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The Marape-Rosso Government has begun the mid-term review of Papua New Guinea’s National Trade Policy (NTP) 2017–2032, aimed at strengthening the country’s trade strategy in response to evolving global and domestic conditions.
The review, spearheaded by the National Trade Office (NTO) with support from the European Union Delegation to PNG, was announced by Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru.
The NTP, first launched in 2017 under the O’Neill Government when Maru was Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry, is the country’s guiding framework for promoting trade and investment.
Minister Maru said the review was essential to ensure the policy remained relevant and effective.
“PNG’s trade performance and policy implementation over the past eight years need a thorough assessment so successes can be built and shortcomings addressed,” he said.
“The review will help PNG align its trade policy with recent domestic priorities such as the Medium-Term Development Plan 4 and post-COVID economic recovery, and external developments like environmental considerations, new market opportunities in Asia and evolving World Trade Organization rules," he added.
He added that the review would allow PNG to “adopt international best practices, foster stakeholder engagement, and ultimately ensure that trade policy remains effective and relevant.”
The mid-term review will focus on three core areas:
A retrospective assessment to evaluate progress, effectiveness, and challenges in implementing the NTP.
A prospective assessment to address current and emerging trade issues and recommend strategic adjustments.
A review of the Strategic Implementation Plan to integrate findings and align with the new policy direction.
Minister Maru also outlined key issues for the review team to consider, including:
Shifting from regional to bilateral trade agreements that better serve PNG’s national interests.
Increasing emphasis on value-added exports and higher export taxes on raw materials.
Introducing incentives for new export products, including support for certification and meeting international standards.
Transferring tariff policy functions from the Department of Treasury to the National Trade Office.
Considering legislation to improve the ease of doing business and ensure clear land titles for large-scale Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects.
Exploring measures to strengthen the kina, such as establishing a gold refinery and building national gold reserves.
Leveraging artificial intelligence to facilitate trade and investment.
Developing a new electronic Single Window System to replace the manual trade facilitation process.
The NTO will lead the review process, but Maru underscored the importance of wide-ranging consultations.
“The private sector and SMEs are being consulted to understand the on-the-ground impacts of the trade policy and persistent business barriers,” he said. “Civil society and academic experts can offer insights on inclusiveness like the impacts on small farmers or women traders and provide evidence-based critiques.”
He added that the review was an opportunity to realign the NTP with current realities, ensuring that its strategies remain “fit for purpose in the face of climate change impacts, advances in information technology, commodity price fluctuations, potential global trade disruptions due to US tariffs, and shifting investment patterns.”
The draft of the new National Trade Policy is expected to be presented to Minister Maru and the National Executive Council by October 15, 2025, for approval ahead of its official launch later this year.
The Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery has held a high-profile inquiry into the integrity of alluvial gold operations in Papua New Guinea, bringing together key state regulators and industry players for a series of presentations and Q&A sessions.
The inquiry aims to address long-standing issues in the alluvial gold sector, including compliance, regulation, environmental impact and the role of state agencies in ensuring transparency and accountability. Alluvial gold mining, largely carried out by small-scale miners and local enterprises, remains a critical income stream for rural communities, but concerns about governance, environmental protection and revenue flows have triggered renewed parliamentary scrutiny.
In the first session, the Committee heard from state authorities tasked with oversight of the sector. Each agency presented its involvement in the industry, its current challenges and its approach to improving regulatory effectiveness.
These agencies included the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA), PNG Customs, National Airports Corporation (NAC) and Maritime Transport Authority.
Committee members engaged the regulators in a robust Q&A session, raising critical questions about coordination gaps, weaknesses in enforcement and opportunities for digital monitoring of gold exports.
The second session featured representatives from the alluvial gold industry, providing the Committee with first-hand perspectives from miners, enterprises and advocacy groups.
These representatives included the Artisanal Gold Council, Tribal Mining, Golden Valley Enterprise and Sustainable Alluvial Mining Services.
Industry participants also raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement of regulations, limited government support for artisanal miners and the need for stronger partnerships with state regulators.
Committee Chair and Governor of Northern Province, Garry Juffa, stressed that the inquiry was not only about uncovering challenges but also about charting a way forward for a transparent and sustainable alluvial gold sector.
The hearings emphasised the need for inter-agency collaboration, stronger compliance mechanisms and policies that balance economic benefits with environmental protection.
