The Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Honourable Jelta Wong, on Monday 24th February 2025, addressed the gathering of Pacific Island Leaders at the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) during the weeklong Honiara Summit. Minister Wong emphasized the vision behind ENBi as a collaborative platform aimed at enhancing coordination and cooperation among Pacific Island countries to advance our shared aspirations for sustainable tuna fisheries development. “When discussing the retention of value from our region’s tuna catches, we are reminded of the many challenges facing Pacific Island nations,” Minister Wong said. “These challenges include inadequate infrastructure, unreliable utilities, high operational costs, limited skilled labour, and geographical remoteness from major markets.” “These challenges will persist if we continue to operate independently, with each Pacific country pursuing tuna fishing and processing investments in isolation." "ENBi seeks to shift this paradigm by promoting regional collaboration and leveraging our collective strengths.” ENBi is founded on the belief that Pacific Island nations can achieve more by working together, leveraging each country’s unique strengths to overcome shared challenges. This approach creates opportunities to develop robust business cases that can be pursued with distant water fishing nations, leading fish trading companies, or forward-thinking investors. Minister Wong emphasized that stakeholders recognize the immense value Pacific nations bring as custodians of some of the world’s best managed tuna resources. ENBi serves as a platform for Pacific Island countries to identify strategic entry points, form alliances, and actively participate in commercial tuna ventures and supporting industries. “The essence of our Pacific way of life is at stake if we allow ourselves to be controlled by external forces dictating global prices,” Minister Wong added. “We are the rightful stewards of our resources." "It is imperative that we unite as a cohesive region, rather than allowing ourselves to be picked off one by one." "We must cultivate a narrative that reflects our collective identity, with ENBi as our vital connection.” “The so-called civilized nations that seek to guide our lives often overlook our rich traditions and cultures, offering misleading aid to maintain their relevance while their foreign policies aim to suppress us.” “Fellow Pacific Islanders, this is our moment to stand together." "Just as the tuna roam freely in our waters, we must recognize our power and potential.” He further quoted Lao Tzu, who teaches us: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” In our context, if we retain our fish within our region and process it ourselves, we will secure revenue for generations to come. “Now, more than ever, we can take decisive action amidst global tensions." "We must develop strategies that empower us and safeguard our future." "Let us no longer be passive observers.” “It is time for us to enact meaningful change." "No one understands the Pacific better than we do, and the responsibility to shape our destiny lies solely in our hands." "Together, we will forge a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.” Minister Wong stressed that, despite the vital role Pacific nations play in sustainably managing tuna fisheries, these efforts remain largely unrecognized in global markets. “Our investments in vessel monitoring systems, Observer Programs, and monitoring are integral to responsible fisheries management." "But who benefits from these investments and management plans? Is it us?” Minister Wong is hopeful that one day the ENBi logo will be on canned tuna products, signaling to customers that the benefits derived from the catch, processing, and sale of these products are shared by multiple Pacific Island countries. To realize this, it is imperative that all Pacific nations work with eco-label organizations and internationally recognized NGOs to amplify our message. Minister Wong pointed to the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ Pacific Island Tuna project with Walmart as a prime example of what can be achieved. This project disrupts existing supply chains by aggregating MSC-certified tuna through dockside offloading and freighting to tuna processors for Walmart. He expressed his satisfaction that the Republic of the Marshall Islands intends to scale this opportunity through partnerships with the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, and potentially other Pacific countries. This is what ENBi is all about. “Papua New Guinea aims to position itself as a regional tuna processing hub, like several other Pacific countries." "PNG operates six processing plants, with a combined designed daily processing capacity of over 1,000 metric tonnes."

