Inside PNG

Teams conducting the Coastal Water Survey in Bougainville have been deployed to all three districts in the Region.

The survey is vital as it will allow the transfer of fisheries powers from the National Fisheries Department, to the Autonomous Bougainville Government and will be carried out within three nautical miles in Bougainville.

This move is considered a significant progress towards Bougainville’s political aspirations, especially in defining territorial sovereignty and rights through the reference coordinates for baseline, internal waters and coastal waters.

It is being facilitated through the ABG Department of Primary Industries & Marine Resources, the National Fisheries Authority, the National Department of Justice and Attorney General, the National Maritime Safety Authority and the Geoscience Energy & Maritime (GEM) Division of Pacific Community (SPC).

The findings of this survey will help Bougainville in mapping its coastal hazards or disasters such as tsunamis in coastal communities.

The Coastal Waters Survey is aligned with the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for formalizing maritime boundaries. By aligning with UNCLOS, this enhances Bougainville’s standing on the international stage.

Being a martime region, the ABG believes this survey will enhance maritime services, regulate shipping, and boost economic development

An additial bonus the survey gives the maritime benefits, is that the Coastal Water Survey adds value for future land demarcation, paving way for development, including road infrastructure projects

Coastal Water Survey | Identifying Marine Boundaries | Inside PNG News

Business

World Indigenous Business Forum

Port Moresby will host the World Indigenous Business Forum from 24th October to 26th October, for the first time. Attracting more than 500 delegates from across the globe.

The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has planned a grand opening ceremony. It will be staged from 5pm to 9pm tonight at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium to mark the launching.

The World Indigenous Business Forum presents a unique platform for cross-cultural exchange and economic collaboration. Offering the chance to tap into the vibrant and diverse market landscape of Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister James Marape, while extended a warm welcome to 150 international delegates from 14 countries. He encouraged Papua New Guinean businesses to attend and meet with international businesses, showcase their produce and be part of the indigenous business owners network.

Marape also extended a warm welcome to executives of the World Indigenous Business Forum. He also thanked them for having confidence in Papua New Guinea to host the 2023 event.

“We extend a warm invitation to indigenous business delegates from around the world to explore the opportunities and partnerships available in Papua New Guinea.” Marape said.

This gathering of indigenous business owners is organised by the PNG Government. Under the leadership of Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru. In collaboration with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC).

“We are blessed with an unparalleled marine biodiversity. Serving as the world’s foremost breeding ground for tuna, supplying 60 percent of the global market.

Marape, while extending his warm welcome to the international delegates, also extended an invitation for them to consider investing in Papua New Guinea.

“I welcome you all to the most diverse indigenous country in the world. A place that combines the rich cultural tapestry of Melanesian, Polynesian, and Micronesian traditions. With a vibrant embrace of Christianity,” said Marape.

Marape said PNG stand as the Pacific’s gateway to the flourishing Asian markets.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/farewell-cook-islanders/

Rugby League

Farewell Cook Islanders

It’s a rare sight to see rugby teams of Pacific countries coming together to share a meal off of the rugby field.

But that was what happened in Port Moresby yesterday when PNG Prime Minister, James Marape hosted a warm and culturally enriched dinner for PNG Kumuls, Fiji Batis, and Cook Islands men’s and women’s teams.

The dinner served as a farewell kaikai for the Cook Islands’ men’s and women’s teams. Who spent two memorable weeks in Port Moresby participating in the Pacific Championship Bowl tournament.

Marape thanked and acknowledged the Cook Islands and Fiji Rugby League Teams for their participation and stay in Port Moresby.

“The contacts that you make today are the ones you will keep forever. We appreciate that you have spent two weeks with us. Take the memories of Papua New Guinea with you as you return home. And consider visiting us again in the future,” Marape told the players.

The Fijian side will still be in country to prepare for their match against PNG this coming weekend.

Marape, while speaking to the players emphasized the potential collaboration between PNG and the Pacific Islands. Asserting that if PNG succeeds in securing its bid for the 18th Australian NRL team, Pacific players will be an integral part of the team, based out of PNG.

“As Cook Islands leave, we thank you, on behalf of the entire 800 plus tribes of Papua New Guinea, including the Motu-Koita people on whose land we stay today,” Marape added.

