Port Moresby is set to welcome a groundbreaking development that promises to transform the city’s commercial and residential landscape over the next decade and that is the New Chinatown Project.
Led by Boasen International Holdings Ltd, it was publicly presented during a vibrant SME partnership event between Chinatown and POM City Market, held at Five Mile on Saturday 26 of July 2025.
In an exclusive interview, Steven Jiang, Director of Sales for Boasen International, outlined the ambitious three-phase plan that will see the rise of Port Moresby’s largest commercial complex, integrating shopping, residential, and business spaces into one cohesive development.
“New Chinatown is not just a market or a shopping area it’s a new landmark,” Jiang said. “It’s a complete lifestyle and investment destination where people can live, work, and shop in one place.”
According to Jiang, the project will unfold in three key phases, with each phase expected to take two years and the entire project projected to be completed within ten years.
Phase One – Commercial Complex: Currently under construction, this phase will feature 396 retail shop spaces, making it the largest shopping mall in the Port Moresby area. Boasen is actively in discussions with global retail giants such as Huawei and Nike to establish their presence within the complex.
Phase Two – Residential Apartments: With demand already surging, over 600 fully furnished residential units are being developed. These include 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom apartments, complete with beds, TVs, air conditioners, and designated parking. The goal is to offer comfortable, high-standard living for families of all sizes.
Phase Three – Office Complex and European Mall: The final phase will introduce an office tower and a “European Mall”, designed to house big Western brands, adding a new dimension to Port Moresby’s urban identity.
“This will be the first project of its kind in the city,” Jiang said. “You won’t have to travel far because everything you need will be just downstairs.”
The entire development is backed by Chinese developer and investor Rugui Lin, who owns and leads Boasen International Holdings Ltd. Lin is the key financier and visionary behind the New Chinatown concept, which aims to combine international standards with local potential.
Saturday’s launch event, held in collaboration with POM City Market, featured over 100 small and medium-sized enterprises displaying their products and services. The event highlighted Chinatown’s vision not only as a modern infrastructure project but as a hub for local economic empowerment.
“We want Chinatown to be a place where Papua New Guinean SMEs grow alongside international investors,” Jiang added.
Boasen International is encouraging early investors and interested buyers to come forward, with more updates expected as construction continues.