PNG Open for Business, Government Tells EU Investors
Port Moresby, June 2, 2026 – Papua New Guinea has reaffirmed its commitment to attracting foreign investment and strengthening economic ties with Europe, with Minister for National Planning Sir Ano Pala urging European investors to seize emerging opportunities across the country.
Speaking at the opening of the 5th EU-PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby, Sir Ano said the Marape-Rosso Government remains committed to creating a stable, transparent, and business-friendly environment to support investment and economic growth.
He highlighted the Government's ambitious targets of growing PNG into a K200 billion economy and creating one million new jobs by 2030 through strategic investments under the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV).
Sir Ano pointed to major initiatives such as Connect PNG, infrastructure development, renewable energy projects, ICT expansion, skills training, and special economic zones as key drivers of economic transformation.
The Minister also emphasized opportunities in oil and gas, sustainable agriculture, manufacturing, off-grid energy, and rural infrastructure, encouraging European businesses to partner with PNG institutions such as the Investment Promotion Authority and National Trade Office.
He noted the importance of value-added processing in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock industries to create jobs and increase economic returns for rural communities.
While welcoming the European Union's support through initiatives such as the Global Gateway Strategy and the Rabaul Port Rehabilitation Project, Sir Ano raised concerns about visa access for Papua New Guineans travelling to Europe, calling for greater collaboration to address Schengen visa challenges affecting business relations.
"The future we desire must be deliberately invented," Sir Ano said, urging forum participants to move beyond dialogue and focus on practical outcomes, partnerships, and investments.
He concluded by reaffirming that PNG is open for business and ready to deepen its partnership with Europe as the nation pursues its Reset50 development agenda and long-term economic growth goals.
Source: Department of National Planning and Monitoring
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