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First King’s Commissioned Officers

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Joint Forces College

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.

Joint Forces College Graduation

“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.

Joint Forces College
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Marape Welcomes Ramu Nickel Expansion Plans

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Ramu Nickel

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.

Ramu Nickel

Related: https://insidepng.com/ramu-nico-to-feature-women-lo-group-at-inaugural-canconex-inside-png/

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News

Meet with Head of Hong Kong Special Administration

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Hong Kong Meet

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.

Hong Kong

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.

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News

Marape Arrives in Hong Kong

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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/

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Climate Change

Response to Climate Change

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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.

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News

Pacific Partnership in Moem

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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/

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News

Signing to Reopen Porgera Mine

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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/

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Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Fresh Water Plans for Bougainville Atolls

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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/

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News

Marape Invites Finnish Investors

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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).

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News

Female Coffee Farmers Attend MICE 2023

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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/

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