Over the course of three dynamic days, Port Moresby transformed into the beating heart of regional commerce, as the 40th Australia–PNG Business Forum & Trade Expo brought together government leaders, investors, business executives, and innovators from across the Pacific.
Held under the banner “A New Era of Partnership”, this year’s forum was more than just a ceremonial milestone—it was a springboard for new deals and deeper cooperation in key sectors like digital innovation, agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and green finance.
High-Level Talks, Ground-Level Impact
Attended by over 600 delegates from both nations, the forum featured back-to-back panel discussions, breakout sessions, and private investment roundtables that dove into PNG’s evolving economic landscape.
Digital transformation was a dominant theme, with both nations agreeing on the urgent need to improve PNG’s digital infrastructure to empower SMEs and connect rural communities. Australia’s commitment to support digital rollout plans through technical aid and investment capital was warmly received.
“This is about unlocking PNG’s full potential—starting with internet access and digital literacy,” said Elizabeth Thorpe, CEO of a Brisbane-based tech consultancy exploring partnerships in Lae.
Agriculture & Infrastructure: Eyes on PNG’s Soil and Roads
PNG’s vast untapped agricultural potential was a focal point of discussions. Australian agribusinesses expressed keen interest in supply chain partnerships, cold storage logistics, and export-ready crop initiatives—especially in cocoa, coffee, and spices.
Meanwhile, infrastructure deals gained traction as PNG’s transport network remains a crucial bottleneck to national growth. Talks included public-private collaborations on road rehabilitation, airport upgrades, and seaport modernization.
“We can’t attract serious investors unless the roads work,” said Andrew Kepa, a Highlands-based logistics entrepreneur. “This forum is finally treating that as a national priority.”
Mining & Green Finance: A New Balance
While mining remains a powerful draw for investment, the forum struck a notably green tone. Leaders from both countries emphasized the need for responsible resource development paired with climate-conscious financial mechanisms.
Australia’s green finance delegates proposed blended finance models and climate bonds to fund sustainable energy projects and low-carbon agriculture in PNG.
“This isn’t just about profits anymore—it’s about resilience,” said Dr. Michael Conway, an Australian sustainability advisor. “Green investment is good business in the long term.”
A Fresh Chapter in the Bilateral Story
The event closed with mutual pledges to deepen trade relations, ease visa restrictions for business travelers, and foster a new generation of business partnerships between PNG and Australia.
In a closing keynote, PNG’s Minister for International Trade described the forum as “a catalytic moment” for rewriting the economic narrative between the two nations.
The Takeaway
From blockchain solutions for farmers to clean energy pilots in mining towns, the 2025 Australia–PNG Business Forum made one thing clear: investment is no longer limited to traditional sectors. It’s now about innovation, inclusion, and impact—and PNG is ready to lead.
As the country marks 40 years of business partnership with Australia, the message from this forum was simple but bold:
The next 40 will look very different—and far more ambitious.
