Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has confirmed that discussions on securing a fair and beneficial agreement for the Wafi Golpu Mine project in the Morobe province are in the final stages, with only three key issues left to resolve. The PM said this when addressing parliament and providing an update on the status of current negotiations between the State and the developer of the mine. This includes the Mine Development Contract (MDC), a crucial agreement that determines the state’s benefit share, which must be concluded before the Special Mining Lease (SML) is granted. The Prime Minister emphasized that since his administration took office, every major resource project negotiation has been driven by the principle that PNG beneficiaries must receive at least 55% of total benefits, ensuring greater economic returns to the state, landowners, and local businesses. Prime Minister Marape explained that the negotiations with investors, particularly Harmony Gold and Newmont, have been detailed and, at times, challenging. While the investors seek to protect their financial interests, the government remains determined to ensure that PNG secures a fair deal over the expected 40-year lifespan of the mine. “My government has made it clear that we will not sign an agreement that does not give Papua New Guinea the returns we deserve. This project is expected to operate for four decades, and we must secure the best possible deal for our country,” Prime Minister Marape stated. He announced that he has directed the State Negotiating Team (SNT) to finalize discussions as soon as possible, ensuring that the final agreement delivers at least 55% of total benefits to PNG. A formal letter will also be sent to the CEOs of Harmony Gold and Newmont, making it clear that the government will not compromise on the three remaining issues. Reflecting on previous agreements, the Prime Minister highlighted concerns regarding the Lihir Gold Mine, where the government has received limited corporate tax revenue despite rising global gold prices exceeding USD 3,000 per ounce. He assured Parliament and the people of PNG that such historical oversights will not be repeated in Wafi-Golpu. “As a nation governed by the rule of law, we respect agreements, even those that may not be favourable. However, we will not repeat past mistakes. That is why I have insisted that we take the time necessary to secure a fair agreement for Wafi-Golpu,” he said. The Prime Minister also confirmed that he aims to finalize the Wafi-Golpu agreement by 16 September 2025, in time for PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations, alongside other major projects. Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that delays in concluding the agreement have affected landowners, district leaders, and the Morobe Provincial Government, but assured them that these delays were necessary to ensure long-term benefits for all stakeholders. “We will get there. I understand the concerns of landowners and the Morobe leadership, and I apologize for the delay. However, it is better to take time and secure the best deal than to rush into an agreement that does not maximize returns for our country,” he emphasized. Once negotiations are concluded, the government will work closely with landowners and the provincial government to finalize the Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) and ensure that all relevant parties receive their fair share of project benefits. The Prime Minister assured Parliament that if the remaining three issues are resolved promptly, the project will proceed to the final Community Benefit Sharing Agreement, which will outline the distribution of financial and development benefits for landowners, Morobe province, and PNG as a whole. He encouraged all leaders in Morobe, particularly the Vice Minister for Mining and the Member for Bulolo, Sam Basil Jr, to work with the government in ensuring the project’s success.

Two (2) fellow Melanesian countries are expected to visit Papua New Guinea (PNG) this year on a mission to explore different investment opportunities. The Investment Promotion Authority in a statement says it is preparing to receive business delegations from Fiji and Solomon Islands in two separate planned investment missions. The Fiji business delegation will be in the country from March 23rd to 26thto explore investment opportunities in various sectors including tourism, financing, real estate, communications and others. The delegation’s visit is being organized by Invest Fiji which is IPA’s equivalent in Fiji. The Fiji Delegation will be led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Manoa Kamikamica who will be meeting with his PNG counterpart during the visit. “Part of the visit will include meeting with PNG companies and Sector Agencies in the delegation’s areas of interest,” said the IPA. The Solomon Islands Delegation will also be led by their Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour & Immigration Harry Kumaand. They will be in the country for a fact-finding mission. The delegation is interested to understand PNG’s investment strategies as well as the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) arrangements. Meanwhile, the IPA is inviting PNG companies who are involved in the sectors of interest to the investors to register their Expression of Interests (EOI) with IPA by contacting the Manager for Investment Promotions Unit Mr. Kamis Yalakun or Senior Public Relations Officer Mrs. Beverly Piawu on emails kyalakun@ipa.gov.pg and beverlyp@ipa.gov.pgrespectively.

