AGP Executive Report

Water & Energy Investment: A Japanese water infrastructure firm is hunting for a PNG business partner to expand water, wastewater and energy services, signalling fresh infrastructure opportunities. Aviation & Connectivity: Air Niugini has cut Mt Hagen flight capacity during Kagamuga runway maintenance, limiting seats and pushing some travellers to route via Goroka or Lae. Public Safety & Social Impact: UNICEF says peace must show up in everyday safety for women and children, citing high rates of intimate-partner violence and the wider economic cost. Arms Handling Concern: A debate is resurfacing over Australia’s planned delivery of rifles to PNGDF, after PNG defence leadership previously warned it cannot guarantee gun security in armouries. Displacement Policy: PNG is moving toward a National Internal Displacement Policy and Plan to tackle long-term internal displacement as a development and rights issue, not just emergency relief. Business & Leadership: Digicel PNG Foundation appoints Valda Kilangis-Kereu as CEO, while Kina Bank backs Port Moresby corporate volleyball with sponsorship and gear. El Niño Relief: PM James Marape announces K2.5m to every district for immediate El Niño response, with provincial and national coordination funding also set. Diplomacy: Australia appoints Jamie Isbister as its new High Commissioner to PNG. SME Push: Government says 10% of district funding must support SMEs, urging entrepreneurs to work through district administrations and MPs.

Bougainville Independence Process: Bougainvilleans are being told to stay patient as PNG parliament’s decision on ratifying the 2019 independence referendum result is expected to take longer than hoped, with the tabling only marking the start of parliament’s “direct and solemn consideration.” El Niño Relief Funding: Prime Minister James Marape says every PNG district will receive K2.5m for immediate El Niño response, with provincial governments also getting K2.5m and the National Disaster Centre funded to monitor delivery. LNG Market Signals: Chevron and ExxonMobil both used Gastech to reiterate long-term LNG demand optimism, arguing any Middle East-driven demand dips are mostly short term. SME Push at District Level: Marape says 10% of district funding must support SMEs, urging business owners to work through district administrations and MPs for support. Digicel PNG Foundation CEO: Valda Kilangis-Kereu has been appointed CEO of the Digicel PNG Foundation. Sports & Health: PNG’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup continues with PNG matches in the mix, while a new pediatric surgery partnership aims to expand complex care in PNG.

El Niño Relief Funding: PNG PM James Marape says every district will receive K2.5m for immediate El Niño response, with provinces and Bougainville also getting K2.5m, plus K5m to the National Disaster Centre to coordinate and monitor delivery. SME Push at District Level: Marape also directs districts to ring-fence 10% of allocated funding for small and medium enterprises, urging business support to flow through MPs and district administrations. PNG LNG Outlook: ExxonMobil remains bullish on long-term LNG demand despite Middle East-driven short-term swings, arguing demand will recover as latent buyers return. Energy Project Moves: Papua LNG is moving toward Final Investment Decision, with recent operator and contractor updates keeping momentum on the PNG LNG front. Financial Sector Watch: BSP says Kundu Card upgrades won’t affect customer funds, while the regulator has warned BSP over PNG money laundering concerns. Trade & Diplomacy: Australia appoints Jamie Isbister as its next High Commissioner to PNG, as bilateral defence cooperation continues under the Pukpuk alliance. Tech for Law Enforcement: A UPNG student developed “Bighet Rekod,” a web-based criminal record management system aimed at helping law enforcers access histories faster. Corporate & Community Sport: Kina Bank sponsors the Port Moresby Corporate Volleyball team ahead of the national indoor championships. Governance & Fairness Debate: A public backlash grows over tax-free retirement payouts for parliament staff, with critics questioning why exemptions don’t apply to other workers.

