The much-anticipated inaugural Central Province Investment Conference (CPIC) has now been moved to next year instead of next week as initially scheduled. This was announced by President and interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Chamber of Commence and Industry (CCCI), Linda Paru, stating that deferral will also give enough time for the organising committee to finalise things. The investment conference was originally set for November 27- 28, but now it has been rescheduled to February 27- 28, 2025. Central Governor, Rufina Peter also made a statement on the deferral saying that the upcoming parliament session was the reason for the rescheduling. “The rescheduling is due to an oversite on the dates for the November parliament session which commences on November 26th, making it difficult for myself as the Central province Governor and the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru to attend and participate in this inaugural event for Central province,” said Governor Peter. Ms. Paru added that the adjusted timing offers the organizing committee and stakeholders additional time to refine and elevate the event’s preparations. “This event is historical,” she noted. “As the first investment conference for Central province and CCCI, it’s essential that we bring it to fruition with careful planning and a robust turnout.” The conference aims to recognise existing businesses in Central province and provide a platform for new investors and business houses interested in the region. It will be a cornerstone event, anticipated to stimulate new business opportunities, enhance provincial revenue, and position Central province as the next major investment destination close to Port Moresby city. “Central province has much to offer investors with rich resources across agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, tourism, real estate, etc.,” Ms. Paru emphasised. She further highlighted the province’s strategic location, sharing a land boundary with Port Moresby, and its potential to become a leading business hub. With anticipated full- capacity attendance, CCI looks forward to welcoming investors from diverse sectors. Updated details regarding the rescheduled conference, including registration, will be provided by the committee in collaboration with the Governor’s office. Registration, which opened on September 20th, remains ongoing and will continue until the conference dates. Further announcements will be made by the CCCI and Central Provincial Government late this year.

Investors looking for information on the various key regulatory policies on doing business in Papua New Guinea will have access to all of that in the upcoming 2024 PNG Investment Week in Sydney, Australia next month. Such information is critical for making informed business decisions, especially if one is choosing to invest in PNG, and with this in mind, PNG’s flagship investment promotion event, the 2024 PNG Investment Week has opted to commence its proceedings with a Regulators Forum first before moving on to other things. To take place on Day 1 of PNG Investment Week - Sunday December 8th, 2024 - at the Sydney International Convention Centre, The PNG Regulators Forum will feature presentations from all key State Agencies, beginning with the Investment Promotion Authority. According to President of PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE), Anthony Smaré, this decision to have the regulators open PNG Investment Week was strategic, given the need for investors to be aware of regulatory requirements at the outset to provide confidence and assurance for them as they explore investment and trade with PNG. The PNG Regulators Forum will begin with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) providing an overview of the requirements to for business registration in PNG. The IPA will also provide an overview of the various sectors of business in PNG that have seen growth in recent years. This will be followed by the Internal Revenue Commission of PNG (IRC) presenting on the tax registration, compliance and incentives for businesses that want to invest in PNG – this will be crucial given the event will be held immediately after the 2025 national budget is passed. PNG Customs Services will then provide an overview of the import and export guidelines, whilst the Independent Consumer Competition Commission (ICCC) will provide an overview of rules around business mergers and acquisitions in PNG, which is critical information for potential investors into PNG. Furthermore, the regulators from mining (Mineral Resources Authority, and Department of Mineral Policy & Geohazard Management), petroleum (Department of Petroleum), energy (National Energy Authority), and environment (Conservational and Environment Protection Authority) will also present on their respective requirements for doing business in PNG, with a specific focus on each sector. Mr. Smaré says this will be the first time as well the event will feature presentations from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Fisheries Authority (NFA), PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), and PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA), who will speak on regulations within their respective sectors. “The PNG Regulators Forum represents the key state agencies from across a cross-section of PNG’s economy and is a must-attend event for those that are serious in learning more about the dynamic opportunities that exist in PNG and provides an opportunity to hear first-hand from the entities that are directly involved in regulating these sectors," said Mr. Smaré. "We appreciate the support of the Chief Secretary Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu, Deputy Secretary Frank Aisi and the rest of the team at the Prime Minister’s Department for helping us put the Regulators Forum together with such strong participation from our regulators."