The final negotiations between the State Negotiating Team and RD Group (RD) for a Joint Venture (JV) between the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and RD to establish a 300 metric-ton (MT) fish cannery at Vidar in Madang was held this morning 25th February 2024. The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, in his opening address stated that the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone (PMIZ) was conceived by the Somare Government 15 years ago when the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was still alive. But sadly, nothing was achieved up to today as a government even though PMIZ has been a priority of every successive Government. “The Marape-Rosso Government is extremely keen to see this project kick off next month with the establishment of a new cannery as the anchor project.” “We do not have to delay anymore." "We have been talking for 15 years." "By next month we must start this project.” “I want to see negotiations finalized today with the new Draft JV Agreement agreed to as soon as possible." “Once both Parties are happy, we will get the State Solicitor to clear it before taking it to the Cabinet for approval and then we can proceed to sign the Agreement and hand over funds to the new JV Company in the next two to three weeks." "We have spent enough time in the negotiations.” Minister Maru explained further that the scope of the project has changed from JV for a new fishing company to now a JV to build a new 300MT fish cannery. “I am thankful that RD agreed to partner the State through our investment vehicle, KCH, to establish this JV so we can start with the cannery which will take one-and-a-half year to complete if we can start the work now.” “Government is partnering RD because it has the experience and expertise in running a cannery and it already has a wharf and a cold storage.” “This project will be funded by the State Equity, but we will use KCH as the vehicle because it is the business arm of the Government.” “The State, Madang Provincial Government and the Madang and Sumkar District Development Authorities will hold 50% of the shares while RD will hold another 50%.” “The new cannery project will cost K160 million." "The State’s share of the equity funds is ready and will be released to the new JV Company to be called the ‘Kumul Fishing Limited’ as soon as the Project Agreement is signed,” said Minister Maru. “The people of Madang must also benefit from the vast spin-off business opportunities from the proposed Madang Integrated Special Economic Zone (SEZ) starting with the new cannery." Minister Maru thanked the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources and the National Fisheries Authority for the Domestication Policy which will be announced next month. “Under this policy, every fishing company in this country will be required to land between 25% and 40% of their catch in PNG, meaning there will be a lot of fish to process.” “At the moment we process 115,000MT of fish a year out of 550,000MT of fish caught in PNG waters, and this is only 20%.” “We are exporting jobs and losing so much value, so our government is moving towards Domestication, thus the new 300MT cannery is expected to create 10,000 new jobs which means 10,000 more people paying income tax and GST”. Maru highlighted that currently all these jobs are created outside the country, and we have been spectators for a long time as rent collectors and this is going to change with the introduction of the Domestication Policy and with the support of our partner, RD. Minister Maru further added, “We want to have ten fish canneries in Madang one day. We want to have a fully-fledged economic zone as a one-stop-shop with everything to do with fishing including fuel depot, slipway, water, wholesale, retail, staff houses, etc.” “We are looking at working with RD after this JV Agreement to bring in some global experts to do a master plan for the proposed Madang Integrated SEZ.”

From the Kokoda Track to the Battle of Milne Bay, Australia and Papua New Guinea share a rich history of standing together in times of adversity, our nations have fought side by side and step by step to protect our people and our way of life. On 24 February 2025, two Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning fighter jets from the 75 Squadron completed a flypast over Jackson International Airport enroute to Australia. Commanding Officer - Papua New Guinea Defence Force Air Transport Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Vavar and Australian Defence Advisor, Colonel Nicholas Trotter were both on hand to welcome RAAF pilots including Commanding Officer 75 Squadron, Wing Commander Andrew Nilson during their lightning visit. With Australia and PNG having a long history of defence cooperation, the visit from 75 Squadron today is just one example of the enduring relationship between our defence forces that extends from the battles of WWII, through to the work our soldiers, sailors, and aviators do together each day as part of our Defence Cooperation Program. The 75 Squadron’s historical connection to PNG is one of courage and resilience. The squadron’s Kittyhawk fighters first landed in Port Moresby in March 1942, playing a crucial role in defending PNG from invasion. The history that 75 Squadron has with PNG is just one small piece of the enduring defence connection between our countries. From the air, the land, and the seas, the defence forces of Australia and PNG have stood side by side. In PNG’s 50th anniversary year, we look forward to what the future of our defence cooperation will bring.

