The BSP Financial Group Limited has become a Gold Sponsor for the much-anticipated 2025 Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Summit with a sponsorship of K200, 000 presented this week to the Minister for International Trade and Investment. The presentation event took place on Tuesday 15^th July at the BSP Ravalian Haus in Port Moresby city where Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, MP, thanked BSP for its contribution and support of the summit, emphasizing the critical role of public-private partnerships in achieving economic independence. “We appreciate BSP’s commitment as Gold Sponsor. The bank’s support sends a clear message — that our financial institutions are invested in PNG’s long-term development. This summit is about more than SEZs. It’s about resetting our course and ensuring that in the next 50 years, PNG achieves true economic independence. We need to downstream process all our resources, build new industries, and create more opportunities for our people,” said Minister Maru. BSP Group CEO Mark Robinson said the bank is pleased to continue play a role in nation building, going beyond traditional financial services. “As the leading financial institution in the South Pacific, BSP is proud to go beyond banking — supporting platforms like this that drive strategic dialogue, bold reform, and economic planning. Our support for this summit is not just an investment in an event — it is an investment in a national conversation. One that we hope will lay the groundwork for the next 50 years of PNG’s economic story,” Mr. Robinson added. Themed “Reflecting on our past 50 years and charting the next 50 years”, the second SEZ Summit, will take place from August 31st to September 3rd in Port Moresby city. It is a key lead-up event in PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary — providing a platform for government, industry, international experts, and development partners to reflect on PNG’s economic progress and set a strategic direction for the next 50 years. The summit will spotlight updates on seven Special Economic Zones, including Sepik Plains, Madang, Paga Hill, the Battery Recycling Plant and Sea Park in Central Province, among others. International guest speakers from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines are also sharing lessons from their own economic transformations. BSP’s contribution reflects its broader vision to champion prosperity across the South Pacific. As part of this commitment, the bank supports economic platforms that promote inclusive growth, industry development, and investment.