AGP Executive Report

Scholarships & STEM push: PNG’s fully funded Government scholarships sending 31 grade 12 students to the US are framed as a long-term bet on innovation and industrialisation, with calls to expand the programme to at least 100 students a year. Downstream energy debate: Gulf leaders urge PNG LNG partners to back a refinery at Orokolo Bay to turn royalties into lasting jobs, skills and value-added exports. Housing affordability: A new push to make home ownership realistic for more families highlights policy and finance reforms via the National Housing Corporation. Mining & exploration: Great Pacific Gold starts diamond drilling at the Magiabe vein target in East New Britain as part of an 8,000-metre 2026 programme. Digital connectivity: Australia says all Pacific Islands Forum members, including PNG, are now linked to global undersea cable networks, boosting trade and business access. Bougainville fiscal shift: The JSB endorses transferring fisheries, mining, forestry and other tax powers to the ABG by 31 Dec 2026. Trade & diplomacy risk: Taiwan suspends PNG LNG spot purchases (~US$800m) amid the One China dispute after PNG moves to close Taiwan’s office. Drought impacts: Lake Murray in Western Province is drying up, triggering water shortages, school closures and rising waterborne disease. Ports & logistics: Australia-backed backup power upgrades aim to keep PNG ports running during outages, protecting trade flows. Security & elections: Police Minister Sir John Pundari outlines seven national security priorities, including election security, firearms amnesty and FATF grey-list exit efforts. Aviation link: Air Niugini will resume direct Port Moresby–Auckland flights from 17 November after a 26-year gap.

Digital Economy & Connectivity: NCSL Savings & Loan rolled out Poro Card management inside its MyNCSL Mobile App and website, letting members apply for and manage cards online 24/7. Ports & Trade Logistics: Australia installed backup power systems at PNG ports to keep services running during outages, with work underway at Motukea and Lae and more sites next. Financial Integrity: Police Minister Sir John Pundari says PNG is ramping up fraud and money-laundering investigations and pushing banks to report suspicious transactions as it seeks to exit the FATF grey list. Agriculture & Food Supply: Highlands fresh produce supplier Hilans Fres says drought is cutting volumes of key vegetables and is urging more farmers to supply to meet weekly demand. Youth & Jobs: NCD’s Mindset Boot camp is running a second batch for unemployed and out-of-school youth, aiming to shift attitudes and improve employability. Regional Security & Elections: PM Marape is seeking 200 Timor-Leste defence personnel for a proposed multinational force to help secure PNG’s 2027 election. Business & Investment Interest: Chinese construction giant CRCC held talks in Port Moresby on expanding beyond construction into areas like ship and boat building, mining and petroleum. Gaming & Digital Services: Kina789, Wepay7 and PGK88 launched or expanded online gaming platforms across Papua New Guinea, targeting broader access via mobile and computers.

Bougainville Independence Process: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama hit back at PNG’s stance, saying the 2019 referendum result can’t be treated as optional, with the outcome set to be tabled in PNG Parliament on 27 August after constitutional consultations and a Melanesian Framework sign-off. Foreign Investment & Industry: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina welcomed China Railway Construction Corporation’s push to diversify investment in PNG beyond construction, with talks pointing to ship/boat building, slipways, mining and petroleum. Hospitality & Jobs: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts officially debuted in Papua New Guinea with the 394-room Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, adding major conference capacity and new business travel options. Cost of Living Policy: A call for long-term solutions argues PNG’s inflation problem needs productivity, more local production and value-added exports, lower power and transport costs, and affordable finance—not just short-term subsidies. Financial Inclusion: MRDF says mothers in two Madang communities received Financial Literacy Certificates under the Mama Bank logo push, marking another step for rural inclusion. Agriculture & Trade: Chinese construction giant CRCC interest and a separate push for stronger PNG agriculture partnerships underline the week’s focus on investment that can translate into local jobs. Energy/Mining Watch: Exploration updates continue, including drilling activity at Great Pacific Gold’s Wild Dog project in East New Britain.

Bougainville Independence Standoff: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama hit back at PNG’s stance that Parliament can refuse to affirm the 2019 referendum, saying it would derail the peace process and calling PNG’s position “bureaucratic evasion.” Parliament Timeline: The referendum result is set to be tabled for debate in PNG’s national parliament on 27 August, after the Joint Supervisory Body endorsed the Joint Consultation Report and Melanesian Framework. Energy & Investment Signals: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina welcomed China Railway Construction Corporation’s interest in expanding beyond construction into shipbuilding, slipways, mining and petroleum. Hotel Sector Boost: Sheraton officially opened in Port Moresby with a 394-room property, adding major meetings space and strengthening Marriott’s Pacific push. Rural Finance Push: Madang Rural Development Foundation rolled out financial literacy certificates for rural mothers under the Mama Bank logo. Kava Supply Deal: The Calmer Co secured a long-term premium noble kava supply arrangement, reserving 10 tonnes monthly capacity to support growing demand. Sports Governance Pressure: Oceania Rugby says PNG Rugby Union reinstatement hinges on clearing a longstanding debt and meeting governance conditions. Education Tech Move: PNG launched EduNex, an AI-powered education platform aimed at improving access for remote schools.

Hotel & Tourism Investment: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts officially debuts in Papua New Guinea with the opening of Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, a 394-key property in the CBD linked to Vision City Mega Mall, bringing Marriott’s second PNG site and major conference facilities. Superannuation Reform Push: Nasfund is calling for universal retirement coverage, arguing superannuation should extend beyond large formal employers to small businesses and informal workers through voluntary options. Youth & Creative Economy: Trophy Haus returns as medals and trophies sponsor for the Mountain Dew x Wan Squad National Dance Championships, while organisers launch an MBoP Talent and Fashion Show to turn PNG creativity into jobs and business opportunities. Mining & Exploration: Great Pacific Gold starts diamond drilling at the Magiabe vein target at its Wild Dog project in East New Britain, following completion of the Kasie Ridge program. Energy Trade: PetroChina executives signal interest in buying PNG LNG, including spot and long-term arrangements, as talks with PNG energy and government ministers continue. Governance & Policy: Finance Minister Thomas Opa says public and private projects must align with development goals and community needs, including land and customary obligations. Agriculture & Food Safety: Goodman Fielder PNG and other local manufacturers secure HACCP certification, strengthening food safety credentials for consumers and export-ready supply chains.

Foreign Investment & Local Benefits: Finance Minister Thomas Opa says projects—public or private—must align with development goals and community needs, especially where land and obligations complicate delivery. SME & Accountability: Former minister Win Bakri Daki denies misuse of the K200m SME stimulus, pointing to an audit and staged funding through BSP and NDB. LNG Trade Pivot: PetroChina executives met PNG ministers and signalled interest in buying PNG LNG via spot and long-term deals, warning that halting spot purchases would backfire. Diplomacy & Trade Office Closure: PNG’s closure of Taiwan’s trade office is seen as a signal of deeper economic ties with China, while Opposition leader James Nomane says LNG cargoes will still find buyers but PNG’s credibility is at stake. Hospitality Investment: Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites opens after a K90m upgrade, bringing Marriott’s brand and more event capacity to PNG. Food Safety & Manufacturing: Goodman Fielder PNG and Prima Smallgoods/Food Pro secure HACCP certification, strengthening competitiveness for safer, export-ready products. Agriculture Jobs: New Ireland commits K1m with FPDA to boost commercial horticulture and cut post-harvest losses; Gazelle cocoa farmers get orientation support from CPL and the Cocoa Board. Superannuation for All: Nasfund pushes retirement coverage for informal workers via voluntary contributions and trade-union outreach. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Tari Airport gets a dedicated fire station under a new partnership, while Lae commissions five police duplexes to improve officer welfare.

Electoral Integrity Under Pressure: Papua New Guinea’s Electoral Commission faces renewed scrutiny after government interventions into digital election systems, financial compliance and election preparation. Hospitality Investment: Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites officially opens, rebranding the Stanley with Marriott’s Sheraton brand and a K90m transformation, aiming to lift corporate and diplomatic event business. Public Safety Funding Debate: A call for an independent review of defence spending argues PNG’s biggest security gaps are in law and order, urging more support for police, courts and justice services. Housing and Land Transparency: Port Moresby’s housing push is backed, but with a warning that customary land deals must be transparent, fair and include landowners as equity partners, not just compensated. LNG Trade Signals: Opposition leader James Nomane says Taiwan’s spot LNG pause won’t stop cargoes finding buyers, but could damage PNG’s credibility; PetroChina talks also point to stronger Chinese LNG buying interest. SME Fund Row: Former minister Daki denies SME stimulus misuse claims and welcomes an independent audit. Food Safety Boost: Goodman Fielder and Prima Smallgoods/Food Pro secure HACCP certification, strengthening PNG’s food manufacturing standards. Regional Business Links: PM Marape plans a PNG delegation to explore investment opportunities in Vanuatu, stressing local participation. Security Infrastructure: PNG Ports declares a K22.5m interim dividend, while Lae commissions new police duplexes to improve officer welfare.

Hospitality Investment: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has officially debuted in Papua New Guinea with the opening of the Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, a 394-room property rebranded after a major renovation and positioned as a new meetings and events hub in the capital. Retail & Digital Infrastructure: Datec plans to expand its premium retail network beyond Lae to Mt Hagen, Port Moresby and Honiara, alongside investment in Kumul Cloud Infinity, as the push for stronger ICT access links to broader economic growth goals. Banking Expansion: TISA Bank has opened a new Madang branch, extending services for savings, lending and business banking as part of its wider network growth. Climate & Fees: PNG’s Climate Change and Development Authority has suspended the K50 Green Fee for departing overseas visitors, citing a review of collection processes after tourism stakeholders raised concerns. Education & Skills: More than 40,000 Grade 12 students across PNG have started the Written Expression Exam, with some schools reporting financial and facilities constraints. Regional Trade & Food Exports: Pacific Exporters will take centre stage at Australia’s Fine Food Australia 2026 through a Pacific Showcase, including PNG food and beverage producers. Governance & Business Leadership: Manoa Kamikamica has returned to Cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, bringing finance and aviation experience after his acquittal in a prior case.

US Visa Bond Made Permanent: The US has locked in a permanent refundable visa bond for certain B1/B2 business and tourist applicants from 50 countries, including Papua New Guinea, with consular officers able to require up to US$20,000 before a visa is issued; the money is refunded if travellers comply and leave on time. Banking Expansion: TISA Bank has opened a new branch in Madang, adding more access to savings, lending and business banking as it continues its nationwide rollout. Festival Sponsorship: BSP Financial Group pledged K100,000 towards the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival, extending its support to the cultural event for more than a decade. Diplomacy & Infrastructure: Prime Minister James Marape broke ground on PNG’s new chancery in Port Vila, reaffirming support for Vanuatu and promising land in Port Moresby for Vanuatu’s mission. Energy Update: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina says PNG LNG exports remain secure despite Taiwan pausing some spot purchases, stressing long-term contracts to 2030 are intact. Investment Pipeline: PM Matthew Wale will open the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara on 19–20 August, aiming to build a growth corridor through trade and private investment. Local Business & Jobs: Datec opened a premium technology showroom in Lae with a coffee lounge, and plans more outlets in Mt Hagen, Port Moresby and Honiara.

US Visa Policy: The United States has made its visa bond programme permanent, meaning travellers from 50 countries (including Papua New Guinea) applying for B1/B2 visas may be asked to post refundable deposits up to US$20,000, with the $5,000 option removed and higher amounts possible at consular discretion. PNG LNG Update: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina says PNG LNG exports remain secure even after Taiwan suspended spot-market purchases, stressing long-term supply contracts through 2030 are intact. Security & Governance: Opposition leader James Nomane demands release of the PNG Defence Force recruitment scandal report and says “no report, no recruitment” as the force plans to restart recruitment in September; a separate commentary argues accountability scrutiny in PNG often drops as money increases. Business & Trade: Datec opens a premium Lae showroom with a coffee lounge; Japanese demand for PNG vanilla is rising after direct Air Niugini flights resumed. Energy/Industry: Reports say operator change for Papua LNG may be coming, with ExxonMobil expected to take over from TotalEnergies. Diplomacy: PNG breaks ground on a permanent chancery in Vanuatu, expanding its Pacific footprint. Community & Growth: Enga Governor Ipatas backs a national gun amnesty but wants clearer implementation details.

US Visa Bonds Go Permanent: The U.S. has made its refundable visa bond programme permanent for B1/B2 business and tourism applicants from 50 countries, with deposits now capped at US$20,000 (up from the pilot’s top of US$15,000) and fully refundable only if visa conditions are met. PNG Diplomacy Boost: Papua New Guinea is expanding its Pacific footprint with a permanent chancery in Vanuatu, following land support and funding commitments tied to deeper cooperation on climate, fisheries, agriculture and tourism. Energy Deal Watch: Operator change talks are heating up for Papua LNG, with TotalEnergies’ role potentially shifting toward ExxonMobil as legal and commercial steps are finalised. Local Jobs from Tourism Investment: Hotel Gilgal in Mt Hagen has opened after eight years of planning, creating 80+ jobs and adding international-standard accommodation to Western Highlands. Governance & Business Climate: A PNG minister says government aims to build an economy with fair competition, stronger consumer protection and investor confidence, using forums to tackle regulatory gaps.

Pacific Diplomacy & Trade: Australia is framing new Pacific pacts around First Nations ties, with Garma Festival leaders including PNG voices warning diversity must be grounded in identity, culture and land/sea ownership. PNG LNG & Energy Deals: TotalEnergies is preparing a potential operator change for Papua LNG, with preparations underway to transfer operatorship to ExxonMobil; meanwhile Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina says PNG LNG exports remain secure because Taiwan’s move targets spot purchases only, while long-term contracts to 2030 stay intact. Diplomatic Footprint: PNG is expanding its Pacific presence with a permanent chancery in Vanuatu, backed by land and funding commitments, aiming to deepen cooperation across fisheries, agriculture, tourism and climate. Education & Digital Economy: PNG launches Edunex, an AI-powered learning management system, alongside an Integrated ICT Policy to standardise connectivity, digital classrooms, teacher training and data protection. Power Sector Pressure: Trade and Investments Minister Richard Maru says PNG Power Limited is being “bled” by specific power purchase agreements and is looking at court action to renegotiate better terms, while pledging support for other IPPs with sound deals. Consumer & Competition Regulation: The Government is pushing a level playing field through the ICCC forum, focusing on fair competition, consumer protection and stronger economic regulation as PNG’s economy shifts toward digital commerce. Infrastructure for Growth: Connect PNG road works are boosting West Sepik connectivity, including major road and bridge projects to open markets and services. Governance & Accountability: A call for fact-based disciplinary action highlights the need for stronger compliance and performance systems ahead of the 2027 election. US Visa Bond Rule (Global, but relevant for PNG travellers): The US is making its visa bond programme permanent for 50 countries, including PNG, with refundable deposits up to US$20,000 for certain business and tourist visa applicants.

Visa Bonds Made Permanent: The US has locked in a permanent visa bond programme for business and tourism travellers from 50 countries, with deposits up to USD 20,000 (refundable if conditions are met), starting Monday—an added cost and compliance hurdle for affected nationalities. FIFA Funding U-turn: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned a World Cup private-investment equity plan after major backlash, raising fresh questions about governance and commercial deals in global sport. PNG LNG Certainty: PNG Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina says LNG exports remain secure despite Taiwan halting some spot purchases, stressing long-term contracts to 2030 are intact. Power Sector Pressure: Trade and Investments Minister Richard Maru says PNG Power Limited is being “bled” by specific PPAs and is considering court action to renegotiate or nullify deals with Dirio Gas and Power and Daewoo Posco. Education Digitisation: The Education Department launched the AI-powered Edunex learning platform and an integrated ICT policy to push digital classrooms nationwide. Agriculture Jobs Push: Government-backed agri partnerships and youth-focused initiatives keep spotlight on jobs, food security and skills—key themes for PNG’s growth agenda.

Governance & Accountability: A push to suspend 100+ agency heads has reignited debate on due process, with calls that disciplinary action must be based on verified facts, fair review of reporting breaches, and stronger compliance systems ahead of the 2027 election. NRL Media Deal & PNG Chiefs: The NRL’s $5.3b TV rights deal includes a secret incentive tied to adding a 20th team by 2029, with the PNG Chiefs set to enter as the 19th team in 2028—raising stakes for further expansion and broadcast growth. PNG LNG & Trade Tensions: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina says PNG LNG exports remain secure despite Taiwan halting spot purchases, stressing long-term contracts to 2030 are intact; China’s ambassador also signals readiness to buy LNG. Power Sector Pressure: Trade & Investments Minister Richard Maru says some power purchase agreements are “bleeding” PNG Power Limited and signals possible court action to renegotiate terms, while defending support for other IPPs. Education Tech Push: Education launched the Edunex AI-powered learning platform and an integrated ICT policy to bring digital classrooms, connectivity standards and teacher training nationwide. Agriculture Jobs Drive: Government, World Bank and partners are advancing AgriConnect and wider agribusiness partnerships aimed at creating jobs and boosting commercial farming under NASP 2024–2033. Local Business & Skills: Isabela’s job fair hired 84 people on the spot and offered hundreds more pathways, while Simberi’s lab gained international ISO accreditation to strengthen gold assay credibility.

NRL Expansion & PNG Chiefs Timeline: The Perth Orcas bid is pushing for a 2029 start, with the PNG Chiefs set to join the NRL as the 19th team in 2028, supported by a record seven-year broadcast deal worth A$5.3b—raising the stakes for PNG’s next big sports business wave. Power Market Pressure: Trade and Investments Minister Richard Maru says two PPAs linked to Dirio Gas and Power and Daewoo Posco are “bleeding” PNG Power Limited and says he is looking at court action to nullify the deals, while stressing support for IPPs with “good commercial” terms. PNG LNG Contract Clarity: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina insists PNG LNG exports remain secure after Taiwan suspends spot buys, saying long-term supply commitments through 2030 are intact. Education Tech Push: PNG launches the AI-powered Edunex learning platform and an Integrated ICT Policy for Education, aiming to bring digital classrooms and standards nationwide. Agriculture Jobs Drive: The World Bank-backed message is clear: agriculture is driving PNG’s growth, with government partners pushing the AgriConnect phase to create jobs and expand commercial farming. Consumer & Competition Regulation: Rural and Economic Development Minister Joseph Lelang says PNG wants a level playing field, stronger consumer protection and better regulation through the CCERF forum. Superannuation Reform Urgency: ASFPNG calls for immediate action on long-delayed super reforms to protect workers’ retirement savings and restore confidence. Connectivity & Inclusion: In Kira, communities still lack mobile network access, limiting emergency response, education and market links—highlighting a basic services gap with direct economic impact.

Broadcast Rights & Sports Business: NBC secured exclusive rights to broadcast Sheila Yama’s Aug 8 IBF title defence live across PNG on NBC 1 and NBC Radio, a boost for local boxing visibility and fan engagement. Agriculture Jobs Push: The Department of Agriculture and Livestock is driving a partnership push aimed at creating one million jobs and accelerating commercial agriculture, with Minister John Boito backing the World Bank-linked AgriConnect phase of the PACD project. Research-to-Farm Link: Higher Education Minister Kinoka Feo urged stronger research partnerships to improve rural livelihoods, highlighting innovation showcased by NARI and national agricultural research systems. Food Security Focus: DAL Secretary Dr Sergie Bang called for multi-sector accountability to tackle food security and nutrition gaps, stressing research and reliable data for policy and investment. Macro Outlook: Westpac forecasts PNG GDP growth of 4.6% in 2026, citing agriculture and broader sector performance as reforms take hold. Electricity Reliability Debate: New commentary reiterates that independent power producers supply most grid power, while PNG’s power reliability costs the economy billions annually—fuelled by outages and backup diesel spending. Water Supply Risk: Port Moresby’s major pipeline repair has been delayed after a landowner blockade, raising fears of a rapid loss of more than half the city’s water supply. Superannuation Reform Pressure: ASFPNG is again urging urgent action on long-delayed retirement reforms to protect workers’ savings and confidence in the financial system.