The much-anticipated full investigation into the East New Britain Palm Oil Limited (ENBPOL) dealings and alleged price fixing is finally set commence next week in Kokopo city, East New Britain (ENB) province. The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, announced this following the arrival of the Chairman, Mr. David Mather to Papua New Guinea from London on Tuesday, who will lead the investigation team. He will be in the beautiful city of Kokopo next week for the investigation to commence from November 24th to 30th, 2024. They will be meeting with the oil palm farmers, the provincial government and all stakeholders including the company concerned (ENBPOL). The Members of the Investigation Team include: 1. Mr. David Mather- Chairman 2. Mr. David Towe- Chief Commissioner for Papua New Guinea Customs Service 3. Mr. Daniel Koiam- Chartered Accountant/Economist 4. Mr. Tony Waisi- Lawyer 5. Mr. Andy Ambulu- Lawyer 6. Ms. Michelle Auamoromoro- Secretary to the Investigation Team This investigation was approved by the National Executive Council (NEC) following a petition by the local oil palm growers and landowners of Gazelle Peninsula and Wider Bay Area of ENB province calling for an investigation into the alleged exploitation of an unfair trade practices by the ENBPOL for illegal price fixing of K10 per metric ton for Fresh Fruits Bunch (FFB) payments from November 2014 to 2022, and K15 per metric ton from 2023-2024. Minister Maru also emphasized the importance of this investigation. “The complaints from the Gazelle farmers may just be the tip of an iceberg on the rot in the industry when it comes to landowner benefits from the development on their land, their sweat, and labour,” Minister Maru said. “The Marape-Rosso Government will have to act so we can get a far better package to encourage our people to free up land for oil palm development.” The minister also looks forward to the outcome of this investigation. “We look forward to the findings and recommendations of the investigation team which will be important to all key stakeholders, the growers and landowners, the oil palm developers, this Government, and key Government agencies who may need to take hold of the report and implement changes.” He added that the investigation will also guide the Government to reform the oil palm industry to ensure that such alleged rip offs do not happen again. “This is a very important investigation for the Government and it is the first time in the country’s history that the Government is investigating the price of oil palm upon receiving complaints from over 15, 000 village oil palm farmers who have requested the Government’s intervention to help them and their families see 500-600% increase in the oil palm prices, similar to farmers in West New Britain Province.” Minister Maru then thanked the ENB Governor, Michael Marum, and his Provincial Administrator for fully supporting this investigation with financial assistance to meet critical on-ground expenses for this investigation.

BSP Financial Group Limited has successfully opened its new Telefomin Branch, offering customers better access to all banking services, including ATM services after almost 40 years of limited banking options. BSP Telefomin Branch opened yesterday, Monday 18th November 2024. Housed in the Telefomin District Administration office complex, this new facility will offer full banking services to customers – giving them opportunity to open accounts, over the counter cash transactions, access to lending as well as other products. To support the community after hours, ATMs are available for use by customers. BSP Group General Manager Retail, Ronesh Dayal attended the opening and shared that BSP is proud to service customers in this remote part of the country. “It is not only a reflection of BSP's commitment to this community but also a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to change and growth.” “This year, we are taking bold steps to enhance our services and make banking more accessible for all Papua New Guineans.” “Previously, local residents were challenged by travelling to Vanimo, Kiunga and Tabubil for their banking needs.” “The new branch is in a larger modern building and will have more staff to serve customers.” “ATM services is a new inclusion at the Telefomin branch, providing a vital service to more than fifty thousand people living in the Telefomin, Yapsi and Oksapmin LLGs of the district. It is our hope that through these services, we can empower individuals and businesses to thrive and achieve their financial aspirations,” Mr Dayal added. BSP’s contribution to Telefomin extends beyond banking services. BSP has invested in community projects across the West Sepik Province, with a total contribution of K670, 000 since 2009 supporting 28 projects in areas such as education and infrastructure. Two Community projects were delivered in Telefomin and Oksapmin. The BSP team was welcomed by the MP for Telefomin and Minister for Works and Highway Honourable Solan Mirisim. He expressed his gratitude reiterating that his people will now be able to access banking services without having to travel to Tabubil, Kiunga or Vanimo to do banking. BSP remains committed to serving customers, support their growth, and look forward to building an enduring relationship with the people of Telefomin.

