The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru has clarified that Papua New Guinea (PNG) currently has only four officially licensed Special Economic Zones (SEZs) while the others are yet to be recognized.These four licensed zones are Paga Hill, Sea Park, Pacific Lime and Cement and the PNG Trade Centre. Minister Maru clarified that although four additional projects have received in-principle approval from the National Executive Council (NEC), they are not yet recognized as SEZs because they have not secured licenses from the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA). These include the Portside Gardens SEZ, Lae Port SEZ, Caution Bay SEZ and the Finschhafen Integrated SEZ. He explained that SEZA will only issue licenses once all requirements are met, including securing State land, ensuring access to utilities and demonstrating sufficient funding capacity for development. The Minister urged developers and management of the pending zones to formalize their status by applying for licenses, enabling investors to access government-backed SEZ incentives. “You cannot promote yourselves as SEZs until you are licensed,” he said, expressing disappointment that PNG Ports Corporation and Kumul Consolidated Holdings have yet to apply for licenses for the Lae Port and Portside Gardens SEZs despite receiving conceptual approval and government encouragement. He added that there is already investor interest in both locations. Meanwhile, six additional SEZ proposals are currently under assessment at different stages. Reflecting on a recent visit to Shenzhen with Prime Minister James Marape, Minister Maru highlighted the transformative impact of SEZs. He noted that Shenzhen, declared an SEZ in 1980, has grown from a small fishing village into a global technology hub with a population of over 20 million and a GDP of US$558 billion in 2025. “This demonstrates the power of SEZs,” he said. “Despite criticism, we will continue to prioritize SEZ development as a key driver of employment and long-term economic growth in PNG. The success of Shenzhen shows the potential SEZs have to transform nations.”

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), alongside Australian and New Zealand forces and supported by provincial health services, conducted a Medical Civil Aid Program (MEDCAP) in Central Province from 20th April to 1st May 2026.The initiative delivered primary health engagement, including health education, community liaison, and limited clinical services, targeting communities with reduced access to routine healthcare. The MEDCAP visited seven remote villages, providing PNGDF personnel with practical experience in trauma care, tropical diseases, vaccinations, and maternal health education. The operation also supported specialized first aid qualifications, strengthening PNGDF capability for future exercises and operations. PNGDF Warrant Officer Jerry Aihi, the Senior Instructor of the Medical Wing, expressed hope at seeing similar activities in the future. “We hope to see more remote places that we have never seen. Then we will have the experience, and also our allied teams will have the experience in Papua New Guinea so we can work together, side by side.” Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) aims to foster interoperability between the PNGDF and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), while enhancing health service delivery to remote communities. Major Campbell Thelander, DCP Training Staff Officer stated that this was an example of Australia and Papua New Guinea working together to deliver health support and health service into the community. “This is interoperability in action, building important links at the grass roots level and understanding the challenges, issues and environments that they work in.” “That exchange of cultural ideas is valuable when we come to work together later.”

The National Capital District (NCD) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) extends its sincerest gratitude for essential drugs presented to the Morata urban clinic by the Member for Moresby Northwest, Lohia Boe Samuel.This timely support strengthens the clinic’s capacity to serve the growing population of the Morata suburb and surrounding communities. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NCDPHA Dr. Robin Oge, expressed his appreciation, stating, “We sincerely thank Lohia Boe Samuel for his commitment to the health and wellbeing of our people. This donation of essential medicines will directly benefit patients who rely on Morata Clinic for primary healthcare services. Partnerships like this demonstrate the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all residents of the National Capital District.” The Morata clinic receives hundreds of patients weekly; the health facility continues to play a critical role in delivering frontline healthcare services. This donation will ease immediate needs and support patient care outcomes. The Clinic Manager Sr. Polyn Dean highlighted that the contribution comes at a critical time for the clinic. “We are grateful for the Member’s support, which will enable us to provide consistent treatment and care to our patients. It is encouraging to see leaders working hand in hand with health authorities to meet the needs of our community.” The NCDPHA maintains its commitment to fostering strong partnerships with leaders and communities to improve healthcare delivery across the National Capital District. The Authority urges all stakeholders to work together to ensure that every resident has access to essential medicines services.

