AGP Executive Report

El Niño Support: K92 Mining pledges PGK3 million in in-kind aid to help PNG communities hit by drought, water shortages and food insecurity across Eastern Highlands, Morobe and Madang’s Usino-Bundi. Fisheries Enforcement: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four in a major regional push against illegal fishing, covering 27.5 million sq km and monitoring 3,000+ vessels. Tourism & Ports: PNGTPA is partnering to revive a dormant Port Moresby ferry, aiming to expand marine tourism and create new visitor experiences from the capital’s coastline. Health & Vaccines: UNICEF delivered PNG’s first 100,000 HPV vaccine vials, with 180,000 more expected, as a rollout targets girls aged 9–14 from September 2026 in two provinces. Resource Sector Governance: PANGU Pati points to New Porgera’s K2.1 billion H1 contribution as proof that stronger resource negotiations can lift returns for PNG and landowners. Defence Partnership: PNG and Australia move to turn the Pukpuk Treaty into workforce pathways, including a pilot recruitment route for up to 10,000 PNG citizens into the Australian Defence Force. Energy & Trade Links: India signals interest in buying PNG LNG gas after reporting PNG’s trade surplus with India of US$543m (to March). Business & Investment Pipeline: ADB says PNG is set to receive about K5.2b in new projects over three years, spanning transport, energy, water, health, education and agriculture.

Cocoa Downstream Push: Paradise Foods opens/expands Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, backing Marape’s push to process cocoa locally and sell overseas, with capacity lifted from 10 to 200 tonnes per month. Gas & Local Jobs: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approves the Pasca A Gas Project National Content Plan, aiming to boost PNG training, employment and PNG-owned supplier participation. Mining Governance: Mining Minister Solen Loifa clears the way for signing the revised Hidden Valley CDA, rejecting calls to delay and confirming royalty distribution details. Regional Security & Trade: FFA’s Operation Island Chief 2026 flags 16 vessels of interest and apprehends four in a two-week IUU fishing and maritime crime crackdown across 27.5m sq km. Digital Connectivity: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks, with PNG set to benefit from improved resilience and a second connection push. Defence Partnership to Workforce: PNG and Australia move from treaty talk to practical programs under the Pukpuk Treaty, including a pathway for up to 10,000 PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force. Finance & Public Integrity: PM Marape orders NGCB to verify allegations over NGCB payment processes tied to his name. Business & Consumer: Perodua PNG launches the new Traz SUV, targeting families and businesses with a value-focused package. Culture & Tourism: PNG Ports joins the Hiri Moale Festival as a silver sponsor, backing cultural heritage and community ties. ADB Pipeline: PNG is set to receive about K5.2b in new ADB projects over three years across transport, energy, water, health, education and agriculture. Sports: Valley Hunters raise the bar in rugby union despite PNG Rugby Union suspension; Thailand beats PNG Lewas by 40 runs in the second ODI.

ADB Pipeline: Papua New Guinea is set to receive about K5.2 billion in new Asian Development Bank projects over the next three years, targeting transport, energy, water, health, education and agriculture, with options that could also support private firms. Defence Jobs: PNG and Australia are moving deeper under the Pukpuk Treaty, with plans for a pathway for up to 10,000 young Papua New Guineans to access Australian Defence Force careers, training and labour mobility. Cocoa Downstream Push: Paradise Foods has inaugurated upgrades to the Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, lifting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes per month and aiming to expand local processing for export markets. Gas National Content: The Pasca A Gas Project has its National Content Plan approved, setting out training and procurement opportunities for PNG businesses. Governance Watch: PM Marape orders verification of alleged NGCB payment issues tied to his name, warning any improper conduct will be referred to police. Finance & Savings for Growers: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL begin rolling out mobile superannuation onboarding for oil palm smallholders, using Starlink connectivity. Tourism & Business: Sheraton Port Moresby opens, bringing a major Marriott brand entry with large meetings and dining facilities.