The Committee is expected to compile its findings into a comprehensive report with recommendations for reforms in regulation, oversight and support to small-scale miners.
The committee members are Garry Juffa (Chairman), Allan Bird, Rufina Peter, William Powi, Peter Ipatas and Marsh Narawec.
As Papua New Guinea (PNG) marks its 50th anniversary, the country’s petroleum sector has received a significant boost with the announcement that Sinopec will establish a subsidiary to undertake drilling and seismic work.
The announcement was confirmed in Port Moresby on 24 September, when Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina met with Xiao Yi, Deputy Director for Geophysical and Engineering at Sinopec.
Maladina welcomed the move, calling it a clear signal of investor confidence in PNG’s resources sector and the government’s policy direction.
“We welcome Sinopec’s decision to establish a subsidiary in Papua New Guinea. This demonstrates investor confidence in our resources sector and the government’s policy direction,” he said.
The minister underscored the importance of the company’s planned activities, noting their role in shaping the industry’s future.
“Drilling and seismic activities are critical to the future of our petroleum industry. Sinopec’s technical expertise and global experience will complement our efforts to grow the industry responsibly and sustainably,” he added.
Xiao reaffirmed Sinopec’s long-term interest in PNG, emphasising the company’s readiness to contribute to the country’s petroleum development.
“Our establishment of a subsidiary in Papua New Guinea reflects our long-term interest. We are ready to contribute our technical strengths and work alongside the government and stakeholders,” he said.
Maladina assured that the government remained committed to supporting investment in the oil and gas sector, saying partnerships such as this would continue to drive growth.
The new subsidiary will operate under Sinopec International Petroleum Service Corporation (Sinopec Petroleum Service), a wholly owned arm of Sinopec Group. With more than 50 years of petroleum service experience, the company has delivered seismic, drilling, construction, and pipeline projects across China and internationally. It is ISO 9000 certified and has successfully executed projects in Africa, the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia.
Sinopec said it was committed to building partnerships that not only strengthen its global brand but also contribute to the responsible and sustainable growth of PNG’s petroleum industry.
Prime Minister James Marape met with Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Takahara Ichiro to discuss trade relations and investment opportunities between the two countries.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on trade, natural resources, investment opportunities, clean energy and battery technology.
Prime Minister Marape proposed a trade relationship between PNG and Japan, where both countries would exchange goods and services with minimal tariffs, leveraging PNG’s abundant natural resources, including minerals and energy.
Marape invited Japanese companies to invest in PNG, particularly in downstream processing and manufacturing, highlighting the country’s carbon-negative status and significant capacity for clean energy production, including hydro, solar, and geothermal power. He also encouraged Japanese companies to explore research and development in battery technology, which could be used to store and transport clean energy.
A strengthened trade relationship between PNG and Japan could lead to increased investment and trade between the two countries. PNG’s clean energy resources and carbon-negative status make it an attractive location for companies seeking to invest in renewable energy.
The discussions on downstream processing highlighted PNG’s natural resources and strategic location, making it an ideal base for value-added processing and manufacturing.
However, challenges such as infrastructure development and the need to strengthen the regulatory framework must be addressed to support increased investment and trade. The country’s regulatory framework may require improvements to ensure a stable and predictable business environment.
Prime Minister Marape emphasised his government’s commitment to modernising the court system, introducing international arbitration, and establishing an independent and functional national court system to handle any disputes that may arise.
“We are restructuring our economy to make sure that the characteristics of a free-market economy remain the bigger and best business in the country,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm for closer cooperation with JOGMEC and welcomed their support in promoting business opportunities in PNG.“I am looking forward to your support as your advocate in the business communities, and I want to give you my full commitment,” he said.
Central Province Governor Rufina Peter has signalled her intention to revive the Ilimo Farm outside Port Moresby, once a major supplier of chicken meat and eggs to the capital.
Governor Peter met with Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru to discuss ways to restart operations at the farm, which is owned by the Central Province Development Corp., the provincial government’s business arm.
Peter said she wants to see the farm supply chicken meat, eggs and day-old chicks to Port Moresby and the wider Southern Region. The two leaders also discussed developing a cattle industry in Central Province to provide up to 10,000 head of cattle for Hugo Canning.
“The Ilimo Farm is a prime property, and it needs to be revived immediately. My Ministry and Department will fully support this project because we cannot continue to import K200 million worth of chickens annually,” Maru said. “The Marape-Rosso Government is keen to replace all chicken imports and be a net exporter of chicken.”