Speaking as the big brother nation, Marape emphasised the sense of unity among Pacific Island countries.

“We regard the visiting teams as family, and all of us are part of one Pacific,” Marape remarked.

Marape believes the long-lasting friendships and contacts forged during this tournament will be treasured by the players.

” To the young players, he offered words of encouragement, highlighting their promising future in rugby league,” Marape concluded.

Farewell Cook Islanders — PNG Prime Minister James Marape with the Cook Islands Womens team.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/more-matches-for-pacific-islanders/

News

China to Give K50 Million

China will make available a K50 million in grant following Prime Minister, James Marape’s attendance at the Third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Marape said the funding will go straight into the construction of business and technical facilities in selected secondary schools in the country.

“This will complement the government’s drive to have secondary school students learn business and trade skills,” said Marape

The government says this will place school leavers at an advantage when they leave school, they will be able to start their own small businesses from the knowledge and skills they have received, whether in agriculture, tourism, cookery, bakery, carpentry, auto mechanic or whatever technical skills they have picked up.

“I thank the Chinese Government for this grant as this is one of results that has arrived at the back of this visit,” Marape said.

News

Back from China

Prime Minister James Marape is back in the country after a five-day visit to Hong Kong then onto China.
Arriving in Port Moresby, Marape said he has done his part and the responsibility is now on the people of Papua New Guinea to meet the growing demands of the Chinese market.

“I have done my job, and the onus is now on our ministries, departments, public servants and people to start producing more for the huge Chinese market,” Marape said.

Marape, who sees himself as the No. 1 diplomat and salesman for his country, announced securing partnerships with four large Chinese companies for downstream processing of Papua New Guinea’s resources.

“China understands our focus on promoting trade and investment, as exemplified during my meetings with Premier Li and President Xi, and they gave their full support towards downstream processing of our agriculture, forest, and fisheries resources,” said Marape”

While in Hong Kong, Marape met and spoke with various Chinese investors including John Lee, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Republic of China.
Marape claims his engagements in high-level meetings is aimed at strengthening the economic relationship between Papua New Guinea and China.

After attending the inaugural Papua New Guinea-Asia Investment Conference early this week, Marape flew to Bejing where he met with Premier Li Qiang on Monday evening and then had an audience with President Xi Jinping on Tuesday morning.

He also participated in the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Development, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Bougainville

Conservation Showcase

Conservation areas within Pirung Wildlife Management Areas in the Bougainville Region was presented through a documentary film in Port Moresby.

Following this, the PWMA documentary will be made accessible to the local communities who host the PWMA through a community viewing program starting on 23 October to 1 November 2023.

Pirung Wildlife Management Area (PWMA) is the only gazetted Protected Area in Bougainville.
Located on the South-Eastern part of Bougainville island, it stretches over 60km in length and 10km in width. Making it one of the largest Protected Marine Area in the country.

The documentary is presented by ABG Directorate for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change. Under the Department of Lands and Physical Planning showcases the cultural and biodiversity conservation efforts practiced in the Protected Area.

In watching the documentary, the ABG believes it will enhance people’s understanding. Empowering the communities to protect their marine environment.

Lynette Baratai-Pokas, is the ABG Secretary for Lands, Physical Planning and Environment and Conservation & Climate Change. Her environment officers will be presenting the documentary to the communities.
The planned documentary viewing in Bougainville is scheduled as;

24th October 2023 – Tarara
25th October 2023 – Rorovana 1
26th October 2023 – Rorovana 2
27th October 2023 – Arawa Village
28th October 2023 – Kobuang
29th October 2023 – Pidia
30th October 2023 – Pokpok Main Village
31st October 2023 – Uruna Bay.

News

Concluding Pacific Partnership 23

After almost two weeks in Wewak and the Pacific Partnership 23 concluded with acknowledgements, goodbyes and well wishes.

Mission Commander, U.S. Navy Captain Claudine Caluori led a team of 90 military personnel to East Sepik province to do a range of humanitarian assistance, including the restoration of a water supply system.

Other assistance programs include, tailored medical care focusing on subject-matter exchanges and community education, repairs at a local schoolhouse, and facilitated knowledge exchanges with exercises covering disaster response and humanitarian assistance.