Cocoa Downstream Push: Prime Minister James Marape inaugurated Paradise Foods’ upgraded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, boosting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes a month (K18.6m total, with EU-STREIT PNG/FAO support) to help farmers capture more value locally. Gas National Content: The Pasca A Gas Project cleared its National Content Plan, with Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approving training, jobs and procurement targets for Papua New Guineans and PNG-owned suppliers. Cocoa Processing Expansion: Paradise says the upgrade will double output and improve consistent, higher-grade production for specialty buyers, strengthening links between cocoa groups and the processor. Mining Update: Great Pacific Gold expanded gold mineralisation at its Wild Dog Project after new mapping and channel sampling widened the Elamaraka and Kargalio vein systems. Oil Palm Savings Drive: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL began rolling out mobile superannuation onboarding for oil palm growers and smallholders, using Starlink connectivity to reach rural sites. Governance Watch: Marape ordered NGCB to verify allegations about payments and unauthorised use of his name, warning any improper conduct will be referred to police. Coastline Waste Concern: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities called for stronger government action as rubbish and plastic pollution build up along beaches and mangroves, affecting health and livelihoods. Regional Security & Digital Rules: Pacific foreign ministers backed AI and safer digital-space principles as connectivity expands, while unity is tested over how to respond to China’s missile test. Transport Disruption: Air Niugini adjusted services as runway rehabilitation limits operations at Mt Hagen and Hoskins, with Dash 8 restrictions expected to ease by September/October.

Cocoa Downstream Push: Prime Minister James Marape inaugurated Paradise Foods’ upgraded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, backing PNG’s move to process more cocoa locally. The K18.6m upgrade (EU-STREIT PNG/FAO support plus Paradise funding) adds 12 new machines, aiming to lift capacity from 10 tonnes to 200 tonnes per month and double output. National Content in Gas: The Pasca A Gas Project cleared a key step as Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved its National Content Plan, setting out training, jobs and greater PNG-owned business participation for the project. Governance Checks: Marape ordered the National Gaming Control Board to verify allegations about payments and alleged misuse of his name, warning improper claims must be checked against official records and referred to police if warranted. Mining Outlook: Great Pacific Gold reported expanded gold mineralisation at its Wild Dog Project, extending known zones at the Elamaraka and Kargalio vein systems. Finance for Farmers: Nasfund, MiBank and New Britain Palm Oil Ltd began rolling out mobile superannuation onboarding for oil palm growers and smallholders, using Starlink to reach remote sites. Infrastructure & Trade: Air Niugini adjusted services at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga due to runway rehabilitation, with Dash 8 limits until later this year. Regional Business Climate: Pacific foreign ministers backed AI and safer digital space principles as connectivity expands across undersea cables.

Cocoa Downstream Boost: PNG inaugurated the upgraded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, with Paradise Foods investing K18.6m (EU-STREIT PNG/FAO support plus company funding) to lift capacity from 10 tonnes to 200 tonnes per month and help farmers sell higher-value products locally. Gas National Content: The Pasca A Gas Project cleared its National Content Plan, with Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approving training, jobs and more procurement opportunities for PNG-owned businesses. Gaming Control Probe: PM James Marape ordered the NGCB to verify public allegations about payments and alleged misuse of his name, warning any improper conduct will be referred to police. Mining Expansion: Great Pacific Gold expanded known gold mineralisation at its Wild Dog Project after new mapping and channel sampling at the Elamaraka and Kargalio vein systems. Oil Palm Savings Push: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL began rolling out mobile superannuation onboarding for oil palm growers and smallholders, using Starlink-supported mobile branches. Local Governance & Waste: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities raised alarms over rising rubbish and plastic pollution, linking it to health and livelihood impacts. Regional Security & Tech: Pacific foreign ministers backed AI and safer digital-space principles as connectivity grows, while Pacific unity faces a test over how to respond to China’s missile test. Transport Disruption: Air Niugini adjusted services at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga due to runway rehabilitation, keeping Dash 8 operations in place during works.

Cocoa Downstream Push: PNG inaugurated the upgraded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, boosting Paradise Foods’ capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes a month after a K18.6m expansion backed by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme and FAO, with Marape saying it will help farmers capture more value locally. Gas & Local Jobs: The Pasca A Gas Project cleared a key step as Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved its National Content Plan, aimed at training Papua New Guineans and expanding PNG-owned suppliers. Governance & Integrity: PM Marape ordered the National Gaming Control Board to verify allegations over payments and alleged unauthorised use of his name, warning any improper conduct will be referred to police. Mining Growth: Great Pacific Gold expanded known gold mineralisation at its Wild Dog Project in East New Britain, extending the Elamaraka and Kargalio vein systems. Finance for Rural Growers: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL began rolling out mobile superannuation onboarding for oil palm smallholders, using Starlink connectivity to reach remote sites. Environment & Health: Coastal communities in Motu-Koitabu raised alarms over rising rubbish and plastic waste, urging stronger government action.