Kumul Petroleunm Holdings Limited (KPHL) has just stated gathering seismic data in Barikewa petroleum retention licence in Gulf Province this month. Kumul Petroleum Managing Director, Wapu Sonk explained that KPHL’s contractor, OilMin Holdings Limited, has for the last few months been engaged in landowner engagement, building camps, helipads and bridging, drilling holes for explosive charges, and laying out the recorders over approximately 80 kilometres in six seismic lines in our two licences, and this week we have started data collection. Mr Sonk explained that this was an historic moment - the first time a 100% national company had engaged in petroleum appraisal work in the country; and that the seismic work would gather additional information on gas already discovered in the two KPHL licences, to increase known volumes of oil and gas they contain and improve targets for possible further drilling. “From seismic results from the Barikewa field, and later in the Kimu field, we will have a better idea of the oil and gas volumes in these licences and be able to assess the economic feasibility of monetising the gas and select a development path.” Mr Sonk explained that the seismic work was in a remote area and thus access inn an out of the area was only possible by helicopter. Mr Sonk highlighted that line cutting was a labour-intensive activity and the OilMin managed operation employed more than 300 local casual employees. He also noted that OilMin and Kumul Petroleum were also involved in small scale community development in communities close to the seismic work activities. “KPHL’s role is to maximise the financial returns that PNG receives from the natural resources it has been blessed with, supporting our economy and development as a country.” “Now that Kumul Petroleum Holdings is actively involved in upstream petroleum appraisal we can progress further commercialisation of PNG’s gas resources, in licences where these discoveries had previously been considered uneconomic and ‘stranded’ fields.”

The Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Jelta Wong, MP, was pleased to announce early this week on Monday 17th February 2024, that Majestic Tuna Corporation will be reopening its tuna processing plant in Malahang, Lae, Morobe Province, before the end of the year, following a change in ownership structure and management. Minister Wong expressed his gratitude to the company’s shareholders—FCF Co. Ltd and Frabelle (PNG) Ltd—for their commitment to restarting operations at the plant, which has been closed since June 2023. With the Majestic Tuna Corporation to reopen it is expected to create over a thousand jobs and generate numerous opportunities for local businesses. This announcement follows the success of the Tuna Investor Consultation held in Singapore on February 17th and 18th, 2025. Minister Wong also highlighted a key outcome of the consultation: the realignment of RD Tuna Canners’ fishing and processing operations, supported by tuna-integrated companies Dongwon Industries, TriMarine International, and FCF Co. Ltd. This collaboration will help RD Tuna Canners strengthen its position as a leading PNG-based tuna processor. The Minister noted that the Tuna Investor Consultation marks an important milestone in the Marape-Rosso Government’s ongoing efforts to position Papua New Guinea as a prime destination for foreign direct investment in the tuna fisheries sector. Minister Wong added that he is pleased to report that the Papua New Guinea National Fisheries Board and the National Fisheries Authority, under his leadership, have worked diligently to review and refine the fisheries policies to facilitate this process. “Our objective is to establish a favourable investment climate that recognizes, and rewards genuine tuna processing companies committed to operating in Papua New Guinea.” “With the strong support of Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and the Economic Ministers, my Ministry, in collaboration with the National Fisheries Authority, has initiated key policy and legislative reforms.” “The participation of Honourable Richard Maru, one of the key economic ministers, in this investor consultation underscores the Government’s commitment to fostering a robust and competitive tuna industry.” Papua New Guinea is the leading tuna processor in the Pacific, with six processing plants and a combined daily processing capacity of over 1,000 metric tonnes. “While this is an impressive achievement, we acknowledge the need for continued improvement, especially in implementing policies that support investment, industry expansion, and operational efficiency through a collective approach.” “The implementation of sound fisheries policies by the National Fisheries Authority, through the rebate scheme and the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) MOA, has yielded positive results. Tuna production at PNG’s tuna processing plants increased by 34%, from 79,209 metric tonnes in 2023 to a record 119,232 metric tonnes in 2024, despite the closure of Majestic Tuna Corporation.” Previously, the highest production throughput was 117,483 metric tonnes in 2021, this positive trajectory demonstrates that PNG is on the right path, and we remain optimistic about the future. The Minister also noted that all tuna processors, including the International Food Corporation, are receiving tuna catches for processing. “The reopening of Majestic Tuna Corporation and the renewal of partnerships between RD Tuna Canners and leading global tuna companies underscores our commitment to growing the fisheries sector and contributing to the PNG economy.” Minister Wong expressed confidence that additional investments, including new foreign direct investments, will flow into PNG’s tuna industry. He also highlighted that the launch of the Tuna Domestication Strategy and an updated National Tuna