Also present at the meeting were PNG Poultry Industry Association chairman Chis Prestwood and Hugo Canning general manager Jeremy Fry, who both described the initiative as timely.
“These are industries that are ready to pop,” Fry said.
Maru said he now awaits a joint investment proposal to be submitted to his office to progress what he described as projects of national significance.
“For cattle, unless we produce local beef to supply Hugo Canning, we cannot reduce the price of ox and palm which has now increased by nearly 100 percent compared to previous years because of the expensive imports from Australia and the declining Kina value,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Peter raised concerns that the Ilimo Dairy Farm had not made profits. The Central Provincial Government holds a 30 percent stake in the farm and has provided 400 hectares of land. She said it was “high time” new management was put in place and that the farm invest in long-life milk with better breeds of dairy cattle to boost production.
Papua New Guinea’s leading waste management company, the TWM Group, has secured a major boost with a $10.2 million investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), paving the way for the Pacific’s first integrated waste management facility built to international standards.
The investment, provided through a kina-denominated fixed-rate loan, is supported by the World Bank’s IDA Private Sector Window. It will enable TWM Group to expand operations to manage growing volumes of hazardous and industrial waste, helping safeguard public health and the environment as PNG experiences rapid population growth and industrialisation.
The announcement was made on 24 September during the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
“As we celebrate 50 years of PNG’s independence, we are proud of TWM’s contribution to protecting our pristine environment and diverse culture while remaining focused on delivering our vision,” said Kori Chan, TWM Group Managing Director.
“This partnership, developed over more than three years of analysis, assessment and due diligence, confirms that TWM Group now meets IFC’s stringent global environmental and social performance standards,” Chan said.
Chan said that the investment demonstrates global confidence in TWM Group and enables the company to expand the scale and scope of our work, ready to service growing volumes of waste from multiple industries across PNG and the Pacific Islands region — a major step forward for the industry and positive news for the nation as it looks to the next 50 years of independence.
The development comes at a critical time, with PNG moving towards formal regulation of waste management while facing the urgent challenge of rising unmanaged waste. By setting new benchmarks for sustainability, TWM’s facility will position the private sector at the forefront of solutions to reduce health risks and protect the country’s unique natural environment.
IFC’s Senior Manager for Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Erik Becker, highlighted the significance of the partnership.
He said, “Since 2021, we have been working with TWM Group through market assessments, business planning, environmental and social screening and gender diagnostics to help develop the Pacific Islands’ first integrated waste management facility, designed to handle hazardous and industrial waste in compliance with international standards.
“This investment will establish new standards for environmental sustainability and operational excellence, showcasing a one World Bank Group approach to support private sector-led and sustainable waste management in PNG and the Pacific region.”
The financing is also expected to create jobs and stimulate innovation in waste management services, reinforcing sustainable economic resilience. It aligns with broader efforts to support PNG’s growth as the nation marks both its 50th year of independence and 50 years of partnership with the World Bank Group.
TWM Group’s role in advancing gender inclusion has also been recognised. The company was one of 18 participants in the Meri Save Trades (Women Know Trades) initiative, a programme led by IFC in partnership with the Business Coalition for Women and supported by the governments of Australia and New Zealand. The initiative has helped women break into industries traditionally dominated by men, creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces across PNG.
Founded as a pioneer in modern waste management, TWM Group continues to drive change by embedding sustainability into its operations and shaping a cleaner, healthier future for PNG and the Pacific region.
The Treasurer of the Central Bougainville Tourism Association (CBTA), Delwin Ketsian, said the 2025 Tama Festival has the potential to become a major economic driver for Bougainville.
“We see the Tama Festival not only as a cultural celebration but as an economic driver for Bougainville tourism. With more partnerships and planning, this festival will grow even stronger in the years to come,” Ketsian said.
Held over two days from 21–22 August at Independence Oval in Arawa, the festival drew more than 3,000 attendees, including visitors from South and Central Bougainville as well as a small number of international tourists. This level of participation reflected the festival’s growing role in boosting the local economy, with cultural tourism, small business activities, and market sales contributing directly to community livelihoods.
Festival highlights included the famous Singsing Kaur competition, panpipe ensembles, the showcasing of the traditional delicacy Tama, and displays of arts and crafts. Youth groups brought innovation to the program by blending panpipe harmonies with modern instruments, while women’s groups led chant performances, bilum weaving, and food stalls, which showed how cultural activities are also tied to enterprise and income generation.
The presence of the Police Minister and Regional Member for Bougainville, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, who is also Patron of CBTA, underscored the festival’s national significance. In closing the event, he emphasized culture as a foundation for unity and future growth.
“The Tama Festival reminds us that our strength as one people lies in our culture and unity. This event shows the world that our traditions remain the foundation of our identity and our journey together as one people,” Tsiamalili said.
The festival’s success was further attributed to strong corporate and institutional support. Sponsors included Vodafone PNG, Fincorp, Melanesian Luxury Yacht Services, Nikana Finance Limited, SP Brewery, Silent World Bulk Fuel, Bougainville Arts Culture Tourism Authority (BACTA), and the Office of the Regional Member. Their contributions highlighted the role of private sector partnerships in enabling large-scale events that stimulate tourism and commerce.
Interim CEO of BACTA, Lorena Ritsi, described the festival as a vital cultural and economic platform. “The Tama Festival is a celebration of talent, creativity, and community. It creates a space where our artistic skills, especially in culinary arts, are showcased and tested, reminding us of the richness of our culture,” she said.
Ritsi added that BACTA’s mission is to promote, preserve, and regulate cultural and tourism products in the region, putting events like the Tama Festival as key drivers of the tourism economy while keeping traditions alive.
Organizers also identified areas to strengthen the festival’s business and tourism value in the future, including earlier planning, wider youth and schools engagement, and stronger sponsor partnerships. The committee plans to expand the program to involve more regional groups and step up international promotion, with the goal of positioning the Tama Festival as a premier cultural tourism attraction for Bougainville.
By merging cultural preservation with tourism development, the Tama Festival demonstrates how heritage can drive business, create opportunities for small enterprises, and contribute to the region’s long-term economic development.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) marks half a century of independence this year, a journey defined by cultural resilience, political milestones, and the transformation of its resource-driven economy.
From shedding colonial rule in 1975 to emerging as a strategic player in regional diplomacy and climate advocacy, PNG’s story is a tapestry of triumphs and challenges that continue to shape its future. Let’s look at these national milestones set in the last five decades:
From Independence to Global Stage
On 15 September 1975, PNG adopted a home-grown Constitution that enshrined democratic governance, human rights, and cultural preservation.
A day later, on 16 September, the nation won full sovereignty from Australia under the leadership of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, its first Prime Minister and a unifying figure among more than 800 language groups.
In 1977, PNG held its inaugural national elections, empowering citizens to shape their own Parliament despite the logistical hurdles of rugged terrain and dispersed communities.
Mere weeks after independence, on 10 October 1975, PNG joined the United Nations (UN), launching its diplomatic presence and amplifying Pacific voices on development, peace, and environmental protection.
Resource Revolution: Mining, Oil & Gas
The late 1970s and 1980s heralded PNG’s first resource boom. The Bougainville mine, operational since 1972, became the country’s leading copper and gold producer, though landowner disputes and civil unrest led to its 1989 closure. In 1984, the Ok Tedi mine opened in Western Province, diversifying PNG’s mineral portfolio.
The 1990s saw a pivot to petroleum with the Kutubu and Gobe oil fields, while the turn of the century brought financial sector reforms: the privatization of Papua New Guinea Banking Corporation and the rise of Bank South Pacific bolstered economic stability.
The 2004 Napa Napa oil refinery near Port Moresby marked PNG’s entry into downstream processing, and initial moves to privatize PNG Power Limited aimed to modernize the national grid.
The PNG LNG Project in 2014 was a watershed moment—ExxonMobil’s multi-billion-dollar investment turned the nation into a major gas exporter.
More recently, the Porgera gold mine reopened in 2023 with majority local ownership, and the Wafi-Golpu copper-gold venture promises another long-term revenue stream.
Governance, Peace, and Social Progress
The late 1980s brought turbulence: the Bougainville Crisis erupted over demands for autonomy and fair resource sharing. Its resolution—the Bougainville Peace Agreement of 2001—granted greater self-rule and set the stage for a future referendum, showcasing PNG’s capacity for peaceful reconciliation.
In the 2000s and 2010s, PNG strengthened its institutions. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) was established to tackle graft, while Prime Minister James Marape’s decentralization efforts increased resource allocation to districts and provinces.
Parallel investments in human development soared. Free education policies rolled out in the 2010s improved literacy rates, while expanded healthcare programs bolstered maternal and rural health. These initiatives underscored PNG’s commitment to lifting every citizen.
Climate Leadership and Cultural Renaissance
Facing the frontlines of climate change, PNG has championed regional sustainability. In the 2020s, it emerged as a vocal advocate for biodiversity and green development.
A historic visit by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in 2025 will celebrate PNG’s environmental stewardship and highlight links between conservation and community well-being.
Simultaneously, tourism and cultural identity have taken center stage. Under the Golden Jubilee theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Tourism – Honouring Our Past, Transforming Our Future,” the Bird of Paradise and Southern Cross adorn the anniversary logo.
Investments in eco-tourism and cultural festivals not only fuel local economies but also honor PNG’s ancestral heritage.
Business Evolution: Diversification Beyond Extractives
While mining and energy have historically driven PNG’s growth, recent decades have spurred diversification:
- Special Economic Zones (SEZ) policy to attract manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, and tech investments
- The Bank of Papua New Guinea’s Green Finance Centre, funding renewable energy and sustainable agriculture projects
- Regional expansion of conglomerates like Steamships Trading Company and Remington Group into Lae and Mount Hagen
These moves aim to reduce reliance on extractives, create jobs, and foster resilience against commodity price swings.
Regional Diplomacy and Golden Jubilee Celebrations
Earlier this year, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit underscored PNG’s pivotal role in Pacific unity. Strategic partnerships with Australia, China, Japan, and India have deepened through trade agreements, infrastructure projects, and development programs.
The Golden Jubilee itself—branded “Stronger Together, Growing the Future”—features cultural festivals, youth-led innovation challenges, a national prayer day, and global investment forums. Inspired by the biblical Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10), events emphasize renewal, justice, and collective prosperity.
Charting the Next Fifty Years
As PNG commemorates 50 years of independence, its journey offers both inspiration and a roadmap. Democratic institutions have matured, peace has healed old wounds, and economic progress has lifted communities—yet challenges remain. Environmental sustainability, equitable resource sharing, and diversified growth will define PNG’s path forward.
Papua New Guinea at fifty stands as a testament to unity in diversity, a nation forging its destiny with cultural pride and entrepreneurial spirit. The coming decades beckon with promise: a resilient PNG, stronger together, ready to grow its future.
We in PNG Business News congratulate the nation on this landmark anniversary. We are thankful to be a small part of chronicling the country’s strides since 2019, and we join all Papua New Guineans in declaring liberty throughout the land and moving forward with hope. We pray for wisdom, unity, and courage for all as we enter the next 50 years.
Mekim yumi stap wantaim. Mekim yumi go het wantaim -- Let's be together. Let's move forward together.
Fifteen participants at the University of Papua New Guinea have attended Westpac’s Financial Basics for My Business workshop, marking a successful start to Westpac’s financial literacy initiative with the university as part of the global Financial Inclusion Week celebrations.
The comprehensive training module equipped participants with essential skills in balance sheet preparation, income statement analysis and business plan development, which are valuable for both experienced entrepreneurs and those aspiring to start a small business.
“This session has opened my eyes to the financial side of running a business,” said Joylyne Taravaru, a fourth-year psychology student.
“The knowledge I’ve gained is invaluable. I learned that having savings is very important. A lot of us want to save money, but we face problems in doing so, and the session was a reflective one because all the things mentioned are issues we face in our daily lives. The session taught me the importance of saving money," Taravaru added.
Westpac Chief Executive Andrew Cairns emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea’s business community.
“Financial literacy is the foundation of successful business operations. Through our Financial Basics for My Business programme, we are empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools they need to build sustainable enterprises and contribute to PNG’s economic growth. We’re proud to support the next generation of business leaders," Cairns said.
UPNG’s Coordinator for Peer Training and Development, Beniah Nari, while acknowledging the bank’s commitment to supporting the future workforce, said: “Financial literacy is a vital skill that empowers students to make confident, informed choices about their future."
"These sessions are both timely and practical, providing young people with essential life tools. The strong engagement and enthusiasm we’ve seen reflect the value of the programme, and we fully support its expansion to reach all students in 2026. Westpac PNG’s dedication to youth empowerment is a meaningful investment in the nation’s future," Nari added.
Westpac will commence its Financial Basics for My Business webinar series in October. Details will be shared via the Westpac PNG social media channels.
To date, Westpac has delivered more than ten webinar sessions, equipping over 200 participants from a range of sectors across Papua New Guinea with foundational financial knowledge to support their business growth.
Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, celebrated from 14 to 19 September, brought the nation to the world stage as global leaders, regional partners and international dignitaries joined in commemorating the Golden Jubilee.
From Independence Hill to the streets of Port Moresby, the celebrations on 15 and 16 September showcased the unity of “One People, One Country, One Future” while highlighting the country’s growing role in the Pacific and the global economy.
Global Leaders Gather in Port Moresby
The capital city became the gateway for world leaders and Pacific dignitaries who converged to witness Papua New Guinea’s milestone anniversary. United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Admiral Samuel J. Paparo joined U.S. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock, PNG Foreign Secretary Elias Wohengu, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretary General Baron Waqa for a U.S.–Pacific Islands Forum Roundtable in Port Moresby.
The discussions focused on shared priorities including economic development, disaster preparedness and regional security. The visit also saw the United States and Papua New Guinea strengthen bilateral ties with the signing of a Framework for Strategic Engagement, alongside the groundbreaking of a K1.6 billion U.S.-funded fuel storage facility, marking a significant investment in PNG’s energy security and economic future.
“From strengthening our shared interests to dancing alongside Papua New Guineans to Wan Kantri, the U.S. is committed to its partnership with Papua New Guinea and the Pacific,” Deputy Secretary Landau said during the events.
UN Secretary-General, who visited PNG and addressed Parliament on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, congratulated PNG on achieving 50 years of unbroken democracy.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered his message on behalf of his people via video. He said it was a true privilege to share his congratulations with Prime Minister Marape and the people of PNG on 50 years of Independence.
At the bilateral meetings on Monday, 15 September 2025 to Wednesday, 17 September 2025, all visiting leaders congratulated PNG on its historic milestone:
China: Special Envoy of the Chinese President and Minister for Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu delivered a personal letter of congratulations from President Xi Jinping to Prime Minister Marape.
United States: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau congratulated Prime Minister Marape and the people of Papua New Guinea on achieving 50 years of democracy and for maintaining a relationship with the USA based on similar ideals of democracy, Christianity and mutual goals.
Japan: Special Envoy of the Japanese Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Takuma Miyaji delivered a personal letter of congratulations from the Japanese Prime Minister.
Indonesia: Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka passed on President Subianto’s congratulatory message on behalf of Indonesia.
France: French Representative for the Pacific Veronique Roger-Lacan delivered President Emmanuel Macron’s personal congratulatory message to PM Marape and the people of PNG on reaching the 50-year independence milestone.
India: Minister for State for External Affairs and Minister for Textiles Pabitra Margherita congratulated PNG on its achievement as a sovereign nation.
Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, joined by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, expressed to PM Marape Australia’s most heartfelt message of congratulations and well-wishes as the country that granted PNG its independence in 1975.
Congratulatory messages also came from Pacific Islands Forum leaders who arrived from the Solomon Islands after the 54th PIF Leaders Meeting. They included the President of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley Simina, President of Palau Surangel Whipps Jr., Prime Minister of Niue Dalton Tagelagi, Prime Minister of Tuvalu Feleti Teo, Prime Minister of Cook Islands Mark Brown, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Jeremiah Manele, Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu Johnny Koanapo Rasou and Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji Manoa Kamikamica.
President of the Asian Development Bank Masato Kanda, who also met with Prime Minister Marape and later with the PIF leaders, congratulated the people of PNG on achieving its Golden Jubilee.
Pacific Islands Forum Affirms Solidarity
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa joined the celebrations on behalf of the Blue Pacific family, underscoring PNG’s central role in the regional bloc since joining in 1974.
“On behalf of the Forum Family, we extend our warmest congratulations to the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea on this significant milestone. We wish Papua New Guinea continued peace, prosperity and unity as it looks with confidence to the next 50 years and beyond,” Waqa said.
Royal Visit: Duke of Edinburgh Reintroduces Youth Award
Adding to the prestige of the celebrations, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, visited PNG and announced the reintroduction of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award in Port Moresby. The ceremony, attended by Governor General Sir Bob Dadae, Prime Minister James Marape, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkachenko and UK High Commissioner H.E. Anne Macro, took place at the Airways Hotel.
The non-formal education programme will provide young Papua New Guineans aged 14–24 with opportunities to build resilience, leadership, teamwork and community engagement. Successful participants will gain internationally recognised certificates, boosting career and education prospects while encouraging personal growth and social responsibility.
“This award will empower the next generation of Papua New Guineans to take ownership of their futures while building lifelong friendships and networks,” Prince Edward said.
Port Moresby: The Stage of PNG50
Hosting thousands of visitors, Port Moresby stood tall as the gateway to Papua New Guinea as the capital city became a showcase of PNG’s more than 10,000 tribes and 22 provinces, bringing together cultural performances, music, arts and food in a safe, vibrant and family-friendly environment.
The National Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop hailed the celebrations as a turning point in reshaping the narrative of the capital.
“I am proud of the people of Port Moresby for turning up in record numbers and for conducting themselves with discipline and pride throughout the PNG50 Independence celebrations,” Governor Parkop said. “These events showcased our unity and sent a powerful message to the nation and the world that Port Moresby is a modern international city.”
He highlighted the year-long build-up of events at the beginning of this year, from the Anniversary Launch in February, Pacific and Asian story celebrations, the PNG Story in July, the Meganesia Concert and the Amazing Port Moresby festivals in September, which all built momentum towards the Golden Jubilee.
Beyond the capital, it was also a peak week for tourism, as thousands of visitors travelled to provinces across the Highlands, Islands, Momase and Southern regions to celebrate 50 years of independence. From cultural shows in Goroka and Mt. Hagen, East Sepik and Central Province, Hula canoe races to the Mask Festivals held in the island and Momase regions, to traditional dances in East New Britain, Milne Bay and Manus, the Golden Jubilee sparked nationwide festivities that brought economic opportunities to local communities while showcasing the beauty and diversity of PNG to the world.
Economic Impact: SMEs and Creative Industries Thrive
The celebrations lifted national pride and also provided important economic opportunities. Hundreds of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) showcased and sold products ranging from arts and crafts to food and cultural items in Port Moresby and other venues. Local artists, traditional troupes, musicians, choreographers and media houses also gained income and visibility from their participation.
Port Moresby was entertained by international artist Akon on 17 September, including musicians, bands and artists from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Torres Strait Islands and Indigenous Australia.
“This is economic empowerment in action,” Parkop emphasised. “Our SMEs are not only earning income but also gaining the confidence and visibility to grow their businesses in front of a national and international audience.”
PNG Looks Ahead to Another 50 Years
With incident-free celebrations, full participation from international partners and renewed confidence in the capital city’s ability to host world-class events, Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary has set a strong foundation for the next half-century.
Prime Minister James Marape, who led the national flag-raising ceremony alongside thousands of students, teachers and citizens on Independence Hill, said the Golden Jubilee was not just about reflecting on the past but about inspiring the next 50 years.
Speaking after the Jubilee, Prime Minister Marape said the milestone was a reminder to all Papua New Guineans that the country’s future must rise above tribal, provincial and personal interests.
“As we come out of our 50th anniversary, the country is still united under one flag. For me, James Marape, my commitment to Papua New Guinea will always rise above my commitment to tribe, district or province. Our nation must always come first,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He further highlighted that stability in Hela, Enga and Southern Highlands is vital, not only for communities but also for the protection of nationally significant resource projects.
“Projects such as Porgera and the PNG LNG, which today contribute billions to our economy, cannot be sabotaged. In the last three years alone, PNG LNG has contributed over K10 billion to our budgets. These projects must be safeguarded for the benefit of all our people,” PM Marape said.
The Prime Minister revealed that work is underway with development partners and investors to open alternative roads in project areas, including routes between Mendi, Margarima, Tari and Kikori.
“We are mobilising resources through Tax Credit Projects to ensure these vital roads are opened up. This is about connecting our people, securing investment and guaranteeing the free flow of services and opportunities,” he added.
PM Marape underscored that as the country enters its next 50 years, the focus must be on peace, development and unity.
“The 50th anniversary calls us to rise above self and tribal interests and to put our country first. We are in the 21st century. If someone feels aggrieved, the courts are there—not tribal lawlessness. This is the mindset that will carry us forward into the next 50 years,” he affirmed.
As the curtains close on the historic celebrations, PNG has shown the world its diversity and potential as a young nation confident in its future and proud of its journey.
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