Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has welcomed efforts to enhance trade and connectivity between Japan and Papua New Guinea (PNG), including the anticipated expansion of direct shipping and air links.

The PM expressed his appreciation for this effort during a high-level discussions with Mr. Matsuoka Hideaki, the outgoing Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency; Mr. Shirouzu Kenichi, Incoming Chief Representative of JICA; and His Excellency Hisanobu Mochizuki, Ambassador of Japan to PNG.

“We are a country open for business,” he said. “There is significant potential for growth in trade, investment, and value-added manufacturing between our two nations.”

Looking to the future, Prime Minister Marape also proposed innovative collaboration in clean energy, particularly in battery storage and renewable energy systems.

“With our abundant natural resources — especially hydro, geothermal, and solar — Papua New Guinea has the potential to become a major supplier of clean energy,” he said.

“I invite Japanese companies and research institutions to partner with us in developing battery technology and energy storage solutions. Instead of traditional energy exports, we can explore new frontiers where clean energy is generated here and exported through advanced storage systems.”

Prime Minister Marape concluded by reaffirming the mutual respect and shared vision that underpin PNG– Japan relations.

“Japan has never imposed itself on Papua New Guinea but has walked alongside us as a genuine partner in development,” he said. “Together, we can build a future based on innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.”