Australia is backing a new grassroots partnership in Menyamya District, Morobe Province, aimed at strengthening health and adult literacy services following the signing of a formal agreement between church and district authorities. The partnership was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and the Menyamya District Development Authority (DDA), under the PNG-Australia Partnership’s Church Partnership Program (CPP). Signed on Monday the 4th of May, the agreement follows extensive community consultations where residents raised concerns over limited health services, workforce shortages, and gaps in adult literacy programs. These issues were raised through social accountability activities and later fed into district planning processes. According to ADRA, the partnership is designed to move beyond consultation and into practical delivery of services shaped by community priorities. “For us, this partnership is about getting practical support to people where it matters most,” said Bernard Paru, CPP Program Manager at ADRA. “With support from the PNG-Australia Partnership, we work alongside communities in Menyamya every day, and this agreement strengthens our ability to improve health services and adult literacy in ways that respond to real needs and can be sustained over time.” The Australian Government, through its Consulate in Lae, also welcomed the initiative. Australian Consul General in Lae, Mr. Brenton Kanowski, said the agreement reflects the strength of collaboration between communities, churches, and local authorities. “This agreement shows what is possible when communities, churches and local government work together,” Mr. Kanowski said. “By listening to community concerns and embedding them in district planning, this partnership is helping to strengthen health and literacy services in ways that are practical, locally led and sustainable.” The initiative forms part of the broader Church Partnership Program, funded under the PNG-Australia Partnership, which has operated since 2004. It formalizes cooperation between Papua New Guinea’s mainline churches and Australian church partners to support service delivery in health, education, gender-based violence prevention, peacebuilding, and community resilience. Officials say the Menyamya agreement reflects a growing shift toward community-driven development, where local voices play a direct role in shaping service delivery.

Keeping a strong, healthy and safe workplace is always a daily priority in every organization because it helps to reduce unwanted incidents in a workplace, something which Mr. Nakikus Tion knows very well.Mr. Nakikus is the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Field Officer with Australia’s Economic and Social Infrastructure Program (ESIP) in Papua New Guinea (PNG). In partnership with the Government of PNG, ESIP delivers critical infrastructure across energy, telecommunications, health and markets, while also supporting PNG’s state-owned enterprise reform program. Each day, hundreds of people work across ESIP project sites and offices. HSE professionals like Nakikus play a vital role in protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of workers, contractors, and partners. Through regular health and safety training, delivered with the PNG Fire Service and St John Ambulance, Nakikus and his team are building safety capability. The training and awareness sessions help staff, contractors and partners understand safety risks and respond confidently in both on-site and office settings. Strong health and safety practices help reduce workplace incidents. Training improves awareness and decision-making, enabling workers to identify risks early and apply safe work practices every day. Project staff build safety into day-to-day work, from site inductions and prestart safety meetings to clear safety requirements for contractors and visitors. This consistent approach encourages everyday safe behaviours, such as workers feeling confident to raise risks, checking conditions before starting tasks and following agreed safety procedures. “If safety messaging can save one life, it is worth repeating,” Nakikus said. “It helps build a strong culture of safety, which is just as important as building the infrastructure.” “It helps build a strong culture of safety, which is just as important as building the infrastructure.” Reflecting on why health and safety matters most to him, Nakikus said everyone deserves to go to work and return home safely.

In the final match of the 2026 Digicel Exxon Mobil (DEM) Cup Round 4 in Lae city yesterday saw the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis came from behind to draw 14 points all with the premiers Lae Snax Tigers, leaving the 2025 champions sitting on the 9th place on the ladder.Back in the Nation’s Capital, in the double header match at the Santos National Football Stadium saw Kroton Hela Wigmen hold off PRK Gulf Isou with a 20-12 points win. While the Gas Resource Central Dabaris were too good for ENB Agmark Gurias with a convincing 38-20 points victory. The match played at Aipus Oval in Wabag saw the home side NPL Enga Mioks had their home supporters disappointed with a 6-30 points loss at the hands of a classy PRK Mendi Muruks outfit. Mioks manage to score the first try in the opening 6 minutes, which turned out to be their only point for the match as the Muruks dominated to pile on 30 points to win. Meanwhile, Kandes escaped a narrow 18-16 win over the Wamp NGA Mt Hagen Eagles in Minj, to leave the Eagles the only team with no win after 4 rounds of footy. Moni Plus NCDC Pom Vipers late try to Jordan Palus in the 78th minute gave them a 26-20 points escape at the hands of the Asila Waghi Tumbe in Minj. After Round 4, the top 5 teams see Vipers on top with no losses leading with 8 points, Dabaris, Muruks and Wigmen all sit on 6 points and Lahanis on 5 points wrapping up the Top 5.