Pacific Partnership 23 — Community Health Engagement

US Chargé d’Affaires for Papua New Guinea, Katherine Monahan was at the closure of the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific region.

She said Pacific Partnership’s mission exemplifies USA’s partnership with Papua New Guinea as fellow Pacific countries.

“The medical care, community education, and disaster relief preparedness enabled by the Pacific Partnership’s work complements the closer cooperation that exists between our countries as a part of the U.S.-Papua New Guinea Defence Cooperation Agreement,” said Monahan

Pacific Partnership’s mission in Wewak follows a similar exercise in Kimbe last year. This year it included military personnel from Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States.

The next mission will be in Fiji.

News

First King’s Commissioned Officers

After 18 months of commitment and perseverance, 21 cadets from the Joint Forces College have graduated as the first King’s Commissioned Officers.

Governor General, Grand Chief, Sir Bob Dadae who attended the graduation as a representative of the British Crown expressed joy on witnessing the event.

“Let me at the outset acknowledge the graduating class. For an impressive performance of skill and character displayed this morning. And I commend you all for that,” said Sir Bob.

These 21 outstanding cadets consist of members of Papua New Guinea Defence Force, PNG Correctional Service, and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

The Governor General said PNGDF, Correctional Service and the Police Force were created before independence and serves to protect the people and its resources.

“You are the first ever King’s Commissioned Officers following the coronation of King Charles III in May this year. The crown you wear on your uniform is more than just a decoration. It reflects order and discipline. Two very important principles that you must live by as commissioned officers of the King,” said Sir Bob.

Several outstanding millstones achieved this year include;

The establishment of Learning Management System,
A MOU with University of Technology – UNITECH, for ICT Support at the Joint Forces College.
Enhancement of training to meet the various challenges confronting the three Disciplinary Forces. Domestically and globally, is essential to build a strong and,
Effective security force to adequately respond to security threats and provide the necessary protection required.

“The Joint Forces College is also a training ground for future civil servants. Groomed in disciplinary environments, attitudes and mindsets to drive our shared Vision 2050,” said Sir Bob.

The 18 months training was facilitated through support from bilateral partners especially Australia and New Zealand.

News

Marape Welcomes Ramu Nickel Expansion Plans

By Inside PNG 18/10/2023

Developer of Ramu Nickel/Cobalt, Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) says it is considering expansion plans and doing downstreaming in Papua New Guinea.

This follows a meeting between PNG Prime Minister, James Marape and MCC Board Chairman, Chen Jiangguang in China.

Marape urged the company to expand into downstream processing because Ramu Nickel/Cobalt Project is a big project and invited MCC to move into other resource sectors, including Clean Energy.

MCC became the first company to come on board as a platinum sponsor of the inaugural PNG – Asia Investment Conference (16 October-17 October) and invited the chairman to visit PNG to see the environment in which Ramu Nickel operates.

Mr. Jiangguang thanked Prime Minister Marape for the government’s continued support of the project and says the MCC project in Ramu contributes to two-thirds of MMC’s revenue and is their biggest investment outside of China.

News

Meet with Head of Hong Kong Special Administration

By Inside PNG 18/10/2023

The merchandise trade between Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong Special Administration Region of China has recorded a substantial increase of 34 per cent in the past three years, from US$65 million in 2019 to US$87 million in 2022.

This information was revealed to PNG Prime Minister, James Marape following a brief meeting between Marape and Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administration Region in China, John Lee.

The meeting resulted in an invitation issued for companies listed on the Papua New Guinea Stock Exchange (PNGX) to also be dual listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Hang Seng Index (HSI).

Marape said their discussions on Sunday (15th October 2023) included Papua New Guinean companies having access to capital market in HKSAR, access to technologies and other capabilities that the Special Administrative Region (SAR) has to offer in all areas, including the public service.

John Lee welcomed Marape’s visit to Hong Kong, noting that Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea have been maintaining a close relationship in business despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19 pandemic.

Papua New Guinea was the first Pacific Island Nation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with China for co-operation on the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018.

Hence, more Papua New Guinean enterprises have been encouraged to leverage Hong Kong’s institutional strengths, such as the commitment to the Rule of Law, the free flow of information and capital, a simple and competitive tax system, with a view to seizing opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative.