AGP Executive Report

Food Security & Drought Response: The Fresh Produce Development Agency has allocated K1 million for emergency water cartage and irrigation rollout to help farmers nationwide cope with El Niño-linked dry conditions. Governance & Integrity: A fresh editorial argues PNG’s problems run deeper than infrastructure, calling for leaders and communities to rebuild everyday respect, honesty and responsibility. Law & Public Safety: Former Hunters premiership winner Brandy Peter has been commissioned as a police inspector, while commentary continues around the removal of Enga police commander Steve Harris. Peacebuilding & Climate Risks: Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko says Bougainville’s 25 years of peace show dialogue works, warning climate change is a direct driver of instability. Economic Outlook: The Bank of Papua New Guinea lifted its 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% but flags slower 2027 growth from higher costs and El Niño impacts. Infrastructure & Aviation: Hoskins Airport upgrade is 78% complete, with the runway extended to 1,580 metres. Sports Sponsorship & Community Reach: Trukai renewed a four-year deal with the PNG Game Fishing Association and boosted the Morobe Agriculture Show with K133,100. Marine Conservation & Trade: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m+ in ocean grants across five Pacific nations including PNG, as Marape pushes “aid to trade” with US investors.

Trademark & Sports Business: PNG’s NRL franchise, the Chiefs, is still locked in an IP fight over the “Chiefs” name, with IP Australia raising brand-confusion concerns as the Oct 21 jersey launch and 2028 debut approach. Central Banking & Outlook: The Bank of Papua New Guinea lifted its 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% but warned 2027 could soften to around 2% as costs rise and El Niño threatens agriculture, water and power. Infrastructure Delivery: Hoskins Airport upgrade hit 78% completion, with the runway extended to 1,580 metres—supporting safer regional air services and business connectivity. Diplomacy for Trade: PM James Marape urged US firms to shift from aid to trade, pitching PNG’s investment incentives and resource pipeline during UNGA week. Financial Sector Moves: BPNG issued licences to DealCorp Finance and PayItNow PNG, expanding regulated lending and digital payments. Digital Local Government: Lae City Authority launched an online land tax payment platform via NiuPay, aiming to cut queues and cash handling. Connectivity & Telecoms: Remington launched Starlink Enterprise in PNG with local kina billing, installation and support for remote areas. Energy & Cost Pressure: Government is considering extending the fuel subsidy into next year as global prices stay high, while warning it strains finances. Maritime Security: Separate reports highlight Chinese research/survey ship activity near key subsea cable routes, raising concerns for undersea communications security. Tourism Push: PNG promoted tourism attractions at Hong Kong’s travel expo, backed by Air Niugini’s direct flights. Ocean Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m+ in new grants for Pacific ocean protection, including PNG, to support marine management and larger protected areas.

Aviation & Infrastructure: The Hoskins Airport upgrade in West New Britain is 78% complete, with the runway extended to 1,580 metres after CASA PNG approval; Stage 11 started on 27 September under the CADIP II program co-funded by PNG and the ADB, aiming to improve safety and reliability for regional flights. NRL Business & Sponsorship: PNG Chiefs’ Coca-Cola partnership is set to “start connecting” communities now ahead of the club’s 2028 NRL debut, with marketing plans kept under wraps but designed to reach rural fans via Coca-Cola’s national network. Digital Payments: Lae City Authority has launched ServiceLink with fintech NiuPay, letting residents and businesses pay land taxes online and link property records to reduce queues and cash handling. Finance & Compliance: Bank of Papua New Guinea has issued service licences to DealCorp Finance and PayItNow PNG, while the AML/CTF committee says PNG is targeting exit from the global grey list by 2028 through a 2026–2028 compliance strategy. Connectivity & Telecoms: Remington Group is now an Enterprise reseller for Starlink in PNG, offering local kina billing, prepaid options, and installation/support for remote connectivity. Trade & Investment Push: Prime Minister James Marape urged US businesses to shift PNG ties from aid to trade and investment during UNGA week in New York, highlighting incentives and resource-led growth. Tourism Promotion: PNG is promoting cultural and adventure tourism at Hong Kong’s Holiday & Travel Expo, supported by Air Niugini’s direct flights to drive visitor demand. Energy & Cost of Living: Marape says the fuel subsidy may continue into next year as global prices stay high, with Treasury assessing options to protect households and businesses. Diplomacy & New Markets: PNG has formalised diplomatic relations with Montenegro, pointing to potential cooperation in tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, SMEs, digital innovation and investment promotion.

