Author

Inside PNG

Browsing
News

Marape Arrives in Hong Kong

By
James Marape

Prime Minister, James Marape has landed in Hong Kong to officiate at the inaugural Papua New Guinea – Asia Investment Conference today.

Marape departed Port Moresby yesterday morning with the hope to gain enhanced access to the Asian markets for Papua New Guinean businesses and industries.

Before flying off, he said PNG wants to elevate from being an exporter of raw products to becoming an exporter of finished products.

“This is the aim of the PNG-Asia Investment Conference, which will include a number of side meetings,” said Marape.

Papua New Guinea is interested in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, petroleum, mining, and tourism sectors.

Marape said the government would be inviting local businesses, especially those in manufacturing, to participate in the conference and make partnerships with family and corporate businesses in Asia.

Anthony Smare, President of the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Mines and Petroleum said the conference is extremely important to unlock and create opportunities needed to grow the country.

“Creating jobs is a critical challenge for both government and those in other areas, increased investments mean more employment for everyone,” Smare said.

Prime Minister James Marape added that conversations would also be had on climate change and the conservation of Papua New Guinea’s forest for the Carbon trading market, where the government has introduced a policy to to conserve 30 percent of forests and to replant trees where timber has been harvested.

He assured carbon-conscious investors that PNG is a good place for them to do business because they can offset their carbon footprint by assisting PNG protect its forests.

Related: https://insidepng.com/marape-continues-international-travels/

Keep Reading
By
Climate Change

Response to Climate Change

By
Bougainville Climate Change

Implementation work on a set of areas outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) are expected to kick off in Bougainville, this month. The MOA signed in July between the Bougainville Government’s Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Environment and Conservation and the National Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) is desired to counter effects of Climate Change.

Key areas under this Agreement include these four crucial areas:

  1. Activity Plan for Climate Change Action in AROB: The teams will develop a comprehensive strategy to combat climate change in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB).
  2. Capacity Building – ICT and Communications Training: Plans are underway to conduct training sessions aimed at enhancing the technological and communication capabilities necessary for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation.
  3. Establishment of the AROB Climate Change Committee: A dedicated committee will be formed to spearhead climate change initiatives within the region.
  4. Medium & Long Term Plan for Climate Change Policy and Legislation: A robust plan for the development of climate change policies and legislation tailored to Bougainville’s unique circumstances will be devised in alignment with the ABG’s long term and medium term plans.

This actions comes after an initial visit by authorities to Pewana village, Koromira, Arawa Coast, Loloho and Teperoi communities.

In Teperoi Primary School, the land is under imminent threat due to continuous erosion caused by rising sea levels and wave action.

Bougainville Climate Change

The implementation of the MOA reflects the commitment of both the ABG and the CCDA to building a strong foundation for the region’s climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, and a sustainable future in Bougainville.

Keep Reading
By
News

Pacific Partnership in Moem

By
Wewak Pacific Partnership

Moem Barracks in Wewak is expected to host several humanitarian works over the coming weeks as part of the Pacific Partnership-2023.

The home of the Infantry Battalion, the Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment is set to accommodate at least 1,500 military personnel participating in Pacific Partnership.

Similar to Exercise Pukpuk, an annual engineering exchange between PNG Defence Force and the Australian Defence Force, Pacific Partnership is an also an annual deployment of United States Navy supporting governments in the area of humanitarian aid or preparedness towards disaster assistance.

Wewak Pacific Partnership 2023

In Moem, the major project being worked on include engineering work on repairing of a damaged water collection system.

Wewak Pacific Partnership 2023

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Wewak, Pacific Partnership Mission Commander, US. Navy, Captain Claudine Caluori, said the team is excited to work with Papua New Guineans and experience PNG communities.

“I am looking forward to participating in the various activities we have planned here in Wewak over the next week, but on a personal level, our team is eager to experience all that Papua New Guinea has to offer and meet the locals and residents that make enduring missions like these possible,” said Captain Caluori.

