers are fairly compensated while protecting consumers from excessive prices. He added that ICCC only regulates retail fuel prices and margins and does not regulate prices for aviation fuel, pre-mix fuel, fuel sold in drums or fuel supplied directly to commercial industries such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing. According to Mr. Daggy, global fuel price increases have significantly affected domestic fuel prices, but the Government subsidy has prevented consumers from paying the full market cost. He said diesel prices in Port Moresby increased from around K7.69 per litre in April to approximately K8.35 in May under actual market pricing. However, due to Government subsidies, consumers continue to pay the March subsidised prices of around K4.39 per litre for petrol, K4.44 for diesel and K4.49 for kerosene in Port Moresby. Mr. Daggy said the K1 billion subsidy package has already been partially disbursed by the Government, with further disbursements continuing through Government processes. He acknowledged the Government’s efforts in ensuring the subsidy mechanism remains operational and sustainable. “We continue to commend the Government for intervening on behalf of the people by directly subsidising and absorbing the costs so that people can continue paying at the March price levels,” he said. Mr. Daggy said ICCC will continue working with relevant agencies to monitor the implementation of the subsidy program and ensure regulated fuel prices remain fair and compliant across the country.