Farmers in Papua New Guinea (PNG) stand to significantly benefit from China after its government recently granted access for them to its vast agricultural market, a significant milestone achievement for the country into the New Year. This milestone, facilitated through the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA), is set to unlock significant economic opportunities for PNG producers. Prime Minister James Marape praised the progress made in recent years, particularly the successful collaboration between NAQIA and China to meet the required phytosanitary and agricultural standards. “Our government has worked very hard over the last five years to secure this historic agreement, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Chinese government for facilitating this process. Their recognition of PNG’s agricultural potential is a testament to the strength of our bilateral relationship,” said Prime Minister Marape. With a population of 1.4 billion people and a rapidly expanding middle class, China represents one of the largest and fastest-growing coffee markets in the world. Coffee consumption in China has been rising at a rate of approximately 15% annually, far outpacing global averages. While the market demand for coffee is substantial, PNG’s current production levels are insufficient to meet its potential export volumes. “China alone needs a substantial amount of coffee every month. The market is there, but unfortunately, we are not yet producing enough to supply this demand,” said the Prime Minister. “This untapped opportunity pains me because we could be earning significant foreign exchange revenue in U.S. dollars through exports to China. Our farmers and producers must seize this opportunity and scale up production to meet market demands.” Prime Minister Marape highlighted the government’s achievements in opening new markets for PNG’s agricultural produce. “In addition to China, we’ve worked tirelessly to secure access to India, Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and our traditional partners in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the U.S. Asia, being our closest neighbour, offers immense opportunities for growth, and China, as the largest market, stands at the forefront,” he said. The Prime Minister called on PNG citizens to take advantage of these expanded market opportunities by increasing agricultural production. “While the government continues to open doors for our exports, the responsibility now lies with us as a nation. Our people need to work harder on the land to grow and produce more. Coffee is just one example—our agricultural potential spans far wider. Let us step up and take ownership of these opportunities,” he urged. To further enhance PNG’s ability to capitalize on these markets, the government is considering the establishment of a National Export Agency. This agency would coordinate the export of PNG’s agricultural and food produce, ensuring that farmers and producers have direct access to international markets. “This initiative will support producers by reducing barriers to export and streamlining processes to get our goods to market quickly and efficiently,” said the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Marape emphasized that these advancements in trade are part of a broader effort to strengthen PNG’s relationships with its neighbours. “The healthy bilateral relationships we have fostered with China and other nations are not just political achievements—they are economic lifelines. These partnerships will ensure PNG has access to global markets, boosting our economy and creating opportunities for our people,” he said. “I thank the Chinese government for opening its doors to our agricultural products, and I call on our people to rise to the challenge. Together, we can transform PNG into a leading exporter of coffee and other agricultural goods, creating wealth and opportunities for all.”