Papua New Guinea started its countdown for its participation in the Osaka World Expo, which is expected to attract up to 28 million visitors with more than 160 countries already confirming their participation.
Prime Minister James Marape commissioned the launch event for PNG and hosted it along with the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru.
Key government leaders, diplomatic corps, stakeholders and business leaders gathered at the Parliament House State Function Room on March 6 to witness the nation’s preparations to strengthen its international trade, tourism, arts, and culture sectors through this global event.
The Expo, set to commence on April 13 and continue for six months, will offer PNG a platform to display its rich cultural diversity to a global audience. Additionally, it will provide a platform for PNG to engage Japanese businesses and attract investment in key sectors such as technology, energy, and agriculture.
Minister Maru said PNG is ready to participate in the Expo, and after 50 years of bilateral and diplomatic relationship between PNG and Japan, he said it is time “to expand connections.” He expressed his gratitude to the Marape government for accepting Japan’s invitation to participate despite challenges.
“Despite all our critics, there are also a lot of people wondering why we are going to Japan. After 50 years of political and diplomatic relations with Japan, it is time to showcase what we have achieved together as friends and partners,” he said.
The minister emphasized the importance of economic cooperation between the two nations, noting that Japan’s exports to Papua New Guinea amount to approximately $3 billion, while PNG exports just under $500 million worth of goods to Japan.
Maru stressed the need for a more balanced trade relationship and called for stronger market access.
“We do not have a trade and investment agreement with Japan. What do we do with the European Union? We don't have a policy agreement with Japan. It’s time to ask the question: Why?”
He highlighted Japan’s infrastructure contributions to PNG such as bridges, roads, and volunteer programs, but pointed out the lack of Japanese tourist arrivals in Papua New Guinea.
Maru said that while 300,000 Japanese tourists visit Australia annually, only 293 visited PNG last year. He stressed the need to tap into Japan’s tourism market, comparing figures with destinations such as Fiji, which attracts 20,000 Japanese tourists annually.
Maru acknowledged Japan as a major international investor but lamented that PNG had not fully leveraged this opportunity, citing Japan’s increasing investments in the Philippines and Thailand.
PNG is set to take an unprecedented approach by establishing a presence at both the Osaka Expo site and a dedicated commercial space in Tokyo. Maru explained that the Tokyo venue would be crucial for business engagements, particularly for promoting PNG’s coffee and seafood exports.
“The event should not just be about showcasing products but should lead to tangible economic benefits. We must reset and strengthen our relationship with Japan. This Expo is our opportunity to make a statement and secure a fairer and more equitable trade relationship,” Maru added.
Commitment to Strengthening Ties
PM Marape, in his keynote address, reiterated the nation's commitment to strengthening its economic and diplomatic relations with Japan as part of PNG’s participation in the Expo. He outlined the government’s strategic focus on expanding trade, investment, and tourism ties with Japan.
“Through this Expo, we aim to take our partnership to a new level and solidify the economic opportunities between our nations,” he added.
The PNG tourism sector will be showcased with a commitment from the Minister for Art, Culture, and Tourism, Hon. Beldan Namah, that Osaka is a “special ring” for tourism, arts, culture, and international trade.
Namah pointed out that Japan is renowned for promoting indigenous art and culture, making it an ideal venue for Papua New Guinea to highlight its diverse traditions and artistic heritage.
Namah noted that Japan's tourism sector is the 22nd largest in the world but stressed the importance of PNG having direct flight access to Japan to fully tap into this market. He urged the government to consider subsidizing flights between Japan and PNG to facilitate tourism and business exchange.
Namah also acknowledged Japan’s contributions to PNG’s infrastructure development, such as the Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport in Morobe Province.
The Minister noted that PNG’s tourism sector aligns with the theme of the Expo, as the event could elevate the country’s profile as a destination for tourists seeking cultural authenticity.
“We are a nation of incredible diversity, with rich traditions, languages, and tourist attractions that deserve to be showcased to the world. This is a pivotal moment for us to unite and show the world our journey as a nation, particularly in the tourism sector, which has become one of our most promising economic drivers,” Namah said.
“Tourism is at the heart of economic growth. It can be a powerful tool for alleviating the challenges faced by our country, including the current economic situation. Tourism, arts, and culture, together with international trade, will allow us to showcase the best of Papua New Guinea on the world stage,” he added.