Telecom & Digital Economy: Remington Group has launched Starlink Enterprise in PNG as a local reseller, promising kina billing, local installation and support, and a nationwide price for the X4 terminal (K1,690 incl. GST). Municipal Finance: Lae City Authority, with fintech partner NiuPay, has rolled out ServiceLink for online land tax payments, aiming to cut cash handling and ease congestion at council offices. Banking & Inclusion: Bank of Papua New Guinea issued financial service licences to DealCorp Finance (loans and financial services) and PayItNow PNG (digital payments), with BPNG governor Elizabeth Genia stressing trust as the base of the financial system. Trade & Investment Push: PM James Marape told US business leaders during UNGA week that PNG is shifting “from aid to trade,” urging investment in resource projects and incentives. Governance & Elections: A parliamentary committee flagged budget misalignment risks between RPNGC and PNG Defence Force for 2027 election security planning. Compliance & Finance Stability: PNG’s AML/CTF body says the country is targeting exit from the global grey list by 2028 via a 2026–2028 action plan. Energy Cost Relief: Marape says the fuel subsidy may continue into next year as global prices stay high, with pressure on government finances but protection for households and businesses.

Election Security & Budget Overlap: PNG’s RPNGC and PNG Defence Force told a 2027 election committee they haven’t reconciled their budgets, raising fears of double-dipping and financial overlap. Digital Payments for Land Tax: Lae City Authority launched ServiceLink with NiuPay, letting residents and businesses pay land taxes online, link property records and avoid cash handling and long queues. Financial Sector Boost: Bank of Papua New Guinea issued service licences to DealCorp Finance (loans and services) and PayItNow PNG (digital payments), with BPNG governor Elizabeth Genia stressing trust and customer protection. Connectivity in Remote PNG: Remington entered PNG’s Starlink market as an Enterprise reseller, offering local kina billing, local support and installation, plus plans for solar-powered solutions for off-grid areas. Diplomacy & Trade Opportunities: PNG and Montenegro established formal diplomatic ties, pointing to future cooperation in tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, food processing, SMEs, digital innovation and investment promotion. AML/CTF Path to Grey List Exit: PNG’s AML/CTF committee says a three-year plan targets a 2028 exit from the FATF grey list. Fuel Subsidy Review: PM James Marape says government will consider extending the fuel subsidy into next year as global prices stay high. Sports & Sponsorships: Trukai renewed K50,000 annual sponsorship for the 50th PNG game fishing titles in Lae; PNG Chiefs locked in Coca-Cola Europacific Partners as a premier partner ahead of their 2028 NRL debut.

El Niño and food security: Severe frosts linked to El Niño have destroyed crops in PNG’s highlands, threatening taro, sweet potato, bananas and sugarcane and raising the risk of renewed hunger and hardship. Climate-linked violence risk: Researchers warn drought and crop failures can act as triggers for sorcery-accusation-related violence, with WhatsApp rumours and community blame patterns worsening during dry spells. Digital payments for land tax: Lae City launched ServiceLink with fintech partner NiuPay, letting residents and businesses pay land taxes online and reducing cash handling and queue congestion. Coffee export disruption: Highlands coffee shipments to Lae are stalled during peak season, leaving exporters holding stock while inspections and clearances drag—hurting growers, transport and storage businesses. Energy and investment signals: TotalEnergies approved full-field development for Azerbaijan’s Absheron gas project while keeping Namibia’s Venus oil timing uncertain; the company also lifted buybacks and pledged higher dividends. PNG-US ties: PM James Marape says UNGA week talks advanced U.S. defence cooperation implementation and pushed a shift toward commercial partnerships. Banking capability building: Westpac Pacific launched its Future Banker program for Fiji and PNG, aiming to strengthen customer-facing skills across the region. Cocoa export boost: PNG cocoa earned over K1.8b in export revenue last year, with government targeting K2b and more income flowing to smallholders. Sport with major sponsors: PNG Chiefs locked in Coca-Cola Europacific Partners as a premier partner ahead of their 2028 NRL entry, adding to BSP and Struddys deals. Health and tragedy: A remote Markham mother was evacuated after premature triplets were born, but all three babies died before specialised neonatal care arrived.