Fisheries Management Plan, expected in the first half of this year, will further strengthen the sustainable management and development of the tuna fisheries sector. The Government of PNG is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of the fisheries sector. “We are not merely making commitments; we are implementing policies that drive real change,” said the Minister.” “To further enhance the industry, we are establishing a sector-based State-Owned Enterprise, Fisheries Capital Limited (FCL).” “Once approved by Parliament, this SOE will facilitate joint ventures, address industry inefficiencies, and make strategic investments along the tuna value chain to improve the overall business environment.” Minister Wong further announced that PNG is pleased to be working with Pacific nations to implement the East New Britain initiative (ENBi) as a platform for increased coordination and cooperation on sustainable tuna fisheries development within the region. This initiative offers an opportunity to explore the potential for greater retention of the value of tuna catches within the Pacific and is beneficial for all Pacific nations. “Papua New Guinea is not just open for business; we are actively creating an environment that ensures long-term success for investors in our tuna fisheries sector. We look forward to meaningful partnerships that foster mutual growth,” said Wong.

Following an extensive review of the St Barbara portfolio, St Barbara has announced its intention to separate the Atlantic Gold Operations in Nova Scotia, Canada from its broader business portfolio, reinforcing its strategic focus on the Simberi Gold Operations in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. The extensive review of the Company’s portfolio determined that the separation of Atlantic will create an opportunity to maximize value for shareholders and support the advancement of both Atlantic and Simberi projects. The separation is expected to attract capital specific to Atlantic and facilitate its development under a Canadian-listed entity with local leadership, allowing for closer engagement with regulators and its key stakeholders. Following this transition, St Barbara will emerge as a dedicated PNG gold producer, with its capital allocation and management priorities directed entirely towards Simberi. However, St Barbara remains committed to advancing the 5.0 Moz Simberi Sulphide Expansion Project, which is expected to extend the mine life beyond a decade and provide substantial economic and social benefits to the area of the project. The Simberi Sulphide Expansion Project has already demonstrated strong potential, and with this renewed focus, St Barbara will accelerate its efforts to unlock further value from this long-life asset. St Barbara’s Managing Director and CEO, Andrew Strelein, stated that the decision to separate Atlantic from St Barbara is underpinned by the opportunity to unlock the full value potential of the Atlantic projects under a Canadian listed company with a local leadership team. “This is to focus on delivering upcoming project milestones and benefit from being closer to regulators and key stakeholders.” “Atlantic is a highly attractive and financially robust project and has the potential to be in production within 12 months from permitting approval.” Mr. Strelein further added that the separation of Atlantic enables St Barbara to focus solely on the Simberi Sulphide Expansion Project. Recent progress at Simberi has underscored its importance in St Barbara’s future. The 10-year-plus mine plan for Simberi covers the mining of multiple open pits to extract both oxide and sulphide ore reserves. “The Sulphide Expansion Project, which will transition the operation from oxide processing to sulphide ore processing, is a key component of this plan.” A major step in securing Simberi’s future was the acceptance of the Mining Lease renewal application by the Mineral Resources Authority for an early renewal. While early renewals are not uncommon, the Company acknowledges the favourable consideration given to its submission, supported by technical documentation and letters of support from key stakeholders. The next step in the renewal process includes Mining Warden hearings, scheduled to take place in Simberi on 8 April 2025. Although not immediately required, the early purchase of an MMD Sizer identified for the Sulphides Expansion crushing duty has now been completed and is being installed. The equipment will provide significant improvements in crushing and grinding of current oxide and transitional ores in the interim until Sulphides use. Additionally, the early purchase and recent arrival of a new excavator and second low hour excavator required for Sulphides Expansion further supports mining activities, ensuring efficient material movement as the operation continues to advance. “A new accommodation facility has been purchased, including additional camp rooms, kitchen/mess and other buildings, and will provide housing for the additional contractors involved in the construction phase.” “Once completed, these rooms will transition to accommodate employees, supporting the project's long-term workforce as operations progress.” St Barbara is actively advancing the project with the goal of achieving first production from Simberi Sulphides in 2027. To support these objectives, St Barbara successfully completed a A$100 million institutional placement in November 2024. “The funds raised are being directed towards critical infrastructure developments, including the procurement and construction of a new larger 5.8MW ball mill circuit, the expansion of the wharf to accommodate concentrate vessels, and the construction of a new Runof-Mine (ROM) pad.” “These investments are essential to ensuring the efficient processing of sulphide ore and enhancing the overall operational capacity of Simberi.”

