More than 400 participants are expected to attend the 5th European Union–Papua New Guinea Business Forum in Port Moresby next week as Papua New Guinea and the European Union seek to strengthen investment and business partnerships.

Speaking during a press conference yesterday hosted by the National Trade Office, European Union Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, H.E. Erika Hasznos said this year’s forum will focus entirely on Papua New Guinea and attracting more European investment into the country.

“We decided to have the business forum in Port Moresby, and it is only focusing on European Union–Papua New Guinea business,” Ambassador Hasznos said.

She said the latest 2025 trade figures showed trade between Papua New Guinea and the European Union has grown by 60 percent over the past decade.

According to Ambassador Hasznos, the European Union is now Papua New Guinea’s fourth-largest export market and fourth-largest trading partner overall.

She said the European Union continues to import large amounts of fisheries and high-quality agricultural products from Papua New Guinea.

Ambassador Hasznos also highlighted the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy, which supports sustainable investments in renewable energy, transport, digital connectivity, and infrastructure development.

She confirmed that major announcements on future infrastructure and investment projects, including updates on the redevelopment of Rabaul Port into the Pacific’s first green port, will be made during the forum.

The Ambassador said 80 representatives from European companies and organisations have already registered to attend, many of whom will be visiting Papua New Guinea for the first time.

Participants will also include Papua New Guinea businesses, state-owned enterprises, government agencies and international development partners such as the European Investment Bank, Asian Development Bank, IMF and the World Bank.

Prime Minister James Marape is expected to officially open the forum alongside senior government officials and European Union representatives.

The conference will include discussions on sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy, digital transformation, extractive industries, and agricultural value chains.

Major European companies expected to participate include Nokia, Airbus and Total Energies, along with smaller firms specialising in mining equipment and investment support services.

Ambassador Hasznos encouraged local media organisations to register and cover the event, saying the forum would create opportunities for stronger business partnerships between Papua New Guinea and Europe.