Lae City Digital Payments: Lae City Authority has launched ServiceLink with fintech partner NiuPay, letting residents register, link property records and pay land taxes online to cut cash handling and long queues. Coffee Export Disruption: Highlands coffee shipments to Lae are stalled during peak season, leaving exporters holding stock while inspections and clearances drag—raising knock-on risks for farmers, transport and storage. NRL Chiefs Sponsorship Push: PNG Chiefs’ 2028 NRL build-out gets a major boost as Coca-Cola Europacific Partners signs on as premier partner, joining BSP and Struddys, with Coke branding on sleeves and non-alcoholic beverage rights. Oil & Investor Sentiment: TotalEnergies lifted buybacks to $2.5bn for Q4 and signalled higher dividends through 2030, with production growth plans including PNG. Banking Talent: Westpac Pacific backs future banking leaders in Fiji and PNG through its Future Banker development program. Connectivity & Business Costs: PNG DataCo is preparing repairs to a Kumul Domestic Submarine Cable fault affecting Vanimo services, with a target of Oct 23. Cocoa Earnings: PNG’s cocoa industry earned over K1.8bn in 2025 exports, with government aiming to push beyond K2bn. Public Safety Focus: Government moves to tackle law-and-order pressures, including the Vagrancy Act and expanded surveillance and firearms enforcement. Health & Remote Access: A mother in Markham was evacuated after premature triplets were born, but all three babies died before specialised neonatal care arrived. Climate & Violence Risk: Researchers warn drought and El Niño-linked dryness can act as triggers for sorcery accusation-related violence. Media Capacity: PINA’s new president Neville Choi pledges stronger support and transparency for Pacific newsrooms as AI reshapes newsroom work.

Digital Infrastructure & Security: PNG DataCo is preparing repairs on a Kumul Domestic Submarine Cable System fault affecting Vanimo services, with a target date of Oct 23, while separate reports highlight broader Pacific concerns about undersea cable security and possible AIS spoofing near the Batanes cable corridor. Energy & Investment Returns: TotalEnergies says it will lift dividends by more than 5% annually through 2030 and step up buybacks to $2.5bn for Q4 2026, supported by stronger oil prices and production growth plans that include projects in PNG. Labour Mobility & Remittances: The PALM scheme is expanding for PNG workers, with over 2,700 employed in Australia by July 2026 and remittances estimated at K236m from April 2022 to Dec 2025. Climate Resilience Payments: PNG’s parametric drought insurance has triggered a second automatic payout, sending PGK 621,220 to 15,295 people across 14 districts. Business & Trade Push: PM Marape urges US investors to shift from aid to trade during UNGA week in New York, pitching PNG’s improving commercial environment. Sports Sponsorship: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners joins the PNG Chiefs as premier partner, with branding on jerseys from 2028 and community activation plans. Health & Remote Access: A mother from a remote Markham District area was evacuated after premature triplets were born, underscoring ongoing gaps in neonatal care and transport in PNG’s hinterlands.

Climate Finance: PNG’s multi-peril parametric climate insurance has triggered a second automatic payout, sending PGK 621,220 to 15,295 people across 14 drought-hit districts, with support channelled through Mama Bank and backed by PICAP partners. NRL Business & Sponsorship: The PNG Chiefs lock in Coca-Cola as a major sleeve sponsor for the first three seasons, while playmaker Jarome Luai keeps his Pepsi endorsement—highlighting how individual and club deals can run side by side. Infrastructure & Jobs: Madang’s Northern Coastal Highway repairs (41.2km) are creating local construction work and boosting women’s participation, funded under the PNG-Australia partnership. Development Finance: The Asian Development Bank launches a new 5-year country partnership strategy for PNG, targeting stronger public finances, transport and energy links, plus better access to health and education. Agriculture & Jobs: The Cocoa Board’s 10-year plan aims to position PNG’s cocoa sector to help create up to one million jobs, pushing more processing and value-chain growth. Elections Readiness: PNG Electoral Commission moves to crisis-management for the 2027 election, citing under-resourcing and financial/procurement weaknesses and setting up a delivery-focused team. Energy Policy Watch: Santos warns its Narrabri gas project could be scrapped if domestic gas reservation rules make it uneconomic—adding pressure to Australia’s gas policy debate.

