PNG Has Unlimited Investment Opportunities: Minister Maru

Brisbane, Australia, August 12, 2025- As we celebrate our country’s golden jubilee, we, as a country have undertaken a serious review of our economic progress over the last 50 years and we are frankly not happy with our economic performance.

This statement was made by the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, in his opening address yesterday to the delegates who had gathered for the 13th Business Advantage Papua New Guinea (PNG) Investment Conference in Brisbane, Australia.

Minister Maru gave an honest review of PNG’s economic performance in the last 50 years and the path to economic independence.

“Our GDP is only US$32 billion when other countries like Singapore (over US$501 billion), New Zealand (over US$252 billion), Japan (over US$4 trillion) and the Philippines (about US437 billion) who are less endowed with resources and smaller than PNG in terms of land size have done very well economically in the last 50 years. Our biggest failure since independence has been our inability to grow our economy and being able to generate revenue inflows and employment and business opportunities that our current population of over 10 million needs. That is why we have serious challenges including issues with cash flow, law and order, a declining kina, and we are running out of forex when we have eight resource projects in operation. These now demands us to come up with new policies and strategies, make the tough decisions, and formulate a new roadmap to lead us into economic independence by 2032,” said Minister Maru.

Minister Maru said PNG’s economy had the potential to grow despite the challenges.

“We have learnt our lessons over the last 50 years and we will not keep doing business the same way. We are using Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as our main vehicle to transform our economy with four SEZs already licensed and seven more to be licensed before the end of this year. We will go into downstream processing and value adding all our resources, replacing all imports that we can produce domestically like rice and cement, and growing our exports. We also have seven new resource projects in the pipeline that will be coming on line in the next 10 years. We have a very exciting journey ahead of us and PNG will be a very exciting and attractive investment destination despite our challenges. To our investors who are already investing in PNG, you need to stay put and invest in growing your businesses because the next 20 years will be the most exciting times in PNG's economic development. You have been with us in the difficult times and are assured of better times ahead of us. To those who wish to invest in PNG, first mover advantage is important - make your move now when the opportunities are here,” said Minister Maru.

Minister Maru said the Marape-Rosso Government will be aggressive and deliberate in attracting major investments.

“We have realized that we are competing with the rest of the world for the same investment dollars, hence, we are offering incentives within our SEZs for investments that will create the much-needed jobs, generate wealth, replace imports and value add our resources.  We are also insisting on Air Service Agreements with a number of countries for their airlines to arrive in PNG, starting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Emirates to start arriving this year. We want to complement this with offering visa on-arrival. We have also established Trade Commission Service with already Honorary Trade Commissioners appointed to Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. We are also working on entering into Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with countries like the UAE, New Zealand, China and Japan to secure free market access for our goods,” said Minister Maru.

“It is significant that we open up our market access, bring down the cost of doing business, create competition, improve our law and order, unlock our customary land for investments, solve our power problems by bringing in more independent power producers, and provide visa on-arrival for more tourism and business inflows. Meanwhile, we are building and maintaining more roads under the Connect PNG Program with priority given to roads that have high economic values,” he said.

“We are making a new start and charting a new course to unlock our unlimited opportunities to be an economic powerhouse and a very prosperous nation given our vast natural endowments. It has taken us 50 years to get here, but we are now awake, we have learnt and we are ready to make the tough calls including changing our resource laws to go into production sharing. Our focus will be on replacing imports, downstream processing, starting new industries and growing industries like oil palm to increase exports,” added Minister Maru.

Minister Maru further invited potential investors to attend the upcoming 2nd PNG SEZs Summit that will be hosted in Port Moresby from August 31st to September 3rd as it would be a great opportunity to learn more about the investment opportunities in PNG, establish new partnerships and canvas new and exciting business opportunities.