For this mission stop in Wewak, Partners involved in the humanitarian and preparations towards disaster assistance include, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan and PNG.

Wewak Pacific Partnership 2023

Recent: https://insidepng.com/pacific-partnership-us-navy/

Keep Reading
By
News

Signing to Reopen Porgera Mine

By
Porgera Mine

The signing of four agreements towards the re-opening Porgera Mine in Enga comes with the prediction the mine will reopen before the end of 2023.

The four agreements signed between the Papua New Guinea Government and New Porgera Limited include the Mining Development Contract, Special Mining Lease (SML) 13, Fiscal Stability Agreement, and Escrow Arrangement for Landowners.

Porgera will be operated by New Porgera Ltd, a company with a 51 percent ownership by Papua New Guinea stakeholders and 49 percent by Barrick

Prime Minister, James Marape expressed his gratitude to developer, Barrick for their care and stewardship of the mine since its closure in April 2020.

“This is the first time that a Papua New Guinea company has merged in a joint venture with a global supermajor like Barrick. This incorporated joint venture is structured in a way where accountability of all parties is on the table. I want to assure everyone that this has been done transparently,”Marape said.

The Porgera Mine was closed after Barrick’s Mining license reached an expiration date in April 2020. For the next three years, the state and the developer would engage in negotiations until the signing last Friday.

Mark Bristow, President and CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation said a milestone was reached and both parties will look forward to the exciting voyage ahead.

” We’ve worked hard to get here, and it’s important now to finish the last step, and that is the compensation arrangements for all the landowners. We want to get that out of the way as quickly as possible. We believe that we can do that with the help of everyone,” Bristow said.

The signing held at the Government House was witnessed by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, Prime Minister Marape, Barrick Gold Corporation President and CEO Mark Bristow, company representatives, Enga Governor Hon. Sir Peter Ipatas, Ministers and MPs, Porgera landowner representatives, members of the State Negotiating Team, and others.

Related: https://insidepng.com/ipatas-wants-new-porgera-development-forum-in-enga/

Keep Reading
By
Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Fresh Water Plans for Bougainville Atolls

By
Bougainville Water

People from the Atolls in Bougainville will have access to electricity supply and water purifying projects set to commence in the coming weeks.

Through the 2023 High Impact Projects coordinated by Bougainville President, Ismael Toroama, locals on the Bougainville atolls will be recipients of five new Solar Mini Grids and Desalination Plants.

The project that costs K9.5 million will be built on Petats, Fead, Mortlock and Tasmas Islands and was awarded to local contractor DNF Engineering.

President Toroama said that the project is designed to provide people with the basic necessities of life and improve their livelihood within their communities.

“The rest of Bougainville takes for granted our ease of access to clean and safe drinking water. On the atolls it is a precious resource that they conserve and use wisely,” President Toroama said.

“Access to clean and safe drinking water is a universal right that I want our people in the Atolls to have. I urge our people in the Atolls to take ownership of this important development and use it to empower our communities,” President Toroama said.

President Toroama said that clean energy is the way to go with energy generation and the plants will not cause any harm to the environment and marine life in atolls.

The Mini Solar Grid and Desalination Plants will be constructed on communal areas, such as churches and schools, to enable greater community access by the people.

The Office of the President will also be conducting a feasibility study on the possible construction of a larger plant for Buin, Buka and Arawa Towns in the near future.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/coastal-waters-survey/

Keep Reading
By
News

Marape Invites Finnish Investors

By
Finland Ambassador

Papua New Guinea has welcomed yet another head of Foreign Mission into the country. Arriving weeks after Hungarian High Commissioner to PNG, the Ambassador-designated of the Republic of Finland to PNG, Satu Mattila-Budich is in PNG.

PNG Prime Minister, James Marape met with her excellency in Port Moresby and extended invitation for Finnish investment into PNG markets.