Kaul Coastal in North Karkar has received its first-ever IFAD fishing device, marking a significant boost for the fisheries sector in Sumkar District of Madang province.The project, funded by the Sumkar District Development Authority (SDDA), was officially launched by Member for Sumkar and Vice Minister for Petroleum, Alexander Suguman Orme. Speaking at the event, Orme described the installation as a milestone for the district, saying the device will improve fishing efficiency, increase productivity, and support coastal livelihoods. Local fishing groups have welcomed the initiative, with further funding support announced to help expand operations and maximize the benefits of the new device. Ward Member Rodney Dawi thanked the MP for his leadership, noting that the project will strengthen incomes and drive sustainable economic growth in the area. The IFAD installation reflects SDDA’s continued focus on practical development in key sectors, particularly fisheries, across rural communities in Sumkar.

The newly appointed Director of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) Mr. Isaac Lupari was quite pleased with the working progress at the two facilities owned by the State-Owned Company just outside Port Moresby city.Mr. Lupari, accompanied by KPHL acting Managing Director Dr. Luke Liria, on Saturday, visited two of the company’s major project sites – the Motukea Fuel Facility and the Caution Bay Training and Fabrication Facility, and was pleased with what he saw. "It is pleasing to see that these facilities are at an advanced stage of completion. The Motukea Fuel Facility will be mechanically complete next week, services are connected, staff have been recruited and after commissioning in June, it will be ready for commercial operations in August.” “The Motukea facility has the capacity to hold 12 million litres of JetA1 fuel and was built in response to Government and public concerns about fuel security at the time when Puma stopped importing fuel.” At KPHL’s Caution Bay site, director Lupari saw that the Training Academy was structurally complete and that the Safe, Live Processing Plant, previously installed at the Kumul Petroleum Academy at Idubada, had been transported to the site in preparation for the next session of technical training to commence. The nearby 294-man camp was complete and ready to service future petroleum development contractors operating in the Caution Bay area. Mr. Lupari added,” The KPHL Board is critically reviewing all major project activities that KPHL is undertaking, including assessing the most effective management for these important facilities going forward.” “These Kumul Petroleum initiatives are aimed at supporting the development of the petroleum and other resource industries in Papua New Guinea, and maximizing national content in them. We are looking forward to FID for Papua LNG and KPHL’s involvement in all aspects of that project.” Director Lupari confirmed that Kumul Petroleum’s main focus at present was preparing to take up equity in the Papua LNG Project, and that KPHL remained committed to continuing to work closely with the government, industry partners, and financiers to achieve sustainable growth and national prosperity. “Kumul Petroleum remains a cornerstone in the development and safeguarding of PNG’s natural resources sector, whilst simultaneously contributing to achieving socio-economic goals through our nation-building projects.”

Papua New Guinea’s recent grey listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has drawn attention across the business sector, but banking leaders say it should be seen as part of a global compliance process rather than a penalty.Westpac PNG Chief Executive Andrew Cairns said grey listing indicates areas where financial crime prevention systems can be improved under international monitoring and does not reflect negatively on the integrity of the country’s banks, businesses or citizens. He said many countries have undergone similar processes and successfully implemented reforms. Mr. Cairns noted that work is already underway in Papua New Guinea, led by government and supported by regulators and the private sector, to strengthen financial systems and meet international standards. He added that while grey listing may lead to increased scrutiny from international partners and cautious investor sentiment in the short term, it also presents an opportunity to improve coordination, enhance financial intelligence and build stronger regulatory frameworks. Mr. Cairns expressed confidence in PNG’s economic outlook, highlighting the country’s natural resources, growing population, and pipeline of major projects as key drivers of future growth. He said the banking sector will continue to play a critical role in supporting businesses and communities, while maintaining strong compliance standards to uphold trust in the financial system. Mr. Cairns also emphasized Westpac’s long-standing presence in the country, noting that the bank has witnessed PNG overcome challenges in the past and remains confident in its resilience. He said with continued collaboration between government, regulators and industry, Papua New Guinea can successfully exit the grey list and emerge with a stronger and more resilient financial system.