Ends…//

Approved for Release

Hon. Richard Maru, BTech, MBA, OBE, MP

Minister for International Trade & Investment

Big Moves!✊🏿Mali 🇲🇱, Niger 🇳🇪, and Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 come together to create an investment AES bank

Big Moves!✊🏿

Mali 🇲🇱, Niger 🇳🇪, and Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 come together to create an investment AES bank to support self-driven development and reduce reliance on foreign donors.

This Bank will give loans at a 0.75 percent interest rate per annum to creative and business minded individuals with the ambition to create and be productive.

They will put about 5% of their tax money into the bank and pay less attention to Africa Development Bank.

God bless Africa!

A REMINDER OF COLONIALISM IN RELATION TO COMMONWEATH COUNTRIES TODAY

Personally, I despise the monarchy and everything it represents. The Crown has built its wealth on stolen land, exploited resources, slavery and genocide. These are facts, not opinions.

So why are we, an independent nation, continuing to celebrate and honor such a vile establishment? Why do we need some fake recognition from a vile empire.

Our ancestors once roamed freely on this land until the ships landed on our shores univited. They said, in the name of the King, they discovered a land and called it a colony to the empire. But there were people already living on that land idiots, this isn't Mars, its the home of indigenous people who own that land as their home.

These empires came in, stole all our resources and rare earth minerals, used locals as cheap labor for the farms and industries, killed our people for unintended mistakes like not making their cup of tea properly, etc. They literally looted and plundered all that was valuable only to enrich the wealth of their monarch. 

Thus, honoring the King’s Birthday or getting the knighthood or some useless medals from that same vile empire  is another unwanted reminder of colonial rule. We shouldn't be honoring anything about this monarch, but yet we continue to attach ourselves to this bafoonery. We should be celebrating their deaths instead because that is a good reminder of how bad colonialism was. The death of Queen Elizabeth should now be a holiday.

Besides, we don't get anything from being a member of the Commonwealth except some meaningless medals and unnecessary titles to some gullible individuals. We call ourselves members of the Commonwealth, but the actual wealth is not equal. There is a massive gap between our level of poverty and their wealth, so what makes us common in wealth? Very stupid of us still calling ourselves common wealth.

50 years of longlong is enough. At this anniversary, PNG should now cut off any resemblance of this imperial monstrosity.

Diplomatic sensitivities can rise over PM’s statement on island sovereignty amid ongoing negotiations with France

By Terence Malapa Aug 9, 2025 Updated Aug 9, 2025

A recent statement by Vanuatu Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat during the nation’s 45th Independence Anniversary celebrations has raised diplomatic concerns, as his declaration regarding the return of the contested southern islands Umaenupne (Matthew) and Leka (Hunter) appears to misrepresent the current status of negotiations with France.

In his July 30 address, PM Napat told the public: “I am very pleased to announce to the people of Vanuatu, as we mark this 45th anniversary of independence, that soon we will reconnect with the two southern islands, Umaenupne and Leka, also known as Matthew and Hunter. This is a very important outcome of the meeting that the Deputy Prime Minister and I had with Emmanuel Macron in Paris. These two islands are being returned to us (in Bislama: tufala island ia i stap kam bak).”

While this statement was welcomed domestically, it contrasts with the ongoing nature of negotiations, as outlined in a Joint Communiqué released by both France and Vanuatu following the PM's working visit to Paris on July 23. The communiqué noted a shared commitment to “maintaining an open, transparent, and constructive dialogue” on both maritime boundary delimitation and the sovereignty of the islands, with formal negotiations scheduled to begin in Port Vila this autumn.

The Joint Communiqué further noted: “The two leaders agreed that the first round of renewed negotiations will be held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, this autumn, and that a second round will take place in France before the end of the year.”

Contrary to a finalised agreement, the communiqué confirms that discussions remain ongoing and no formal resolution on sovereignty has yet been reached.

In another part of his speech, PM Napat appeared to recognise the provisional nature of the discussions: “I also thank President Macron and the French government, who agreed to allow the process to begin and gave us until the end of this year to settle our maritime borders and these two islands, which, as we all know, belong to us.”