Marape told the Ambassador-designate of investment opportunities in the resource sectors of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Green Energy, Information Technology, Telecommunications and Manufacturing.

“Papua New Guinea is a leader among the small island nations of the Pacific. We have a robust democracy and a strong cultural affinity to Asia,” Marape said.

Papua New Guinea and Finland formally established diplomatic ties on 25 August 1977 at a non-resident ambassadorial level.

Despite a minimum level of trade and economic activities between the two countries, Finland and Papua New Guinea, PM Marape is keen on increasing this with the new post being taken up by ambassador Mattila-Budich.

Marape said PNG’s Foreign policy is defined by the philosophy to be a ‘Friend to All and Enemy to None’ because PNG is a nation of huge diversities.

“I invite businesses and companies from your country to ours, whether your businesses want to partner with our State-owned companies, with other businesses in our private sector, or set up on their own; the opportunities are here,” Marape continued.

Meanwhile, Finland has been supportive of Climate Change efforts in the South Pacific with the establishment of the Finnish-Pacific Project through the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SHREP).

Keep Reading
By
News

Female Coffee Farmers Attend MICE 2023

By
MICE 2023

Five prominent women in the coffee sector in Papua New Guinea showcased their product during the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) 2023.

Esther Vialeahy, General Manager of Colbran Coffeelands Limited said MICE gave her the opportunity to taste exceptional coffee from around the world, with different flavours, brewing methods, and innovations in the coffee industry.

“This event gave me opportunities to interact and deal directly with customers and other industry professionals who can provide valuable feedback on our PNG Coffee,” said Vialeahy.

MICE 2023

PNG Coffee was centre stage at MICE 2023, a highly anticipated annual event in the global coffee industry. Coffee remains an important cash crop that supports families in rural PNG

MICE brought together coffee exporters, importers, roasters, equipment manufacturers and consumers in Melbourne, Australia to network, showcase their brands and products, make purchasing decisions, gain exposure, and get connected.

The Australian Government, through its Australia-Papua New Guinea Economic Partnership, supported the participation of five PNG women coffee farmers and exporters to showcase their products at this event.

Another participant, Aida Igaso who only had two buyers for over a decade says she met a third buyer and they have started negotiations.

Igaso is the manager for Gabiga Coffee Exports. She says the whole experience was an eye opener as that was her first time an event to promote PNG coffee to the world.

Related: https://insidepng.com/exposure-visit-to-madagascar/

Keep Reading
By
Bougainville

Coastal Waters Survey

By
Coastal Waters Survey

A workshop providing insight into awareness and capacity in modern geospatial and survey techniques has concluding in Buka.

Held ahead of the Bougainville Coastal Waters Survey which is secluded to take place later this month, the awareness is considered critical to equip officers with the necessary technical skills and knowledge as they prepare for the field survey.

The Program is set to map out areas that constitute as ‘Bougainville waters’, as part of the drawdown of fisheries powers and functions to the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

ABG President, Ishmael Toroama launched the Survey today in Buka, making Bougainville the first maritime region in Papua New Guinea to undergo this coastal mapping process.

“Today, we embark on a journey that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Bougainville. This Survey will contribute to our preparation for political independence as it will mark the benchmarks for Bougainville’s coastal waters,” Toroama said.

For the Autonomous Region, the completion of the Bougainville Coastal Waters Survey will signify the start of formalizing Bougainville’s maritime boundaries under guidance of the international framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It will further advance the geospatial and survey capabilities of the region, ultimately contributing to the responsible management of coastal waters and maritime resources in Bougainville

The Bougainville Coastal Waters Survey Geospatial Workshop was 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).

Toroama said the delimitation of sea boundaries is more than just drawing lines on a map; it is about defining the territorial sovereignty and the rights of the people of Bougainville.

“It is about ensuring that Bougainville’s voice is heard and respected on the global stage as we move closer to realizing their aspirations,” said Toroama.

