Prime Minister James Marape recently led a high-level government delegation to Kikori in Gulf Province to conduct a familiarization tour and inspect the proposed site for the upcoming Papua LNG Development Forum and its associated project activities.

Joining the Prime Minister on this strategic visit were Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta, Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina, and Finance Minister Thomas Opa.

According to Prime Minister Marape, the visit was designed to allow the National Government to consult directly with Gulf provincial leaders, landowners, and key stakeholders on preparations for the Papua LNG Development Forum, which is scheduled to take place late next month.

He emphasized that given the immense national significance of the Papua LNG Project, it was vital for relevant ministers and leaders to participate so that all stakeholders maintain a common understanding of the proposed forum location and local infrastructure requirements.

“We headed out to Kikori to discuss the Development Forum with the Gulf leadership and will take advice from the Gulf leadership as to what to do as we begin discussions in Kikori,” Prime Minister Marape stated.

The Prime Minister underscored that the Papua LNG Project remains one of Papua New Guinea’s most vital economic development opportunities and a cornerstone of the country's long-term economic growth strategy.

He explained that reaching a Final Investment Decision (FID) for Papua LNG will trigger a continuous chain of energy project construction and development across the country over the next decade and beyond.

Several major oil and gas projects are lined up over the next 10 to 20 years, including Papua LNG, P’nyang, Pasca A, and other future petroleum developments.

“These projects will provide long-term construction activity, production opportunities, employment and revenue for PNG,” Prime Minister Marape noted, adding that the state is looking at the next 10 to 15 years as a period of sustained energy sector activity, encompassing both construction and long-term production.

While Papua New Guinea’s economy continues to be anchored by major resource developments in the oil and gas sector, agriculture and other non-resource sectors also contribute strongly to national growth.

The non-mining and petroleum sector has recorded an approximate growth rate of four percent, driven largely by agriculture, where the majority of Papua New Guineans continue to earn their livelihoods.

The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s strict commitment to ensuring that natural resource development delivers greater benefits directly to citizens, local businesses, landowners, and impacted communities.

“Our government is predominantly known for the principle that we are fighting to take back more benefits for our country,” Prime Minister Marape declared.

“This Pangu administration has made it absolutely clear that we will not compromise on ensuring the State secures around or above 55 percent of the total benefit from our major resource projects. There can be no clearer example than the New Porgera Limited Agreement.”

“The resource sector industry knows very well our vision and where we want to take the country. We want to secure above 55 percent as the total stake for the State.”

“I want to thank all resource developers, investors and partners for understanding our position. This is being achieved within our existing laws and through good, amicable negotiations that benefit all stakeholders.”

Reflecting on his administration's tenure, the Prime Minister acknowledged that while his government may not have solved every socio-economic challenge over the past seven years, it has remained focused on expanding the economy, increasing national participation in major projects, and securing a fairer share of natural resource wealth.

He pointed out that bringing pipeline projects like Papua LNG in Gulf Province and the Wafi-Golpu Project in Morobe Province online will generate vital additional revenue, strengthen foreign exchange reserves, and create long-term economic opportunities for the population.

In tandem with these developments, ongoing petroleum exploration remains active as Prime Minister Marape revealed that a deep-water drilling vessel is expected to commence exploration activities soon in the maritime waters between Central Province and Western Province.

This continuous activity reinforces Papua New Guinea’s international standing as a stable and reliable destination for oil and gas investment.

“Since 1990 we have exported oil, and since 2014 we have exported LNG. We have never had one cargo disrupted,” the Prime Minister highlighted.

“PNG has maintained a strong reputation as a dependable energy producer. You have wars and conflicts in other parts of the world, but PNG’s Kumul Marine Terminal in Gulf Province has not missed an export shipment since 1990, and the PNG LNG export facility has maintained uninterrupted exports since 2014.”

“That is a reputation we should be proud of. PNG continues to tell the world that we are a safe, stable and dependable place for oil and gas business.”

To further advance the project, Prime Minister Marape recently met with TotalEnergies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanné in Paris to discuss Papua LNG and broader future investment opportunities.

The project is currently being actively progressed by the State Team in partnership with TotalEnergies, which serves as the project operator, alongside its joint venture partners.

The upcoming Development Forum is a mandatory process under the Oil and Gas Act 1998 designed to bring together landowners, provincial governments, and the State.

This platform will allow all parties to finalize benefit-sharing arrangements and address project implementation issues ahead of future development milestones, ensuring that Papua LNG delivers a lasting positive legacy for the people of Papua New Guinea.