To clarify the PM's comments, his Public Relations Officer, Kiery Manassah, told the Vanuatu Daily Post: “The Prime Minister meant that the islands are coming back. We are negotiating the terms and various rights of sovereignty.”

This clarification indicates the statement was intended to reflect optimism about the outcome of the negotiations rather than indicate a concluded agreement.

Diplomatic analysts cautioned that making public declarations of sovereignty before the conclusion of formal negotiations may undermine mutual trust and the spirit of cooperation guiding the dialogue. Such statements could complicate the sensitive diplomatic process currently underway between Vanuatu and France.

The disputed islands, located in the southern maritime region between Vanuatu and New Caledonia (a French overseas territory), have long been a sensitive issue between the two nations. Vanuatu claims sovereignty based on historical and geographic grounds, while France currently administers the islands.

Negotiations on maritime boundaries and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), which include the islands in question, were previously held in 2018 and 2019. The current renewed dialogue was initiated after President Macron’s 2023 visit to Port Vila and has been framed by both sides as a way to promote regional cooperation, stability, and new opportunities for partnership.

terence@dailypost.vu

Nomane Declares Himself PNG’s Legitimate Opposition Leader, Calls on Tomuriesa to Join Government

Sunday 10 Aug 2025 | PNG Online News |

MEMBER for Chuave, Hon. James Nomane, has firmly asserted his claim as the legitimate Leader of the Opposition (LO) in Papua New Guinea, following a prolonged leadership dispute that has divided the Opposition caucus and drawn in the Speaker and Prime Minister.

In June 2025, a clear majority of Opposition MPs — ten out of eighteen — endorsed Nomane as their leader. This followed the decision of the incumbent Opposition Leader, Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa, to focus on leading the People’s Progress Party (PPP), effectively reducing his support to a one-man faction.

Despite this majority support, Tomuriesa has refused to step down, citing ambiguous procedural grounds. On 29 July, Speaker Hon. Job Pomat publicly recognized Tomuriesa as Leader of the Opposition and called on the MPs to resolve the matter internally. In response, the majority of Opposition MPs individually reaffirmed their support for Nomane in writing.

The dispute escalated on 8 August when Hon. Brian Kramer interrupted a parliamentary session, citing Section 64 of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) to contest Nomane’s claim. 

With backing from Prime Minister James Marape, the Speaker delayed formal recognition of Nomane’s leadership.

In a statement today, Nomane sharply criticized the Speaker’s decision, accusing him, the Prime Minister, and Tomuriesa of succumbing to political pressure. 

“The one thing the Prime Minister, Mr. Tomuriesa, and the Speaker have in common is they are all weak as water. It’s a crying shame,” Nomane said.

He vowed to take his case to the National Court if necessary, stating, “If the Speaker does not recognize that I am the legitimate Leader of the Opposition after two votes showing majority support, then the court will.”

Nomane also issued a direct challenge to Tomuriesa, urging him to accept his diminished support and take his place on the government benches. 

“I invite Mr. Tomuriesa to stop pretending and take his seat on the government side and watch me fight the good fight for the people of Papua New Guinea,” he said.

Nomane promised strong and uncompromising leadership, pledging to hold Prime Minister Marape and his government accountable. 

“No more word salads, no more blabbering, no misfires, no compromise,” he declared.

The leadership standoff highlights ongoing tensions within PNG’s political landscape as the country approaches its 50th independence anniversary.

MONUMENT UNVEILED TO HONOR PAPUA NEW GUINEA’S FOUNDING FATHER, SIR MICHAEL SOMARE

A new bronze monument honoring Sir Michael Somare, Papua New Guinea’s first Prime Minister and founding father, was unveiled on Thursday evening in front of Parliament House. 

The ceremony marked a moment of national reflection, unity, and a call to remember the values Sir Michael stood for.