The recent 2nd PNG Media Summit 2026 on Friday, May 1st was a success thanks to the people and organizations that supported it, like Remington Hi- Tek.Remington Hi-Tek supported it with a funding of K3,000, reaffirming its commitment to advancing technology and supporting industry development in the region.The company, a key division of the Remington Group, provided the funding in the form of Hi-Tek vouchers that were used during the summit in Port Moresby city. This marked the second consecutive year that Remington has supported the event, signaling a strengthening partnership with its organizers.The summit centered on the theme “Elevating Pacific Media: AI in Media and Regional Cooperation”, which reflected a growing emphasis on the role of artificial intelligence in journalism and the importance of collaboration across Pacific nations.Remington Hi-Tek’s continued involvement aligned with its broader strategy to expand technological solutions across the Pacific. Company representatives noted that supporting initiatives like the summit helps build capacity within the media sector and encourage innovation.Through that sponsorship, Remington aims to help equip Papua New Guinea’s media industry with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving digital landscape, particularly as AI-driven technologies reshape how news is produced and distributed.

The National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has allocated K4.5 million in disaster relief funding to provinces impacted by Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Maila in Papua New Guinea (PNG).The funding will support the worst-affected areas, including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Milne Bay, East New Britain, New Ireland, Manus, Morobe, West New Britain and Northern provinces. Announcing the assistance, Acting Prime Minister John Rosso, on behalf of the Government, commended the Board for its swift response, acknowledging the leadership of Minister for Bougainville Affairs and Minister responsible for NGCB, Manasseh Makiba, Board Chairman Jack Lohia and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Registrar, Ms. Imelda Agon. Mr. Rosso said it was encouraging to see national agencies like the NGCB stepping up to support the country’s intensified emergency response and delivering much-needed assistance to affected communities. He described the scale of destruction as devastating, while praising the collective efforts of provincial governments, the PNG Defence Force, humanitarian organizations, international partners, and the NGCB in responding to the crisis. “The Government is moving quickly and strategically to formalize a disaster response plan and address immediate relief needs, ensuring aid reaches those most affected,” he said. Minister Makiba thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership during the crisis, describing the cyclone as one of the most powerful natural disasters to hit Papua New Guinea. He reaffirmed NGCB’s commitment to working alongside the Government and supporting communities during difficult times. “The National Gaming Control Board remains committed to assisting communities in need and will continue to work collaboratively with the Government to ensure timely and effective delivery of support,” he said. The funding was provided through NGCB’s Give Back Program, which focuses on improving the wellbeing of communities across PNG.

YWAM Medical Ships Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) recently gathered onboard the MV YWAM PNG to celebrate the successful completion of Phase One of the vessel’s Life Extension Project.This vital investment ensures the ship will remain operational for the next 10 years, continuing its mission to serve remote communities. The event served as an opportunity to acknowledge the collective effort behind this work, including the support of the Australian Government, the Government of Papua New Guinea, and the recently formalized collaboration with the PNG Sustainable Development Program. At the heart of the evening was a simple message: lasting impact is achieved through collaboration and partnership, building on solid foundations to bring hope to communities and shape a stronger Papua New Guinea. After operating extensively along the PNG coastline for many years, the MV YWAM PNG is currently in Western Province. As a registered health facility, the vessel plays a unique role in reaching areas where healthcare access is limited. In one instance, volunteer medical teams supported a local family with clinical techniques to strengthen their child's muscles and develop essential feeding skills, easing a burden they had carried for years. Dr. Miriam Boga, Chief Executive officers (CEO) of the Western Provincial Health Authority, noted that stories like these underscore the importance of partnership. “Access and empowerment are so important,” Dr. Boga said. “On behalf of WPHA, we appreciate the services provided by YWAM Medical Ships in supporting holistic patient care.” As the MV YWAM PNG prepares to sail again, the focus remains on strengthening local capacity and contributing to a national vision where every community is connected and equipped. Australia remains a steadfast partner in ensuring essential healthcare is within reach for every PNG citizen.