Captain Beverly Pakii, Air Niugini’s female pilot continues to make history, this time by becoming the first Papua New Guinean to be certified as an Airbus A220 Captain. She achieved this milestone after successfully completing her type rating with distinction in Montreal, Canada on Monday 18th November. Captain Pakii is among three Air Niugini pilots who started on the Initial A220 Pilot training in Canada as part of the aircraft’s Entry Into Service (EIS). Air Niugini will welcome its first brand new A220 aircraft in September next year, coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations. Captain Pakii is a trailblazer, whose continuous historical achievements are exciting news not only for Air Niugini but the country and the region. Air Niugini Board Chairman, Mr. Karl Yalo congratulated Captain Pakii for a stellar achievement. “The Board of Directors are very proud of Captain Pakii on this achievement.” One of the two female Board Directors, Lady Aivu Tauvasa in congratulating Captain Pakii said, “Captain Pakii brings pride to our women and Papua New Guinea.” Director, Dame Monica Salter, echoed with similar sentiments,” Congratulations Captain Pakii, you have made Air Niugini and the women of Papua New Guinea very proud.” Captain Pakii is also PNG’s first female jet captain and Dash 8 captain, progressing through Air Niugini’s pilot cadet program. She is also the first Air Niugini female captain to command an all-female crew on Dash 8 earlier on during her career. Captain Pakii is still in Canada with the other pilots, who are part of the Air Niugini project team for the A220 and will work closely with other departments within the organization for a smooth introduction for the A220. The team is led by Air Niugini’s Executive Manager, Flight Training and Standards, Captain Timothy (Tico) Narara whose is responsible for inducting Air Niugini pilots into the A220 flight team. A proud Captain Narara was the first to congratulate Captain Pakii after her check yesterday. He said, “The 4-week course in Montreal is an Airbus course and as such has strict prerequisites and conditions. It comprises of 5 days of ground school, 5 Fixed training device (FTD) sessions and 8 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) sessions, which includes the check ride. “Captain Pakii passed her check with distinction on Monday the 18th of November, making her the first Papua New Guinean to receive a type rating on the A220,” he said. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Gary Seddon, also congratulated Captain Pakii and the Air Niugini team in Canada. “This is a wonderful day for Air Niugini and for aviation in Papua New Guinea. This is testament to the work that is going on behind the scenes and around the clock, to bring these new aircraft to the people of PNG.” Under Air Niugini’s re-fleeting program, the airline is acquiring 11 brand new Airbus A220 regional jets. The A220s are recognised for their versatility, operating efficiency, and passenger comfort. The A220 is capable of operating across PNG and will replace all current Fokker operations as well as undertake several international sectors.

Kina Bank is urging its customers to fully utilize its Digital Hubs for convenience in banking after the bank launched a series of them in Port Moresby city just recently. Kina Bank Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Roppe Uyassi, said they opened their third digital hub in Port Moresby at the Rangeview Plaza on Tuesday 12th November. “These hubs are an extension of our branches and although they are cashless, they provide our customers with a convenient means to access almost all the services you would expect from a branch and help our customers to transition into greater usage of digital banking services,” Mr. Uyassi said. The services these hubs provide include opening of Kina Bank accounts, issuing of Visa Debit cards, attending to customer enquiries, registration on internet and WhatsApp banking, conducting education and awareness of Kina Bank products & services. "Our customers will also be able to apply for personal loans directly from the Hubs," he further said. "The Digital Hubs are making banking accessible and bringing it closer to where our communities live, work and shop, we are paving the way for a more inclusive banking experience.” Kina Bank currently has two existing digital hubs located at the Eliseo Rainbow Shopping Mall and the Boroko Post PNG which have been operating since October last year. The bank also officially opened its fourth digital hub at the Eliseo Waigani Supermarket on Thursday, 14th November, bringing the total number of hubs in Port Moresby to four. There are also plans to open a Digital Hub in Lae city before the end of this year and further expand into more locations nationwide.

The PNG Mosquitoes (Mozzies) kicked off their campaign in the inaugural 2024 AFL Pacific Cup on a high note after an excellent performance against Fiji Tribe at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. The PNG boys played extremely well, defeating the Fiji boys with a massive 91- 10 victory in the Open division of the competition yesterday, Monday 18th November. The next match for the Mozzies is expected to take place on Thursday November 21st where they will play against the Nauru Chiefs at 4:30pm in the afternoon. Meantime, the PNG Under- 17 (U17) Binatang boys finished a very close runner up in the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup in the U17 division of the competition. It was indeed a successful week for the AFL PNG Talent Academy teams, topping off with the PNG Kurakums crowned 2024 AFL Pacific Cup Champions, taking home the Cup where they were given a hero’s welcome by their families at the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby city yesterday. Meanwhile, looking the PNG Flames campaign in the Pacific Cup, the girls have about three matches lined up for them. The PNG women’s national team will take on Tonga Storm this afternoon at 2pm. They will then meet New Zealand Kahu tomorrow and then take on Nauru Aroeni on Thursday 21st November.