The mapping of Bougainville’s coastal waters will enhance maritime services, regulate shipping services, reap economic benefits from infrastructure and marine resource development, as well as enable Bougainville to possess reference coordinates that determines its baseline, internal waters and coastal waters.

ABG technical officers from the ABG Departments of Primary Industries, Lands, Commerce, Mineral and Energy Resources and other supporting departments in the Bougainville Public Service, also completed a week-long workshop learning about using modern geospatial techniques to be applied during the field survey.

Beginning on 16 to 28 October 2023, four survey teams will be deployed to identified coastal communities across North, Central and South Bougainville to undergo the field survey of the coastal mapping.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/key-bougainville-plans/

Keep Reading
By
Arts & Culture

Musical Connection

By
Wan Solwara

Described as a musical connection across seas, the launching of Wan Solwara is intended to unite people from different cultures.

Wan Solwara (One Ocean) is a collaboration between Indigenous Australians and young Bougainvillean musicians, coming together to celebrate the power of music.

It was conceived in 2022 when the Australian Government invited internationally renowned didgeridoo player, Tjupurru, and his son Jake Fabila, to participant in the Bougainville Voice X-Plosion competition.

The song, and a video which documents the story of the music collaboration, were officially launched by Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama, and Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Jon Philp.

High Commissioner Philp said the Australia Government is committed to promoting and strengthening cultural linkages between First Nations Peoples in Australia and across Papua New Guinea as part of its Indigenous Diplomacy efforts.

“This collaboration underscores the power of cultural exchange and music to strengthen people to people links and knowledge sharing between First Nations peoples. Indeed, Tjupurru also has a strong connection to PNG, being born in Port Moresby and with family connections in Central and Bougainville,” said Philp.

Along with Tjupurru and Jake, Wan Solwara features 2022 Bougainville Voice X-Plosion contestants Michael Dave, Ruth Maison, Walter Kerevio, Jolista Masu, Robertha Yansi, and Milton Garea.

Supporting artists include acclaimed PNG musician and producer, Richard Mogu, Tsarlayse Iamu and Kawas Band. It was recorded and mixed in Bougainville in 2022 by local sound engineer, Melchior Wagum, with guest producer, Richard Mogu, and mastered and released in Australia in March 2023 by Wantok Musik label.

The artists drew on their cultural heritage, using a combination of traditional and contemporary instrumentation including bamboo pipes, and didjeribone (a cross between a didgeridoo and a trombone). Lyrics were co-written by ABG Minister for Community Development, Morris Opeti, Richard Mogu, Tjupurru, Jake, and the young musicians.

President Toroama says music plays an important role in transmitting cultural knowledge from generation to generation.

“Music is an important conduit for conveying important messages of hope and peace. Bougainvilleans have a strong attachment to music through unique, traditional songs and chants, accompanied by bamboo pipes. This is something that Bougainville youth must be proud of and maintain,” said Toroama.

The collaboration was documented by local filmmakers, Bruno Louey and Ishmael Palipal (Createk Multimedia), and produced with Wantok Musik. The track lyrics and video call upon Bougainvilleans to “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!” to bring about positive change in their communities.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/ready-for-work-pacific-australia-labour-mobility-palm/

Keep Reading
By
News

Air Niugini Resume Flights to Wapenamanda

By
Air Niugini

Air Niugini flights into Wapenamanda airport is expected to resume next Tuesday, 17th October.

This follows the uplifting of a temporary suspension of flights due to on-going violence in Enga.

The airline released a statement today announcing it will continue with weekly Dash 8 services on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

However, the Air Niugini Security Department will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis to ensure that there are no threats that may affect the flights.

The airline company further says, should a security threat be deemed to exist, it will cancel flights for the safety of it’s crew and aircrafts.

The suspension of flights into Enga was part of the Enga Province going into a three month State of Emergency.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/fokker-services-resume-to-madang/

Keep Reading
By
Pin It