Papua New Guinea is set to showcase its trade and investment potential, cultural heritage, and tourism opportunities at the Osaka World Expo 2025, which will take place in Kansai, Japan, from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, announced this on February 28th in Port Moresby, emphasizing the importance of the Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
The event will address eight key thematic areas focused on global challenges and serve as a strategic platform for PNG to attract investment and expand trade opportunities, MP Maru said.
The Osaka World Expo 2025 will feature a range of activities, including thematic weeks and over 50 business events across Tokyo, Kansai, and Osaka.
In addition to these official events, the PNG Government is organizing independent but complementary initiatives to maximize engagement with international investors, including a commercial facility for exhibitions and trade and investment roadshows in Osaka and Tokyo.
PNG’s participation is strategically focused on attracting investment in key sectors such as energy, mining, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and tourism, the Minister said.
Japan remains one of PNG’s top trading partners, and the Expo will provide an opportunity to strengthen economic ties, particularly in areas such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply, downstream processing of natural resources, and agribusiness partnerships, Maru added.
The Expo will provide a unique platform for PNG businesses to gain international exposure, attract investment, and increase trade opportunities, Minister Maru said, as PNG will highlight key export products, including, coffee and cocoa, seafood, and other agricultural commodities.
“By promoting these products, PNG aims to establish new trade connections and expand market access to Japan, Asia, and beyond. The Expo will also highlight priority investment sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, mining, energy, tourism, and manufacturing to attract foreign direct investment (FDI),” he said.
PNG businesses will have an opportunity to adopt innovative practices and digital solutions through knowledge transfer at the Expo, enhancing their competitiveness on the global stage, Maru said.
The event will also showcase PNG’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential, opening doors for investment in the hospitality and tourism sectors, he added.
PNG National Day at the Expo
A significant highlight of PNG’s participation will be its National Day event on July 21, 2025, which will feature an official flag-raising ceremony, a joint luncheon hosted by the Japanese Government, and a cultural performance showcasing PNG’s traditions, Maru said.
Additionally, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape is expected to host a dinner reception at the Expo site, where he will address Japanese investors, dignitaries, and representatives from participating countries.
As part of his official visit, PM Marape is also expected to meet the Emperor of Japan and hold discussions with the Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to strengthen bilateral relations.
To ensure a well-coordinated participation, the PNG Government is hosting an official Osaka Expo Dinner on March 6, 2025, at the State Function Room in the National Parliament. Mr. Marape is expected to officially launch PNG’s Expo strategy and management approach during this event.
Minister Maru urged PNG businesses, Provincial Governments, private sector institutions, and entrepreneurs to actively engage in the Expo and capitalize on the opportunities it presents.
"The PNG Government, through my Ministry, is committed to ensuring the success of our participation in the Osaka Expo 2025 and delivering tangible benefits for the nation. As Minister responsible, I call on all stakeholders to prepare thoroughly and fully engage in this significant global platform," he said.
To support PNG’s participation, a dedicated Expo Secretariat Team, led by Ambassador Gabriel JK Dusava, along with representatives from key stakeholder agencies, will depart for Japan at the end of March 2025.
This team will oversee preparations for the Expo’s official opening on April 13, 2025, manage the PNG Pavilion, and coordinate PNG’s participation throughout the six-month event, Maru said.