AI & Digital Safety: Pacific Foreign Ministers backed new regional AI principles and a safer-digital-spaces approach for young people, feeding into Palau’s PIF Leaders meeting and a governance framework for 2027. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific unity is under strain ahead of Palau after ministers failed to agree on a joint response to China’s missile test, with some members not endorsing the draft statement. Cocoa & Downstream Jobs: PNG inaugurated Paradise Foods’ upgraded Queen Emma chocolate factory in Port Moresby, backed by EU-STREIT PNG support, aiming to boost local processing and higher-value exports. Agriculture to Markets: Australia Awards is funding PNG agriculture professionals to strengthen logistics, supply chains and export readiness, targeting better market links for farmers and exporters. Finance for Farmers: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL launched mobile superannuation onboarding for oil palm growers and smallholders, using Starlink to reach remote sites. Energy & LNG Contracts: TotalEnergies named Daewoo E&C preferred bidder for Papua LNG CPF and wellpads EPCC, pushing the project toward a possible 2026 investment decision. Corruption Watch: ICAC warned threats and intimidation won’t stop investigations, after officers were attacked in Jiwaka during a case involving provincial finance officials. Transport Disruption: Air Niugini adjusted services at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga due to runway rehabilitation, with Dash 8 limits until later in the year.

LNG Investment Push: TotalEnergies is moving Papua LNG forward, with Daewoo E&C named preferred bidder for the Papua Central Gas Processing Facility and wellpads EPCC work, targeting an FID in late 2026—another step for a project long delayed by costs, design changes and landowner disputes. Business & Trade Links: The PNG India Business Council congratulated India on its 80th Independence Day, pointing to about $20bn in trade potential, while PNG’s PM and business leaders used the Brisbane investment conference to map the next growth phase. Energy Cost Relief: PNG’s fuel subsidy will run to December, with spending now estimated at around K1.5bn as pump prices rise again. Agriculture Finance: IFC is targeting K1.5bn in agriculture investment and mobilisation by 2030 under AgriConnect, aiming to shift smallholders into more commercial farming. Governance & Integrity: ICAC says investigations will continue despite threats and intimidation of officers during probes. Tourism & Local Economy: PNGTPA signed a deal to bring a ferry back into service in Port Moresby Harbour to expand marine tourism experiences. Social Support: KPHL invested over K500,000 to support five out-of-home care centres for vulnerable children. Digital ID & Biometrics: PNG is consulting on digital ID and biometric data laws, as identity tech news highlights faster forensic and identity systems globally.

PNG LNG & Investment Pipeline: Prime Minister James Marape says a final investment decision on the US$14bn-plus Papua LNG project will be announced in November, while also expecting project agreements for Wafi-Golpu and Pasca A ahead of the 2027 election—key signals for PNG’s next growth phase. Energy & Cost Pressures: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey confirms the fuel subsidy will run to December, with total support now estimated at about K1.5bn as pump prices rise. Visa & Mobility Policy: Marape floats visa reciprocity rules—matching visa-on-arrival access and fees based on how other countries treat PNG travellers—to boost tourism, investment and business travel. Digital Economy & Compliance: PNG opens public consultation on data protection, cybersecurity, and verifiable credentials laws, covering biometric safeguards and digital trust services. Banking Reform Focus: Bank of PNG governor Elizabeth Genia outlines reforms aimed at price stability, financial inclusion, Kina convertibility and system strengthening at the Business Advantage PNG conference. Tourism & Local Business: PNGTPA partners to revive a Port Moresby ferry to expand marine tourism products; BSP backs an upgrade of the iconic Kira-Kira Cricket Oval. Climate Stress on Daily Life: El Niño is forcing schools in parts of PNG to shorten hours and reduce outdoor activities, with water shortages already affecting some campuses. Legal & Corporate Watch: Paga Hill lawsuit advances after a procedural ruling, with appeal pending. Regional Environment Agenda: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Samoa keeps climate, biodiversity and pollution work at the centre.