Kina Bank customers can soon expect better services with the bank set to open more of its state-of-the-art Digital Hubs in 2025. Kina Bank Head of Banking Distribution Hylton Levi said this following the recent opening the bank’s fourth Digital Hub in Port Moresby city at the Eliseo Waigani Supermarket on Thursday 14th November 2024. Kina Bank aims to provide convenient banking options to customers through this initiative and more. “These hubs are an extension of our branches and although they are cashless, they provide our customers with a convenient way to access almost all the services you would expect from a branch and help our customers to transition into greater usage of digital banking services,” Mr. Levi said. The services these hubs provide include opening of Kina Bank accounts, issuing of Visa Debit cards, attending to customer enquiries, registration on internet and WhatsApp banking, conducting education and awareness of Kina Bank products and services. “Our customers will also be able to apply for personal loans directly from the Hubs. The Digital Hubs are making banking accessible and bringing it closer to where our communities live, work and shop, we are paving the way for a more inclusive banking experience.” Director of Eliseo Group Jacky Chow expressed gratitude towards Kina Bank for partnering with Eliseo to provide customers a convenient way to access banking services easily. “We appreciate Kina Bank’s commitment to customer needs by partnering with us to establish this Digital Hub here, which is the second one for Eliseo after the one at our Rainbow supermarket. It’s great to see that customers can handle their banking and shopping needs in one convenient location,” he stated. Kina Bank currently has three existing Digital Hubs located at the Eliseo Rainbow Shopping Mall, Boroko Post Office and Rangeview Plaza, and plans are underway to open one in Lae before the end of this year and more to be opened, nationwide, in 2025.