Prime Minister James Marape came out at the First Joint Consultation Meeting yesterday stating that his government continues to be committed to the Bougainville peace process. Speaking at the opening of the First Joint Consultation Meeting with Bougainville Moderator Sir Jerry Mateparae, Bougainville President Ismael Toroama, United Nations representatives, international stakeholders, and other distinguished leaders, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the historical journey that has led to the current stage of the peace process. Emphasizing the significance of the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) and the necessity for continued dialogue between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville, Marape highlighted the necessity for continued dialogue between Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. “This process was born out of the sacrifices of many, and it is our duty to ensure that the intentions of the peace agreement remain the foundation for our discussions,” said Prime Minister Marape. “August 30 this year will mark 24 years since the signing of the agreement, and for 24 years, peace has been maintained without the firing of a single bullet. This in itself is an achievement that we must continue to build upon.” Honouring the Bougainville Peace Agreement and Constitutional Process. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement is now enshrined in Part XIV of the PNG Constitution, providing a legal framework for dialogue and post-referendum consultations. He recognized the dedication of those who negotiated the agreement, stating that their work continues to shape the ongoing discussions. “I was not there in 2001 when the agreement was signed, but as Prime Minister, it is my duty to study the past records and ensure that we honour the spirit and intention of the peace agreement,” he said. The Prime Minister acknowledged the results of the 2019 Bougainville Referendum, in which 97.7% of voters chose independence, and reaffirmed that Parliament will ultimately deliberate and decide on the matter. “Let me make this absolutely clear – my government allowed the referendum to take place, and we stand by our commitment to the process,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “However, it is now a constitutional matter that requires Parliament’s deliberation and decision-making.” He highlighted that Section 342 of the PNG Constitution explicitly calls for post-referendum consultations, ensuring that both parties engage in structured dialogue before a final decision is made. “The wisdom of the 2001 peace agreement is that it does not impose a strict timeline for resolution, but it does outline the importance of consultation and agreement,” he explained. Economic Independence Must Precede Political Independence. Prime Minister Marape urged Bougainville’s leadership to consider the importance of economic independence alongside political aspirations. He pointed out that 95% of Bougainville’s budget is currently reliant on external support, including funding from the PNG Government and international donors. “Economic independence must precede political independence. The long-term sustainability of Bougainville must be factored into these discussions,” he added. “Today, as we speak, Bougainville generates only 5% of its own budget. This is a serious conversation that we must address as part of the broader negotiations.” He acknowledged Bougainville’s resource potential but stressed that economic structures must be strengthened before full political independence can be realized. “My duty as Prime Minister is not only to Bougainville but to the whole of Papua New Guinea. We must ensure that any decision we take is in the best interest of all parties,” he emphasized. Addressing the Risks of Regional Fragmentation. The Prime Minister also highlighted the broader national implications of Bougainville’s push for independence, warning that other regions of PNG may also seek similar autonomy if the issue is not managed carefully. “Papua New Guinea is the most-diverse nation on earth. We have over 800 languages, 20 provinces, one National Capital District and Autonomous Bougainville Government. If we do not manage this process responsibly, we risk opening the door to similar movements in other parts of the country,” he cautioned. He stressed that PNG must preserve national unity while respecting Bougainville’s aspirations, urging diplomatic partners and the United Nations to continue supporting a structured, peaceful transition. Commitment to Continued Dialogue. Prime Minister Marape reassured all stakeholders that the PNG Government remains fully committed to dialogue and consultation, as stipulated in the Bougainville Peace Agreement. “We have held multiple rounds of consultations, and we will continue these discussions in good faith. There is no rush, as the Constitution does not impose a deadline. Our goal must be to reach a decision that ensures peace, stability, and prosperity for both Bougainville and Papua New Guinea,” he said. The PNG Government and Bougainville leadership are expected to continue consultations in the coming months, with further discussions on the political and economic future of Bougainville.