PNG Investment Push: Prime Minister James Marape opened the 2026 PNG Investment Conference in Brisbane, urging Australian firms to “get entrenched” as the next decade brings projects across LNG, mining, agriculture, tourism, ICT and energy. Visa Reciprocity: Marape says PNG will review visa and immigration rules with a reciprocity policy, after the US introduced a refundable visa bond for PNG travellers. Digital ID Laws: PNG opened public consultation on data protection, cybersecurity and verifiable credentials bills, covering biometric safeguards, identity providers and fines for breaches. Financial Reform: Bank of PNG governor Elizabeth Genia outlined reforms aimed at price stability, financial inclusion and restoring Kina convertibility. El Niño Relief: PNG secured access to up to K300m from the World Bank to respond to worsening El Niño impacts, including crop loss and water shortages. Trade & Border Security: PNG Customs completed Canadian-led training to better target suspicious air cargo and postal shipments. Energy for Remote Telecoms: Polar Power reported $7.9m in Pacific Islands revenue since 2024, with repeat orders expanding solar-hybrid power for telecom sites. Bougainville Copper Restart: Lloyds Metals & Energy was authorised to begin preparatory and feasibility work to redevelop the Panguna copper mine after nearly 40 years. Public Health Warning: Authorities are urged to crack down on illegal street sales of prescription medicines on public transport.

World Bank El Niño Relief: PNG Treasury has secured access to up to K300m in disaster financing, including a US$50m (about K220m) Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option, to respond to drought, crop damage and water shortages. Central Banking Reform: Bank of PNG governor Elizabeth Genia says reforms aim to keep inflation in check, restore Kina convertibility, expand financial inclusion and strengthen the financial system. Investment Push: PM James Marape tells Australian investors to “get entrenched” now, pointing to LNG, Wafi-Golpu and Pasca, plus opportunities in energy, ICT and tourism. Trade & Border Efficiency: PNG Customs completes Canadian-led training to better target suspicious air cargo and postal shipments, while Phase Two of the National Single Window is completed to streamline trade. Digital ID Laws: PNG seeks stakeholder feedback on proposed laws to overhaul digital identity, including the national ID and digital wallet, and expands credential options via SevisWallet. Energy Skills: The International Solar Alliance will set up a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre at Don Bosco Tech Institute in Port Moresby to train installers and operators. Mining & Finance: K92 Mining reports a 116% jump in quarterly net income to US$84.6m, driven by record ore processing at Kainantu. Sports Governance: PNGFA says it will not assemble a national team for the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup unless outstanding player and stakeholder payments are settled. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers back stronger climate action ahead of COP31, but frustration grows over slow progress in UN talks. Security Tensions: China’s missile test has deepened divisions in the Pacific Islands Forum, with PNG calling it “totally inappropriate.”

El Niño Relief: PNG has secured access to up to K300m in World Bank disaster financing after talks in Singapore, with a US$50m (about K220m) Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown option now available for the drought-hit economy. Central Banking & Reform: Central Bank governor Elizabeth Genia says financial sector reforms are aimed at stability, inclusion, and restoring Kina convertibility as inflation risks remain tied to food, fuel, freight and weather shocks. Trade & Border Efficiency: PNG’s National Single Window Phase Two is completed to streamline trade and border management. US Visa Bond: Prime Minister James Marape will engage Washington over PNG travellers being hit with a US$20,000 visa bond, stressing it’s a policy issue and urging travellers to comply. Mining & Jobs: K92 Mining reports a 116% jump in quarterly net income to US$84.6m, driven by record processing and mine development at Kainantu. Energy Skills: The International Solar Alliance will set up the STAR-C training centre at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby to scale solar deployment. Public Accountability: PNG’s Public Accounts Committee questioned SBD21.69m in advanced warrants tied to the Tina River hydropower project. Security & Geopolitics: Pacific foreign ministers failed to agree on a statement condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test, with PNG’s FM calling it “totally inappropriate.” Telecom Power for Broadband: Polar Power won orders for 15 more solar hybrid power systems in the Solomon Islands, supporting rural broadband expansion.

Trade & Border Reform: PNG’s National Single Window Phase Two has been completed, a fresh step to streamline trade and border management. Climate & Food/Water Security: El Niño is already tightening water and food supplies across the Pacific, with PNG residents preparing for partial Port Moresby water shutdowns while Fiji activates dry-weather contingency plans. Finance & Inclusion: CEFI and CGC sign an MoU to boost MSME financial literacy and access to finance. Central Banking Reform: Central Bank governor Elizabeth Genia says financial sector reforms are aimed at stability, wider inclusion, and restoring Kina convertibility. Disaster Relief Funding: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey says PNG could access up to K300m from the World Bank for El Niño drought relief. Mining & Jobs: K92 Mining reports record Q2 performance at Kainantu, with net income up 116% to US$84.6m and record ore processing; Kainantu mine also discusses 2026 targets. Investment Push: PM James Marape opens the 2026 PNG Investment Conference in Brisbane and urges Australian businesses to “get entrenched” now. Visa Policy Shock: Marape seeks dialogue with the US over a new hefty US$20,000 visa bond, now set to remain permanent. Tuna Economy: PNG will host the Pacific-led Tuna Economy Dialogue in Port Moresby from 13-16 October 2026. Digital Economy: THEODIST showcases ICT and AI solutions at DTS26, highlighting local capability for PNG’s digital growth. Health: HIV leaders call for stronger action as prevalence remains a concern, with prevention, testing and treatment access flagged as priorities.

Investment & Trade: Prime Minister James Marape opened PNG’s 2026 Investment Conference in Brisbane, telling investors the country is “open for business” and highlighting opportunities across mining, LNG, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure, financial services and ICT. Human Capital: Government farewelled 137 PNG STEM scholars overseas, lifting the programme total to about 470 since 2023. Energy & Industry Skills: The International Solar Alliance deepened its PNG solar partnership, announcing the STAR-C solar technology centre at Don Bosco Technological Institute to build local capacity for solar deployment and maintenance. Mining Finance: K92 Mining reported strong Q2 2026 results, including record ore processed and progress on its Stage 3 expansion ramp-up. Digital Economy: THEODIST showcased enterprise ICT, AI, mobility and digital media solutions at DTS26, pushing local implementation and after-sales support. Governance & Service Delivery: A commentary warns that governance failures and delayed public reporting are undermining economic management and social outcomes. Health Shock: A report says Covid-19 Delta is overwhelming PNG’s fragile health system, forcing Port Moresby General Hospital to scale down services and suspend elective care. Border & Travel Policy: The US made PNG citizens’ visa bond of K88,200 permanent, requiring a refundable payment for certain short-stay visa applicants. Education Infrastructure: UPNG and SILAG signed an MoU to secure land tenure steps toward a dedicated Public Service University. Sports & Business Culture: NBC will replay Sheilla Yama’s IBF title defence, while PNG Chiefs signed winger Brian To’o for their 2028 NRL season.

US Visa Policy: The US has made a PNG-focused visa bond permanent, requiring a refundable K88,200 (US$20,000) bond for B-1/B-2 travellers from PNG and four other PIF countries to curb overstays. Investment & Trade: PNG’s Investment Conference is underway in Brisbane as PM James Marape pushes deals across mining, LNG, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, ICT and financial services. Aviation & Connectivity: Air Niugini will resume direct Port Moresby–Auckland flights from 17 November, cutting travel times and boosting business and tourism links. Digital Infrastructure: Australia says all 18 PIF members are now connected via undersea cables, with PNG set to benefit from improved reliability and access to global digital markets. Health & Budget Execution: A report warns medicine shortages worsen when budget releases are delayed, with Manus highlighted as a case where execution gaps hit patients directly. Border Security: PNG Customs received Canadian-led training to better target high-risk commercial air cargo and postal shipments. Bougainville Fiscal Shift: The JSB endorsed transferring fisheries, mining, forestry and other tax powers to the ABG by 31 December 2026. Energy & LNG Politics: Taiwan has suspended some PNG LNG spot purchases worth about $800m amid the dispute over PNG’s “One China” move. Mining Operations: Ok Tedi says it is maintaining safe operations despite dry-weather disruptions to Fly River transport. Sports & Branding: Sheilla Yama defended her IBF title in Auckland, with Marape praising her as a youth role model.