Prime Minister James Marape emphasized that the monument is more than just a statue.

“We enshrine the memory of a man whose life carved into destiny our nation,” he said. 

The sculpture faces the Parliament building and symbolizes the ideals of unity, humility, service, and self-determination that Sir Michael embodied.

The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Lady Veronica Somare, members of Parliament, provincial governors, diplomats from around the world, and members of Sir Michael’s family. 

The presence of international representatives highlighted Sir Michael’s legacy of diplomacy and friendship beyond Papua New Guinea’s borders.

Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged the support of Indonesia, whose artisans and engineers crafted the bronze statue. 

“We thank the Government of Indonesia for this gift of friendship,” he said. 

The collaboration symbolizes the strong relationship between the two nations, built on shared history and ongoing partnership.

https://info.gov.pg/monument-unveiled-to-honor-papua-new-guineas-founding-father-sir-michael-somare/

@sorotan

No archaeological evidence of cannibalism found in Vanuatu despite oral history references

A leading French archaeologist working in Vanuatu has shed light on some of the country’s oldest funerary traditions, revealing new insight into ancient customs and debunking popular assumptions about cannibalism through the lens of science.

Dr Frédérique Valentin, a bioarcheologist from France’s Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), has been working in the Pacific for years and is best known in Vanuatu for her contributions to the archaeological site of Teouma on Efate. In an interview with FM107 French Programme “Franco des Iles “ Dr Valentin discussed her ongoing work and discoveries that continue to shape our understanding of the archipelago’s early human settlements.

At Teouma, Dr Valentin and her team uncovered 68 funerary contexts, revealing a complex ritual system practiced over 3,000 years ago. Strikingly, none of the buried skeletons had skulls. Instead, skulls were found in separate deposits elsewhere—sometimes alone, sometimes associated with headless bodies—indicating a tradition of skull removal and ceremonial relocation.

 “This shows that the skull held deep significance for the earliest populations of Vanuatu, particularly during the Lapita period,” said Dr Valentin. “The practice of separating the skull from the body still echoes today in some areas like Malekula, where traditional customs include preserving the skull after decomposition, sometimes even modelling it into rambaramp funerary effigies.”

While oral history in Vanuatu refers to cannibalism, particularly in Malekula, Dr Valentin stated clearly that no archaeological evidence supports these claims to date. “Unlike Fiji or Papua New Guinea, where cut marks on bones suggest cannibalistic activity, we have found no such markings in Vanuatu,” she said. “Historically, it may have occurred, but the science has not confirmed it.”

Currently, Dr Valentin is involved in new research at Pangpang, on Efate Island, working alongside well-known archaeologist Dr Stuart Bedford and with the support of Chief Matthew David. The site, located in what oral tradition identifies as an old nakamal, revealed the remains of six individuals—five adults and a child—believed to date back 300 to 500 years, well before missionary arrival.

The team is now conducting ancient DNA analysis to trace the origins of these individuals and gain insights into historical migration patterns across central Vanuatu. “By analysing bone samples and teeth, we hope to learn more about population movements and genetic connections across the Pacific,” Dr Valentin explained.

She encouraged young Ni-Vanuatu students to pursue archaeology to contribute to national research and help strengthen the efforts of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre and National Museum.

“The past is buried all around us,” she said. “Archaeology doesn’t just tell us about the dead—it helps the living understand who we are and where we came from.

Dr Valentin specialises in the study of ancient human remains and funerary practices in the Pacific region, with a focus on understanding how early Oceanic societies treated their dead and what those practices reveal about their social, spiritual, and cultural lives.

She has conducted fieldwork across numerous Pacific Islands, including Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, and the Marquesas Islands. Her research is notable for combining archaeology, anthropology, and ancient DNA analysis to reconstruct the lifeways, movements, and identities of the Pacific’s earliest populations.

kizzy@buzzfm.vu