The Opposition team has announced this afternoon that they will be challenging the recently passed amendments to the section 145 of the constitution, which now gives 18 months period for a Prime Minister following an unsuccessful Vote of No Confidence (VONC), for another one to be moved. Deputy Opposition Leader, James Nomane, in a press conference at parliament this afternoon said what happened is a threat to PNG and they will seek the court's advice on this matter next week to challenge it. The change to the section of the constitution was passed into law on Wednesday on the floor of parliament through an 84 to 4 vote. “We’ll be filing next week to oppose these changes as being oppressive and not in the spirit of the constitution by restricting members and prohibiting them from exercising their rights under their mandate to move a vote of no confidence in the prime minister and in that holding the executive government accountable, and ensuring that we have an opposition in the whole process of parliament and parliament debate. “So, this is what we’ll be doing next week, and we expect the Supreme Court will invalidate the changes that took place yesterday and then we will revert the constitution and preserve,” said the Deputy Opposition Leaders. The Opposition also added that they will be filing in the courts to challenge the law passed on recognizing Papua New Guinea as a Christian Country, which was also made yesterday. Member for Sinesine Yongomul, Kerenga Kua said they will file to challenge these two new laws. “On behalf of the people we going to take this issue of the VONC plus the Christian thing into the Supreme Court an ask for a reference. We file a reference, and we ask the Supreme Court to give an opinion about those amendments,” he said.

Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru says the Pacific Maritime Industrial Zone (PMIZ) in Madang is expected to see work on its first cannery very soon. Minister Maru said the initial work is expected to start next month pending a clearance. "I'm happy to report that we are waiting for the clearance from the State Solicitor for the State and RD Tuna to enter into the Joint Venture for the project," said Maru. Minister Maru, who was responding to the MP for Bogia during question time in parliament this morning, apologized also for the 15 years of delay in developing the PMIZ, stating that there were serious constraints that led to the delay. These include the establishment of water and electricity and a wharf and cooling facility, which have to be in place first. That is way he said the Joint Venture is the way to go because RD Tuna already has these facilities, and all is needed is to build fish processing facilities at the PMIZ. He added that this project is important as it will enable PNG to process fish and export to overseas markets. Meanwhile regarding the expected equity from the project, Minister Maru said he proposed for the Madang Provincial government to receive 10% equity and Sumkar and other districts in Madang to receive 5% equity each.

PM JM is satisfied with the outcome of parliament sitting yesterday with the passing of three laws which he said was symbolic of the types of laws the Marape/ Rosso Pangu led coalition government wants to pass for the betterment of the country. One is the passing of the constitutional amendments to finally recognize PNG as a Christian country, second being the amendment bill for the establishment of a National Petroleum Authority, and the third was the constitutional amendment to section 145 that inserts part that gives 18 months grace period to the government if a Vote of No Confidence (VONC) is unsuccessful. “Today the constitutional amendment on passing the law that finally recognizes our country officially as a Christian County is something that I’m happy with, and the nation should be happy. In a country with so much diversity with over 800 different languages and associated cultures, so much tribal factions, one cannot dispel the fact that churches in our country have anchored our country’s unity and togetherness. “Churches precede government in many fronts, in fact in many communities. They were there before 1975, the earliest church, catholic, was here over 150 years ago,” said Marape. Marape thanked the Attorney General for the passing of this Bill. This law does not stop people of other faiths from practicing their religion. This law just defines PNG as a Melanesian Christian Country. “The second law we passed is a amendment to section 145 of our constitution that inserts part that gives 18 months grace period to government if the VONC is unsuccessful,” he said. He explained that the section 145 has not been totally removed from the constitution. “For clarity, the provision allows for grace period up to 18 months and you don’t move VONC 12 months before elections are taking place, so you have two and a half years in between for a vote of no confidence to be placed on any sitting prime minister.” “This amendment that we passed gives 18 months grace period to government if the VONC is unsuccessful, if you do your mathematics, within a two-and-a-half-year period you have couple of opportunities for a VONC to be moved if members opposite feel that the government needs to be voted out,” Marape said. He further explained that the amendment gives stability and is a halfway in between completely removing VONC or allowing it to remain. “I am a proponent of not removing VONC from the constitution, but we at the same time want to stop those who do not have no numbers, you attempt, you fail, then the government gets 18 months again.” The last law was the one passed on the repeal of the Department of Petroleum through the amendment of the Oil and Gas Act and the establishment of the Petroleum Resource Authority. “This authority will be the regulator of this big sector that contributes to over 50% of our country’s economy and GDP,” said the Prime Minister. PM Marape concluded by thanking all the MPs who voted in favor of passing of the laws. All three received majority votes on the floor of parliament on Wednesday.