PNG Electoral Commission: PNGEC has adopted crisis measures for 2027 election readiness after admitting major delays and probing internal financial, procurement and administrative irregularities, including a new delivery-focused crisis team and a K150m readiness allocation. UN Rights & Governance: Prime Minister James Marape told the UN that religious majorities must not silence minorities, pointing to PNG’s Constitution and warning that “faith that is forced is no longer faith.” Climate Pressure: Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged industrial nations to stop “empty promises” and cut emissions, as Pacific leaders frame sea-level rise as a present security and economic threat. Banking & Skills: Westpac Pacific launched its Future Banker development program across Fiji and PNG to grow local banking talent. Mining Deal: Lingbao Gold agreed to buy St Barbara’s remaining stake to take full ownership of the New Simberi operation, with completion targeted for March 2027. Infrastructure Jobs: Madang’s Northern Coastal Highway repairs (41.2km) are creating local jobs and boosting women’s participation in construction under the PNG-Australia partnership. Sports & Business Links: Fiji beat PNG 2-0 in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup; PNG Chiefs also announced Struddys as inaugural kit and apparel partner from 2028.

Madang Highway Jobs & Women in Construction: PNG-Australia Partnership funding delivered 41.2km of Northern Coastal Highway repairs, creating local work and pushing women to over 20% of the construction workforce, with training in safety, environmental management and social safeguards. Election Readiness Under Pressure: The PNG Electoral Commission says it’s behind schedule for the 2027 election and has launched a crisis-management team after identifying serious internal financial, procurement and administrative irregularities, with K150m election-readiness funding flagged for release. UN Rights Agenda: PM James Marape used the UNGA to urge stronger protection for religious minorities, citing PNG’s Constitution and warning against majorities using power to suppress others’ freedoms. PNG Media Leadership: Neville Choi was elected new president of the Pacific Islands News Association, with Lisa Osifelo as vice president, as PINA looks ahead to PNG-hosted media work. Mining Deal Moves Ahead: Lingbao Gold agreed to buy St Barbara’s remaining interest to take full ownership of the New Simberi operation and Tabar exploration interests, targeting completion by March 2027. Banking Skills Boost: Westpac Pacific launched its Future Banker Development Series for emerging banking professionals in Fiji and PNG. Maritime Safety Push: PNG’s maritime industry was urged to turn policy and international standards into practical action to improve safety and skills.

UN Rights & Religion: PNG Prime Minister James Marape told the UN General Assembly that religious majorities must protect minorities’ freedom of conscience, pointing to Section 45 of the Constitution and warning “faith that is forced is no longer faith.” Climate Action Push: Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale demanded real emissions cuts, calling out “empty promises” as sea-level rise hits now, not later. Regional Media Leadership: PNG journalist Neville Choi was elected new president of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), with Lisa Osifelo as vice president, as PNG prepares to host the Pacific Media Summit in 2028. Digital Economy Rules: PNG’s draft Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2026 aims to close gaps in fair trading and consumer protection as e-commerce grows under the Digital Government Plan. Banking Skills Investment: Westpac Pacific launched its “Future Banker” development program for emerging banking professionals in Fiji and PNG. Mining Deal: Lingbao Gold agreed to buy St Barbara’s remaining stake to take full ownership of the New Simberi operation, with completion targeted for March 2027. Elections Scrutiny: PNG Electoral Commission suspends two senior officers amid audit-related financial irregularities concerns ahead of the 2027 election. Maritime Safety Call: PNG’s maritime sector urged to move from policy to practice on safety and skills.

UN Rights & Governance: PM James Marape told the UN General Assembly that religious majorities must never silence minority faiths, stressing equal human-rights protections and pointing to PNG’s constitutional freedom-of-religion safeguards. Climate Action Pressure: Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale used UNGA to demand real emissions cuts, calling out “empty promises” as sea-level rise becomes a present threat to PNG and Pacific states. Pacific Media Leadership: PNG journalist Neville Choi was elected new president of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), with Solomon Islands journalist Lisa Osifelo as vice president, ahead of PNG hosting the Pacific Media Summit in 2028. Banking & Skills: Westpac Pacific launched its Future Banker Development Series in Fiji and PNG, backing early- and mid-career talent with a six-month training pathway. Mining Deal: Lingbao Gold agreed to buy St Barbara’s remaining stake in Tabar Islands Holdings, moving toward full ownership of the New Simberi operation and expansion plans. Elections Watch: PNG Electoral Commission suspended two senior officers over serious allegations, raising concerns about election planning with writs due in April. Consumer/Competition Law: PNG’s draft Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2026 aims to close enforcement gaps as e-commerce grows. Sports & Business: Struddys was named PNG Chiefs’ inaugural official apparel and kit partner for 2028-2031, while MSG Games charter endorsement sets the first MSG Games for 2029.

Digital Payments & Stablecoins: Circle Foundation is working with UNDP and WFP to speed up and make aid payments more transparent, using a new Digital Asset Innovation Pool for regulated payment stablecoins and governance/risk tools for rollout. Resource Rights & Governance: Oro Governor Garry Juffa warns PNG and Solomon Islands that outdated colonial resource laws let foreign “criminal cartels” benefit, arguing landowners must regain real control beneath customary land. Elections Oversight: PNG Electoral Commission suspends two senior officers over serious administrative and financial irregularities, raising concerns about election planning with writs due in April. Banking Skills Pipeline: Westpac Pacific launches its “Future Banker” program for emerging banking professionals in Fiji and PNG, aiming to build customer-focused capability over six months. Mining Deal in PNG: Lingbao Gold agrees to buy St Barbara’s remaining interest to take full ownership of the New Simberi operation, with completion targeted for March 2027. Maritime Safety Push: PNG’s maritime sector is urged to move from policy to practice on safety, skills and standards as World Maritime Day highlights implementation gaps. Consumer Protection Draft: ICCC discusses a proposed Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2026 to close loopholes and strengthen fair trading and consumer safeguards. Climate Action at UNGA: PNG and Solomon Islands leaders demand industrial nations cut emissions now, framing sea-level rise as an immediate security and economic crisis. Agriculture Research Focus: Agriculture Secretary Dr Sergei Bang says PNG must shift research from knowledge to results for farmers, jobs and nutrition, not just reports.

Mining Deal: Chinese Lingbao Gold will buy St Barbara’s remaining stake in Tabar Islands Holdings, moving toward full ownership of the New Simberi operation and PNG exploration interests, with completion targeted for March 2027. Trade & Investment Diplomacy: PM James Marape used UNGA week to pitch PNG’s investment opportunities to American business leaders at a BCIU roundtable. Bougainville Economic Planning: Bougainville says it will learn from PNG’s “failed badly” SEZ attempts as it prepares its first SEZ, the Soraken Integrated Economic Fusion Hub. Climate Action Push: Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale demanded industrial nations cut carbon emissions at the UN over sea-level rise, calling out “empty promises.” Resilience & Indigenous Knowledge: A USP seminar highlighted that adaptation in PNG and the Pacific depends on governance, livelihoods and Indigenous knowledge—not just technical fixes. Agriculture Research Focus: Agriculture and Livestock Secretary Dr Sergei Bang urged PNG to shift research toward practical outcomes for farmers, jobs and nutrition. Energy/Corporate Moves: TotalEnergies says PNG LNG hit key commercial milestones toward FID, including EPC tender completion and an operator transfer to ExxonMobil for synergies. Regional Security: PNG Defence Minister Elias Kapavore called for stronger maritime cooperation at the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Nadi.

UN Diplomacy & PNG Links: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu landed in the US for a brief UN General Assembly run, using the podium to defend Israel’s Gaza and Iran actions while clashing with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani; his tight schedule included meetings with several leaders, with Papua New Guinea listed among those he planned to meet. Digital Economy & Industry Tech: PNG’s regulator NICTA says digital tools can boost productivity and safety, pointing to Ok Tedi Mining’s use of ArcSAR Neo radar to monitor mine conditions and keep operating even when connectivity drops. Health & Human Capital: A Flying Doctors heart screening in Goroka assessed 91 children, flagging complex cases and surgery referrals, while PNG also faces rising concern over childhood brain tumors and the need for earlier detection. Aviation & Defence Procurement: PNG Defence Force signed contracts to recover and service a Casa CN235 aircraft in Indonesia, plus pilot training, to support next year’s elections. Regional Climate Finance: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Cooper Wale urged changes to climate funding so Pacific states get more accessible, predictable grant support. India–Pacific Cooperation: Foreign ministers under the India-Pacific FIPIC framework, including PNG’s participation, reaffirmed plans on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education, healthcare and capacity building. Business & Finance: BSP’s Kundu Card upgrade is set to move PNG banking closer to wider access, with assurances it won’t affect customer funds.