Innovation PNG 2025 which is scheduled to happen in March from the 27th to the 28th 2025 at the Stanley Hotel, which will bring in together global leaders, industry pioneers and decision makers. The event will feature an impressive lineup of international keynote speakers, including Mark Pesce (Futurist), Sarah Foo (Xero), Kevin Jessop (IBM), and more. As digital transformation reshapes industries worldwide, Remington Group is proud to drive innovation in Papua New Guinea and is proud to be the Gold Sponsor of Innovation PNG 2025. Reminton company reaffirms its commitment to advancing business solutions, connectivity, and technology-driven progress in PNG, and as a leader in digital print, document, and business solutions, Remington Group will showcase three of its powerhouse business units: - BizPrint – High-quality, cost-effective printing and scanning solutions that enhance efficiency and branding. We streamline workflows, boost productivity, and let you focus on growth—while we handle your printing needs. - FX Business Centre – Advanced office equipment and business technology designed to maximize efficiency and performance. - OF Communications Limited (OFC) – Cutting-edge IT, cybersecurity, and enterprise communication solutions for a secure and connected business environment. These solutions optimise efficiency, automate workflows, and drive productivity, helping businesses stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. As part of its sponsorship, Remington Group is excited to welcome Kevin Jessop, IBM’s Lead FPM Solution Specialist for Asia Pacific, as a featured speaker. Kevin will share insights on AI-driven business intelligence and advanced analytics, aligning with Remington Group’s vision of a smarter, tech-enabled PNG. Navin Raju, CEO of Remington Group, says the Innovation PNG 2025 is a vital investment, thus embracing technology is key to unlocking PNG’s economic potential. “At Remington Group, we’re not just keeping pace—we’re leading digital transformation, our sponsorship reinforces our commitment to innovation, automation, and smart solutions, empowering businesses to thrive."

The Coca-Cola Euro Pacific Partners (CCEP) proudly hosted its third Annual Commercial Conference at The Stanley Hotel on 04th February 2025 here in Port Moresby. The third annual commercial conference brought together more than 80 employees including the commercial leadership team as well. The one-day conference involved the entire Sales and Marketing teams in the four regions with the focus on the 2025 business targets. CCEP PNG’s Sales and Commercial Director Tim Solly stated that It’s not every day that everyone gets to see and hear from colleagues across the country who are doing a phenomenal job delivering their most-loved brands to the PNG market, thus is exciting and refreshing. Mr. Solly acknowledged the team’s collective efforts in achieving 2024 targets, emphasizing the power of collaboration between sales, route-to-market, marketing, and brand teams. “Last year was a great year for the company because we met our target, and this was solely because of the collaborative efforts of our sales, route-to-market, marketing, and brand teams working in synergy.” The day’s sessions were structured to maximize engagement and strategic alignment. The morning session focused on reviewing how CCEP served customers and met consumer expectations in 2024, while also setting ambitious goals to expand and exceed performance in 2025. The afternoon session was a high-energy, interactive program featuring breakout discussions, coaching workshops, and strategy-building activities, culminating in a Q&A session with the Commercial Leadership Team. A highlight of this year’s conference was the inclusion of merchandisers from across PNG, who joined for the first time. For most of these 100 Merchandisers, it was a memorable experience travelling into Port Moresby, as they took a tour of Port Moresby, visited CCEP’s Plant site at Gordon’s, and experienced the Coke Lounge while catching a movie at the Paradise Cinema. Reflecting on the energy and enthusiasm of the conference, Solly added, “Seeing the passion, dedication, and drive from our teams reaffirms that we have an incredible year ahead.” “Our success is built on teamwork, and with the strategies we’ve set in motion today, I have no doubt we will continue to lead and grow in 2025.”