The first sitting of parliament for 2025, which was dedicated to the Late Sir Julius Chan, closed with a traditional ceremony held at the parliament house by the people of New Ireland to call the spirit of Sir Julius for a final farewell, leaving the parliament house and the office of which he once occupied while as New Ireland Governor. The "custom wok" began at the steps of the National Parliament at 5pm where the first part of the traditional ceremony took place. There to perform the ritual were the deputy governor for New Ireland along with the Maimais (chiefs), traditional dances and the various Local Level Government Presidents representing their various constituents in New Ireland province. The ritual was performed to call the spirit of the Late Sir Julius to come back with them when they leave for the New Ireland and return back to his home in Namatanai. The ritual was witnessed by the Members of Parlaiment, the Prime Minister James Marape, the Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa, the Acting Speaker of Parliament, the Parlaiment Clerk and the family of the late Sir Julius and parliament staff. They MPs also participated in the ceremony. The second part of the traditional ceremony took place in the State Function room to complete the final call of spirit ritual.

Parliament commenced the 2025 sitting this afternoon with tributes from MPs to the Late Sir Julius Chan who passed away on the 30th of January while still serving as Governor for New Ireland province. Starting off the tributes was the Prime Minister, James Marape who highlighted the contributions of Sir Julius Chan who served as PM twice, Deputy PM and holding various ministerial portfolio. A great legacy left behind and a pathway for leaders of today to follow. The late Sir Julius had a hand in building the economy of PNG and also introduced the country's currency. Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa also gave his tribute, urging MPs to emulate the leadership of late Sir Julius Chan. NCD Governor Powers Parkop touched on the decisiveness of the Late Sir Julius, stating that he was a man who made the tough calls for the betterment of PNG, something leaders of today must also do. "We don't need to procrastinate. Sometimes we need to make the decisions, " said Governor Parkop. "He lived his life for the service of our people." Other MPs also gave their tributes, reflecting on the work he did for the country, and their personal engagements or encounters with him. Most MPs described him as a hard working man, a wise politician and man for the people. Meanwhile, in attendance and sitting in the public gallery was the family of late Sir Julius and members of the New Ireland provincial government who came to witness the start of the 2025 parliament sitting, dedicated to the Late Sir Julius Chan.

The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, is adamant in establishing a Trade and Investment Agreement with Japan to boost the export of goods from Papua New Guinea (PNG) to the Japanese market. Minister Maru, when delivering his keynote speech at the recent launching of PNG’s participation in the Osaka Expo 2025 at the National Parliament in Port Moresby city, said he wants to negotiate with the Japan Government on establishing the agreement on the back of the Expo, which will commence in April. “After 50 years of relationship, we do not have a trade and investment agreement with Japan like we do with the European Union. An interim partnership agreement,” said the minister. “We don’t have a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Japan. No wonder they don’t give us free market access for our fish like Europe.” Emphasizing the significance of establishing a Trade and Investment Agreement with Japan, he said this would complement the PNG Government economic initiatives, such as the downstream processing of fish products. He said with the agreement in place, fish products processed in PNG can be ship to the Japanese market. Not only that, coffee products from PNG can also be exported as Japan has shown interest in the quality of PNG coffee brands. Japan consumes about 5% of the world’s coffee, a market worth tapping into. Maru also said to further boost this trade and investment, the direct flights between Port Moresby and Narita in Japan, must resume. This will not only enable more trade between the two countries, but more importantly, boost tourism as well. The World Expo 2025 will be hosted in Osaka from April 13 to October 13, 2025, and it’s set to be a truly global event drawing in an estimated 28.2 million visitors. This will be the second time Osaka has hosted the Expo following its successful run in 1970. Over the course of 184 days, 150 countries will come together to showcase groundbreaking innovations, cultural exchanges, and forward-thinking solutions to the world’s biggest challenges. The Expo’s theme, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," focuses on the future of health, technology, and global connectivity, emphasizing creating sustainable solutions for future generations.

