The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing agricultural commodities as the primary driver of economic and fiscal revenue for the region.

Speaking at the 2026 Bougainville Chocolate Festival in Buin, Minister for Primary Industry Hon. Clarence Dency extended his gratitude to development and donor partners for their ongoing support of the gazette annual event. Minister Dency called on international stakeholders to back the ABG’s long-term strategy to strengthen downstream processing and add commercial value to Bougainvillean products.

Minister Dency urged local farmers to maintain rigorous standards for high-quality cocoa production, specifically praising South Bougainville’s farmers for driving the region’s highest cocoa production output.

He noted that since its inception in 2016, the Bougainville Chocolate Festival has served as a vital platform for farmers, industry representatives, legislators, exporters, and development partners to share technical knowledge, promote fair trade, and secure new business opportunities.

"Cocoa has long been the backbone of community livelihoods," Minister Dency said, highlighting its multi-generational role in helping families fund school fees and medical expenses. He also thanked cocoa exporters for their sustained efforts in upholding strict export quality standards.

Echoing the Minister's remarks on behalf of the Chief Secretary, Belinda Lanbong called on donor partners to deepen their support for the ABG’s agricultural roadmap, specifically targeting the transition from raw farming to local downstream processing.

Secretary Lanbong welcomed all attendees to the three-day event, emphasizing that the festival remains an invaluable space for industry learning and strategic networking.