Kavieng Stadium in New Ireland province was packed this morning with people travelling in from all over the province to attend the memorial service for late Sir Julius Chan. Late Sir Julius Chan’s casket was placed in a tradition house in the middle of the stadium. The program started off with an hour service conducted by catholic priest Fr. Justin Amino followed by tributes. After the memorial service, the traditional customary Haus Cry obligation was conducted by various Local Level Governments, communities, business communities, representatives from other provinces and individuals, who came with pigs and traditional food items including traditional shell money (mis) as well as cash and presented all of that to the immediate family members of late Sir Julius Chan. Even the prisoners from the Kavieng Prison facility along with their Correctional Officers were present at the Customary Obligation Ceremony to pay their last respects. After a long 5 hours of Customary obligation activities done by others, the Chinese Community in New Ireland Province also turned up to pay their respect and participate in the program. The Chinese community presented K50,000 worth of food supplies which were already transported to Huris to late Sir Julius’ residents. A mis and K5000 was presented to Ms. Vanessa Chan by the Chinese Community Chairman, as a token of their contribution to the Chan family. The Chinese community also gave a mis and another K5000.00 to member for Namatanai, Minister Walter Shnaubelt. The Chinese community also presented 4 pigs and traditional food items on top of the cash contributions made. The Customary Obligation program ended at around 3:20pm, with the guard of honor by PNG Defense Force personnel, who then placed the casket on to the transporting vehicle and the casket left the Kavieng Stadium for the final time at around 3:45pm this afternoon, wrapping up today’s program.

The casket and the body of the Last Man Standing, the late Sir Julius Chan is now Lying in State at the National Parliament House for the last time. Whilst the casket is in the Parliament, members of the public, government officials and school students lined up outside the Parliament on the Independence Boulevard Drive to pay their last respect. Most came as early as 8am to wait outside to get a gleam of the casket as it made its way into the Parliament house for the last time. Students from Waigani Primary, Waigani Christian Academy, Wardstrip Primary,St Peters Primary and other schools in the Moresby North East and Moresby North West District graced the sides of the Boulevard Drive and the side of the Parliament fence with their school uniforms. These students will pay their last respect and bid farewell to one of our founding fathers,Late Sir Julius Chan. After the Lay in State, the casket will proceed to the APEC Terminal where it will depart for Kavieng New Ireland Province at 12:30pm.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a renewal of Gale wind warning for all Coastal Waters of Southern PNG -Indonesia border to Daru to Kiwai Islands, including Gulf of Papua and the Southwest of Coral Sea. The NWS is warning that there will be very strong Northwest winds of 34 to 47 knots that are expected to persist or continue for the next 24hrs and may cause very rough high seas that may lead to possible accidents at sea. Thus, all small crafts and boats are advised to take necessary precautions before going out to sea, or to completely avoid going out to sea, especially over the warning areas. Furthermore, the NWS is urging all people living along the coastlines and small islands take these warnings seriously as it will save lives, stating that it is better to be safe now and travel another time than to ignore warnings and find oneself in danger.

The Defence Rugby League Club will resume trainings for 2025 Port Moresby Rugby Season this month. Head Coach Mr. Wesley Laveliu stated that the club will be resuming its first week of training on Monday 3rd of February. “Trainings will start come this Monday and training start time is 4pm as usual, and the venue is at Murray Barracks.” “All players are encouraged to come prepared and ready to give your best for this new season.” Defence Rugby League Club also extends invitations to all interested players and new interested talents to join the club this season. “This is a new season, and we want to make this count and a season to remember, thus we want to kick it off with enthusiasm and determination starting from training all the way to the start of the season on the field.” Mr. Laveliu added that all are reminded that when coming for training all must wear proper training outfits and shoes, no jeans or other shorts are allowed, plus no slippers or being bare feet is allowed as it is important to be flexible and safe whilst on training.