The 40th Australia–PNG Business Forum & Trade Expo wasn’t just about presentations and policy—it was a powerful platform for networking between Papua New Guinea’s top officials, business leaders, and international development partners.
Over three days, the forum created rare opportunities for direct, face-to-face engagement, allowing local businesses to speak with ministers, global investors, and aid agencies eager to align with PNG’s growth priorities.
A Rare Access Point for Local Entrepreneurs
For many PNG-based entrepreneurs, the forum provided access that’s often out of reach.
“I spoke directly to a minister about investment challenges in my province,” said Lydia Nari, a small business owner in the logistics sector. “That kind of conversation doesn’t happen every day.”
The event allowed SME representatives to pitch ideas, seek funding advice, and build partnerships across borders—especially with Australian firms and Pacific-focused development organizations.
Ministers Open to Business Collaboration
High-level participation from both governments ensured that business voices were heard at the policy level.
PNG ministers from the Departments of Trade, Communications, Infrastructure, and Finance were actively engaged in panels and informal discussions, often staying after sessions to connect with attendees.
“Australia is one of PNG’s most strategic economic partners,” said Minister for Trade Richard Takara, “but it’s forums like this that turn that partnership into real opportunities for our people.”
Development Agencies Forge New Alliances
International development partners—such as the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), ADB, and the World Bank—used the forum to explore private-sector collaborations, especially in sectors like green energy, agriculture, and education.
“We’re not just funding infrastructure anymore,” noted Rebecca Miles, a DFAT regional officer. “We’re looking to co-create solutions with PNG’s private sector.”
An Ecosystem of Trust and Vision
From formal events to side conversations over coffee, the forum cultivated an atmosphere of trust, curiosity, and long-term vision.
Australian business leaders described PNG as “a country on the cusp of a major investment decade,” while PNG leaders emphasized local ownership and capacity building as non-negotiable.
“I left with four serious investor leads,” said Daniel Are, a Port Moresby-based fintech founder. “But more importantly, I left with a clearer understanding of where PNG fits in the region’s future.”
Conclusion
As PNG celebrates 40 years of business engagement with Australia, this year’s forum proved that relationships—not just reports—will shape the next phase of growth.
In connecting government, business, and development players under one roof, the 2025 forum has laid the groundwork for collaborative, inclusive, and future-ready investment in Papua New Guinea.