In light of the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, the Opposition has come out to call upon the prime minister, the police minister and the police commissioner to step- up their game and seriously address the situation. The Opposition Leader, Douglas Tomuriesa concerned over this matter, especially the incidents up in the Highlands Region, held a press conference on Monday at Parliament House to get his message across to the people on this pressing issue. He said lives of the people are at risk in those hot spot areas in the Highlands where in recent times police officers were attacked and killed, public servants not going to work, businesses not operating and the public reluctant to move around due to fear. To fix this serious matter, Mr. Tomuriesa said it’s time the prime minister considers seeking security assistance from regional partners, something which he said the Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has been advocating on for some time. He also said the huge amounts to funding given to the police must be fully utilized in providing the necessary support needed to enforce law & order, stating as well that officers need to be protected doing their duties. “You cannot continue to send our service men into the Highlands unprotected,” said Tomuriesa, adding that officers cannot be continuously sent up there without enough firepower or manpower. He concluded by stating the obvious, and that is the matter needs a bipartisan approach to fully address. “There must be bipartisan approach to the law-and-order issue in the country. If you cannot handle it, allow others to come in and work with you to sort it out,” he said. The Opposition Leader then made an appeal to the police commissioner, the police minister and the prime minister to seriously look at law and order issues up in the Highlands.

Three new countries have been added by the National Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to the existing list of countries eligible for Visa- on- Arrival (VOA). The Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, today officially announced the addition of the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Singapore. “Passport holders from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore, are now eligible to get visa-on-arrival in Papua New Guinea,” he said. Rosso, who is also responsible for the Immigration and Border Security Ministry, said that effective immediately, passport holders from the UK, Canada, and Singapore, travelling on ordinary and official passports can get visa-on-arrival for short-stays of up to 60 days. The VOA facility is only available at the Jackson’s International Airport in Port Moresby for all eligible countries. “The VOA will be granted to those who travel for leisure, holiday, tourism, and visiting families and friends for short-stay purposes only. Those who travel for employment and long-stay visas must apply online before they travel,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “Passport holders from these three countries are also eligible for a business short-term single-entry visa-on-arrival. All conditions under the short-term business visa apply, including the Migration Service Fee of US$ 190 Dollars. He said the government is reciprocating VOA with countries who offer the same to Papua New Guinea nationals. These arrangements are based on strategic assessments and risks factors. The inclusion of the UK, Canada, and Singapore, now adds to the list of countries who are eligible for VOA in PNG. Other countries include Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, the United States territories of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands, and the French territories of French Polynesia of Tahiti and Wallis and Futuna. The PNG Chief Migration Officer, Wellington Navasivu, said that countries with existing VOA arrangements under bilateral agreements for stays up to 60 days, include Israel for all passport holders, and Japan, China, and Indonesia for official, service, and diplomatic passports. Holders of Indonesian official and diplomatic passports can also enter through the Wutung Border Post under the conditions of the existing bilateral arrangement. “ICSA and the Department of Foreign Affairs are negotiating VOA arrangements with other countries which Papua New Guinea shares common interests with,” Mr. Navasivu said. Rosso said the new VOA arrangements will create more opportunities in tourism, business, and trade.

The National Executive Council (NEC) has appointed Wellington Navasivu as the Chief Migration Officer (CMO) for the Papua New Guinea Immigration and Citizenship Service Authority (PNG ICSA). The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), John Rosso, who is also responsible for Immigration and Border Security Ministry, said the NEC made the decision on 18 December 2024, to appoint Mr. Navasivu as CMO for a term of four years. “I congratulate Mr. Navasivu on his appointment and trust he will execute his duties with dedication and diligence,” DPM Rosso said. The Deputy Prime Minister said that PNG ICSA is an important state agency, especially when migration has become a global agenda, and Papua New Guinea is committed to securing its borders and strengthening regional security, while leveraging on increased migration flows to promote tourism and investment in our country. “Mr. Navasivu is a career officer with ICSA, and I expect him to lead the organization as someone who has been with it that long should, with vision, integrity and passion.” “Mr. Navasivu, 46 years old, is from the Milne Bay Province, and was acting CMO since 1ST February 2024.” “He has worked in ICSA for 15 years in policy and operational areas, including as a Deputy Chief Migration Officer.” “He has also served in the PNG embassies in Manila in the Philippines, Beijing in China, and established the ICSA Morobe Regional Office in Lae.” He initially joined the Immigration Division which was part of the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2006 and worked with other public servants to transform the division into a self-accounting statutory authority in 2010 and reformed the service delivery and operational capacity to its current state.