SME Push: Prime Minister James Marape says districts must direct 10% of funding to Small and Medium Enterprises, urging people to work through MPs and district administrations and warning communities can hold leaders accountable if support isn’t delivered. Banking Upgrade: Bank South Pacific reassures customers the switch from old Kundu magnetic stripe cards to new chip-enabled cards won’t affect balances, though some terminals rejected cards while BSP waits on an interchange upgrade with the regulator. City Management: NCDC calls for stronger municipal planning, faster approvals and tighter accountability in Port Moresby to support business and investor confidence as the capital enters a new growth phase. Papua LNG Countdown: Marape says Papua LNG is moving toward Final Investment Decision, with a 15 December 2026 sunset date, as Government works through landowner and provincial processes and seeks unified operator synergy. Health & Social Protection: UN DESA flags low social protection coverage in PNG (below 30%) and urges stronger systems to cut poverty and help households withstand shocks; separately, Fiji declares an HIV emergency after a sharp rise in infections. Energy & Tech Partnerships: NEOS Advisory outlines how to turn around struggling utilities by restoring management control and reliable data; Kritilabs signs a three-year AI/IoT partnership plan to expand into Fiji first, then PNG and other Pacific markets. Business & Trade: PNG-India Business Council president backs gold trade links to India and calls for deeper PNG-India cooperation across energy, investment and tourism. Sports with Economic Spillover: PNG’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup campaign continues after a 2-1 win over Vanuatu, while PNG Fashion Week 2026 opens in Port Moresby with a business-and-tourism focus.

SME Push: Prime Minister James Marape says districts must ring-fence 10% of funding for Small and Medium Enterprises, urging business owners to work through MPs and district administrations and warning communities can hold leaders accountable if support isn’t delivered. Capital City Management: The National Capital District Commission calls for stronger Port Moresby municipal systems—faster approvals, better planning and closer private-sector cooperation—to keep the city “clean, healthy, safe and planned” for investors. Payments Update: Bank South Pacific reassures customers that its Kundu chip-card rollout won’t affect balances, but says some EFTPOS/ATM rejections are linked to a pending interchange upgrade with the regulator. PNG LNG Timing: Marape says Papua LNG is progressing toward a Final Investment Decision, with a 15 December 2026 sunset date and a push to complete landowner and provincial processes, including operator synergy with ExxonMobil. Health & Social Needs: UN DESA says social protection coverage is low in Papua New Guinea and other Pacific SIDS, calling for expanded safety nets to reduce poverty and improve resilience to shocks. Business & Trade Opportunities: PNG-India Business Council president Mahadevan Shankar argues India could be a major gold market for PNG and urges stronger trade and energy cooperation.

PNG LNG Update: Prime Minister James Marape says Papua LNG is moving toward Final Investment Decision, with an FID “sunset” of 15 December 2026 and government working through landowner and provincial processes, while ExxonMobil’s role is expected to strengthen project synergy. Banking & Payments: Bank South Pacific reassured customers that replacing old Kundu magnetic stripe cards with new chip-enabled cards won’t affect balances, though some interoperability issues at other banks’ EFTPOS/ATMs are still being fixed. City Management: NCDC called for stronger municipal management and better service delivery in Port Moresby, stressing predictable approvals and compliance for investors as the capital enters a new growth phase. Energy & Infrastructure: NEOS Advisory outlined a practical framework for turning around electricity, water and gas utilities by restoring management control, commercial discipline and reliable data. Social Protection: UN DESA says social protection coverage in Pacific SIDS—including PNG, where coverage is below 30%—must be strengthened to reduce poverty and improve resilience to shocks. Health (Regional): Fiji declared a national HIV emergency after UNAIDS data showed infections rising 12-fold over 15 years, prompting expanded testing and treatment. Business & Trade (Regional): PNG-India Business Council president Mahadevan Shankar urged PNG to build an India gold export pipeline, citing India’s large gold market and past interest in PNG supply. Creative Economy: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opened in Port Moresby with a focus on fashion, business and tourism, positioning the event as a platform for jobs and market links.

PNG LNG Update: Prime Minister James Marape says Papua LNG is moving toward a Final Investment Decision, with a key FID sunset date of 15 December 2026 and government working through outstanding landowner and provincial processes. Energy & Jobs: The push is backed by TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil alignment on operating the project, aiming to keep momentum on petroleum development. Health PPP: Paradise Private Hospital has signed a two-year MoU with Kind Cuts for Kids Australia, linking PMGH and Western Highlands Provincial Hospital to expand specialist paediatric surgeries. Payments Security: Bank South Pacific reassures customers that Kundu chip-card upgrades won’t affect balances, while it works with the regulator to fix interoperability issues at some EFTPOS/ATM terminals. City Management: NCDC calls for stronger Port Moresby municipal systems—faster approvals, better planning and compliance—to support business and investor confidence as the capital enters its next growth phase. Fisheries Value Chain: PNG urges a shift from raw tuna extraction to fair Pacific participation across processing and trade, highlighting tuna hubs and downstream investment. Business & Tech: NEOS Advisory outlines a practical turnaround framework for struggling electricity, water and gas utilities—focused on management control, commercial discipline and reliable data.

Papua LNG Push to FID: Prime Minister James Marape says Papua LNG is moving toward Final Investment Decision, with an FID sunset date of 15 December 2026 and government work focused on outstanding landowner and provincial processes, after TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil alignment on a unified operator approach. Banking Watch: Bank of Papua New Guinea has issued Bank South Pacific a formal warning over alleged anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist financing breaches, including concerns about how BSP handled payments involving a politically exposed person. Payments Update: BSP reassures customers that the Kundu chip-card upgrade will not affect balances, but says some EFTPOS/ATM rejections at other banks are linked to a pending interchange upgrade and is working on interoperability. City Management: NCDC calls for stronger municipal management in Port Moresby as the capital enters a new growth phase, stressing predictable approvals and regulatory processes for businesses and investors. Fisheries Deal-Making: PNG is urging a shift in tuna economics from raw extraction to fair partnership and more local processing, highlighting its East New Britain tuna hub initiative and Fisheries Capital Limited. Mining Drilling News: Adyton reports a 167m gold-copper intercept at Feni Island, while Tolu Minerals lifts the Tolukuma gold resource by 81% to 909,000 ounces as it plans a restart in early 2027. Utilities Turnaround Framework: NEOS Advisory outlines a practical approach to fixing electricity, water and gas distribution utilities by restoring management control, commercial discipline and reliable data. Independence Message: Milne Bay MP Ricky Morris urged locals to take ownership of resources and build local businesses as PNG looks beyond the 51st Independence celebrations.

Papua LNG to hit FID: Prime Minister James Marape says Papua LNG is moving toward Final Investment Decision, with an FID “sunset” of 15 December 2026 and government working through landowner and provincial processes, while ExxonMobil’s role is expected to strengthen project synergy. Banking regulator action: Papua New Guinea’s central bank has issued Bank South Pacific a formal warning over alleged anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist financing breaches, including concerns about how politically exposed persons were involved in multi-million kina payments, and has demanded management changes and an external auditor. Mining updates: Adyton Resources reports a 167-metre gold-copper intercept at Feni Island (Kabang system), while Tolu Minerals lifts the Tolukuma gold resource by 81% to 909,000 ounces as it plans a restart in early 2027. ESG data push: PNGEITI says extractive-sector transparency data can form a credible base for PNG’s ESG reporting framework. Fisheries value shift: Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong says PNG wants Pacific tuna to move from raw exports to processing, logistics and trade, highlighting the East New Britain tuna hub initiative. Agriculture trade revival: Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association marks 70 years with a revived agri-trade festival aimed at connecting farmers to industry and value chains. Tech for Pacific business: Kritilabs and Fiji’s RC Manubhai & Co sign a three-year pact to bring AI/IoT and video analytics solutions across the Pacific, with PNG among future expansion markets. Sports with business links: PNG’s Kapuls kick off the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva after a strong start against Vanuatu, while Trukai names NRL star Jarome Luai as its new face in a four-year partnership.

PNG LNG & Petroleum Momentum: Prime Minister James Marape says Papua LNG is moving toward Final Investment Decision, with Vice-Ministers sworn in to push landowner and provincial engagement and keep a decade-long pipeline of projects on track. Banking & Compliance: The Bank of Papua New Guinea has issued a formal anti-money laundering warning to Bank South Pacific, citing failures around identifying sources of funds in payments involving a politically exposed person, and ordering management changes plus an external auditor. Financial Inclusion Push: BoT highlights five AFI awards for financial access progress, while TISA Bank expands agency banking in Amazon Bay via new agents and currency awareness support. Fisheries Value Shift: PNG is urging Pacific “Large Ocean States” to move from raw tuna extraction to processing, logistics and trade, with PNG launching tuna hub plans under the East New Britain initiative. Mining Updates: Adyton reports a 167m gold-copper intercept at Feni (Kabang system), and Tolu Minerals lifts Tolukuma’s gold resource by 81% to 909,000 ounces as it targets a restart in early 2027. Sports & Business Spotlight: Fiji Kulas lose 4-0 to PNG in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup opener, while Trukai names NRL star Jarome Luai as its new brand face in a major four-year partnership.

Pacific Fisheries & Trade: PNG’s Jelta Wong says Pacific nations must gain greater control of tuna resources and move up the value chain, citing PNG tuna catches worth over US$1.2b and pushing tuna hubs under the ENBi push. Financial Inclusion: TISA Bank is expanding access in Amazon Bay with agency banking at Kurere Asiaro Village, plus financial literacy and currency awareness with CEFI and the Bank of Papua New Guinea. Independence & Governance: As PNG marks 51 years, leaders call for a “reset” focused on performance, accountability and honouring state obligations, including a K182m superannuation arrears issue raised by unions. Agriculture & Jobs: Farmers & Settlers Association urges a shift to commercial farming, mechanisation and downstream processing, while NARI and K92 Mining back taro seed training to support cash-crop potential. Women & Health: RISE Empowerment graduates 40 female students, and City Pharmacy Foundation highlights cervical cancer prevention gaps, urging vaccination and screening. Sports & Business Branding: Trukai names NRL star Jarome Luai as its new face in a four-year partnership, while PNGNRLC backs the 2026 season’s talent pipeline.

PNG Independence 51-year messages: Prime Minister James Marape urged a “no laziness” culture, linking honest work to better hospitals, schools, roads and jobs, while West Sepik’s administrator called the province to reset on infrastructure, water, power and services. Labour spotlight: Sam Basil Jr said workers and the labour movement deserve more recognition in PNG’s political and economic progress. PNG nation-building & unity: NCD Governor urged citizens to stay united despite PNG’s diversity, calling culture and identity a strength. PNG LNG logistics: deugro set up dedicated entities to boost Papua LNG logistics, including Purari Project Services for marine transport along the Purari River and plans to import specialist river equipment. Public finance pressure: Public Employees Association demanded the government immediately pay about K182m in unpaid employer superannuation for April–August. Forex easing: BSP and Westpac say foreign-currency order waits have improved to one to two weeks as export receipts rise, though pricing remains the new issue. Mining security flare-up: clashes and arson at Panguna continue to raise redevelopment pressure in Bougainville. Regional business angle: Santos signed new non-binding LNG deals (POSCO and Ksi Lisims) as it expands its Asia-Pacific LNG portfolio. People & awards: UK-based nurse Dr Agimol Pradeep won the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026. Telecom & connectivity: Telikom CEO Amos Tepi highlighted the company’s role in expanding digital access as PNG marks 51 years.

Independence & Governance: Prime Minister James Marape used PNG’s 51st Independence message to push a “culture of performance, discipline and accountability”, saying corruption steals from hospitals, schools and roads, and urging every citizen to work in any form. Public Finance & Social Protection: The Public Employees Association demanded the government immediately pay about K182 million in unpaid employer superannuation contributions (April–August), warning retirees are not receiving full benefits. Forex & Business Conditions: BSP and other banks say forex access has improved, with orders clearing in one to two weeks and the market broadly in balance, though pricing pressure remains as the kina has weakened. Budget Watch: PNG’s supplementary budget added K1.33b, including fuel support and K1.165b for El Niño mitigation as frost and drought risks threaten crops and hydro power. Energy & LNG Deals: Santos signed new LNG arrangements with POSCO (10 years from 2030/31) and a proposed 1 mtpa purchase from Canada’s Ksi Lisims project, while LNG demand expectations hinge on Middle East supply easing. Telecom & Connectivity: Telikom marked Independence with a focus on bridging the digital divide, expanding reliable access and supporting business and community connectivity. People & Appointments: Nambawan Super leadership changes, ANZ PNG board appointments, and new Internal Revenue Commission operational directors were announced.

LNG Market Pulse: Santos is locking in long-term LNG deals in Asia, agreeing a 10-year supply arrangement with South Korea’s POSCO and signing a non-binding plan to buy about 1 million tonnes per year from Canada’s Ksi Lisims project, as global gas prices stay volatile. PNG LNG Works: Wood secured a $200m ExxonMobil PNG LNG construction services contract covering brownfield upgrades across key LNG facilities and about 700km of pipeline infrastructure. El Niño Hit: Frost and dry conditions are damaging food gardens in PNG’s Central Province, with communities warning of worsening localised food and water shortages as El Niño intensifies. Bougainville Mining Tension: Fresh arson and clashes at the Panguna mine camp have targeted equipment linked to Lloyds Metals & Energy, adding pressure to Bougainville’s push to restart redevelopment and reassure investors. Business & Finance: Bank of Papua New Guinea says firms report improved foreign exchange access and expects stronger performance ahead, while inflation remains a watchpoint amid El Niño risks. Independence & Integrity: PNG marks its 51st Independence with calls for unity and anti-corruption action, alongside community-focused messages on responsibility and safer, more accountable governance. Local Business Growth: SICCI urges bolder reforms to lift private sector growth, highlighting electricity costs as a major drag and calling for faster electricity market changes. Sports Pathways: PNGDF wants permanent rugby union teams to restore fitness and sporting pride, including women’s and sevens squads.

PNG LNG & ExxonMobil: Wood wins a US$200m, five-year construction services contract for PNG LNG brownfield work across Hides, Caution Bay, ~700km of pipelines and related facilities, with 200+ Wood staff in-country. Bougainville mining risk: Panguna redevelopment faces fresh pressure after an arson attack destroyed machinery and followed clashes tied to Lloyds Metals & Energy, as PNG’s trade minister says he warned the company against investing. Forex & inflation watch: BPNG says firms report improved foreign exchange access and expect stronger performance, while inflation forecasts are revised higher amid energy and imported cost pressures. Superannuation spotlight: PNG Superannuation is projected to reach K1tr by 2075, while unions urge government to settle K182m super arrears to Nambawan Super. Corporate returns: MVIL declares a K48.2m dividend to Kumul Consolidated Holdings after strong 2024 performance. Mining reforms for investors: Mining minister pitches China-based reforms—single-roof licensing/permits, longer exploration licences and retention licences—to speed approvals while protecting landowner benefits. Independence & governance: ICAC acting commissioner Don Sawong calls for citizens to reject bribery and uphold integrity as PNG marks 51 years. Local business capability: Matrix Constructions highlights a PNG-owned model with 98% local workforce across construction, infrastructure and resource-sector projects. Sports pathways: Future Warriors launches to create international combat-sport recruitment pathways for PNG athletes.

PNG Superannuation: Comrade Trustee Services Limited says PNG’s retirement savings could jump from K25 billion to over K1 trillion by 2075 if governance and long-term investing stay on track. PNG LNG Contracting: ExxonMobil PNG awarded Wood a US$200m, five-year construction services deal for PNG LNG brownfield work across Hides, Caution Bay, ~700km of pipelines and related facilities, with 200+ Wood staff in-country. Mining Investment Push: Mining Minister Solan Loifa tells Chinese investors PNG is “open for business” but reforms must cut delays via a one-stop shop, extend exploration licences to five years and introduce retention licences—while protecting landowners and the environment. Bougainville Panguna Tensions: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama and PM James Marape urge calm after attacks and arson at Panguna, with officials saying violence won’t stop the mine restart and that grievances must be handled through proper processes. Tax Refunds Pressure: Primary industries groups are seeking urgent action on long-outstanding GST refunds and credits dating back to 2018–2020, asking businesses to reconcile records with the IRC. Economic Outlook: Bank of Papua New Guinea forecasts growth moderating to 2.5% next year as El Niño and global energy shocks lift costs and inflation pressures. Market Upgrades: Australia backs Kokopo Market with PGK3m for solar security lighting, refurbished ablution facilities, waste improvements and governance support. Youth & Connectivity: New Ireland will engage 574 youths in primary and economic sectors with K1m support, while Ingram Micro expands secure connectivity distribution via AirBridge’s ARNI across PNG and the Pacific.