The PNG Kurakums have been crowned champions in the inaugural 2024 AFL Pacific Cup after performing extremely well in the Under 17 division. It was a memorable moment and a wonderful achievement for the PNG girls, having won all their matches in the females’ competition and defeating Fiji Junior Vonu in the final match on Sunday with a massive 68 to 9. PNG Kurakums Coach, Dominic Worio said they are bringing home the Pacific Cup. Also, a huge congratulation to Mackelyn Hendingao who was voted the Best & Fairest player in the U17 Youth Female division. The PNG girls’ performance in the Pacific Cup was just excellent with a victory over Tonga Storm 39- 15 on Thursday 14th November, followed by another victory over the Nauru Angels 47- 13, on Friday 15th November. Following their victory, the PNG girls expressed their gratitude for the support they received from their friends, families and partners who supported the AFL PNG Talent Academy to ensure they participated in the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup. Meanwhile, the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup Open Men’s and Women’s division competitions start today, Monday 18th November. The senior PNG National Teams, the Mozzies and the Flames have games this afternoon. The Flames will meet Tonga Storm in the female’s competition at 2pm, while the Mozzies will take on Tonga Thunder in the men’s competition at 4:15pm. All matches will be played at the Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) has highlighted that the majority of public bodies have failed to submit annual financial statements, as required under the Public Finances (Management) Act 1995 (as amended). Many have failed to provide reports for multiple years. As the nation of Papua New Guinea is almost halfway to the next National General Election, TIPNG is calling on the Members of Parliament and the Department of Finance to support the Auditor General’s Office (AGO) in making a commitment to ensuring public audit reports are submitted and tabled in Parliament, as a measure to improve the accountability of these entities in spending public money. TIPNG’s “ACCOUNTABILITY SCORECARD” uses publicly available information from the Report of the Auditor General Part IV*, of which 132 public bodies are recorded. Shockingly, from the list, eighty (80) public bodies had not submitted their 2022 financial statements to be audited, in addition to 183 financial statements for 2021 and prior years have not been submitted to the AGO for audit. This trend reflects a serious lack of financial management of public funds and represents a direct violation of the Public Finances (Management) Act 1995 (as amended), Section 47L provision on Reports and Financial Statements. Chairman of TIPNG, Mr Peter Aitsi, “TIPNG calls on public bodies and statutory authorities to check their score on the Scorecard and work with the Department of Finance and the Auditor General’s Office to ensure the provision of timely, accessible, and accurate public audit reports.” “The Government must ensure that our public accounts are in order and made available to the public.” “This is critical if we are serious about keeping our officials accountable in their performance and responsibilities.” To further ensure accountability in the public sector, TIPNG calls for: • The Department of Personnel Management, Public Accounts Committee and other responsible ac tors must take swift and decisive action to hold government entities accountable for breaches of law. • Parliament must consider the Auditor General’s recommendation for the establishment of legislative requirements to make renewal of contracts of Chief Executive Officers subject to the timely submission of financial statements and prudent financial management. • All Papua New Guineans must demand greater accountability from our government and report any corrupt acts that they encounter. • The Finance Secretary to establish and oversee internal audit committees in public bodies and entities that fail to meet their reporting obligations. As is the Secretary’s authority under Section 4(6) of the Public Finances (Management) Act 1995 (as amended). TIPNG urges the Government of Papua New Guinea and all public bodies to foster a culture of integrity and accountability by prioritizing transparency, ensuring timely financial reporting, and upholding the law to safeguard public trust and the responsible use of public funds.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has officially welcomed the return of the 14 members of the Opposition to his government led by the Member (MP) for Finschhafen, stating that their return shows that these leaders want to work together to address the problems faced by the people in this country. PM Marape commended MP for Finschhafen Rainbo Paita, and the members of ‘Our Pati’ for forming their own party and highlighted their Constitutional rights in making the decision to rejoin Government, as well as his government’s openness to diversity of opinion. MP Paita had been the Opposition's nominee for prime minister a few months back when they lodged an unsuccessful Vote of No Confidence (VONC) against PM Marape. “Firstly, I commend them for making a choice that is based on their Constitutional freedom under Section 45 (Freedom of Conscience and Thought) and Section 47 (Freedom of Assembly and Association) which they further exercised in organizing themselves into a political party," PM Marape said. “Often in politics, we choose to stay with polarized views and fight but what has transpired in the last year has caused instability that has permeated into our political system and has greatly affected the Public Service." Marape said despite what had happened, his government remains a government for all. “Pangu Pati is the party that formed this country, and we are tolerant of the diversity of opinions; we are tolerant toward leaders from all parts of our country; and of our expectations to ensure that we embrace divergence of opinion and views,” said the Prime Minister. He said with the looming 50th Independence anniversary in less than 12 months approaching, the pressure to see through reforms in the political and public service structures, in the provincial government systems, the judiciary, and in resources laws is mounting as the country prepares to begin on the next 50- year chapter. “These are the work we have started since 2019, and Honorable Paita has been part of this work. I am humbled by his gesture in laying aside personal interest and ambitions and seeing that the common good of the country prevails." Marape, when appreciating Paita's choice to return, stated that instead of fighting from the outside, Paita had decided to bring his party to associate with the Pangu Pati-led coalition in the government benches, a very wise decision that would benefit the country immensely. “Most of these Members of Parliament are first-term or second-term MPs who want to get things done for their constituents. In their heart of hearts, they mean well," the PM added. “All of them are not new to us. They have been part of our government since 2019, and since 2022 but due to policy differences, have made their move. However, considering the need to consolidate to provide stability in light of our 50th anniversary next year 2025, they have returned. “On behalf of Pangu Pati, as the leading coalition party, I welcome him and his party members back to Government,” he said. The Prime Minister said he would be meeting his Pangu Pati leaders and officials, and coalition party leaders to process this announcement at the earliest after Sabbath this weekend.

Papua New Guineas (PNG) got off to a great start in the 2024 ALF Pacific Cup with a victory over Fiji in the Male Under 17 (U17) division match played out at the Sunshine Coast, Australia. The match played yesterday was the opener of the prestigious AFL competition where the PNG Binatangs (junior national team) thrashed the Fiji boys with 5 goals and 5 behinds to reach 35, to nil. AFL PNG Senior Football Operations Manager, Mr. Rex Leka, earlier this week confirmed with PNG HAUSBUNG that the junior’s (under 17s); the Binatangs (boys) and Kurakums (girls) teams, are now in Australia participating in the Pacific Cup. The 2024 Pacific Cup on the Sunshine Coast is one of the three regional championships to be played this year – along with the Transatlantic Cup (Canada, August) and the Asia Cup (location TBC, November) – as part of a refreshed AFL-sanctioned international program. The Pacific Cup is both for the Open (seniors) division and the under 17s (juniors), and as for the senior PNG national teams, they are all set to head over to Australia to participate in the senior leg of the competition right after the under 17 matches wrap up. Mr. Leka said the senior national teams: the PNG Mozzies (men’s) and PNG Flames (women’s) teams, will travel out this weekend ahead of the Open division matches next week. “The Mozzies will fly out of PNG on Saturday 16th November and the Flames on Sunday 17th, with the first game on Monday 18th November,” said Mr. Leka. The 2024 Pacific Cup will eventually see over 500 athletes from Fiji, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and South Africa competing across Open and U17 divisions at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex over the 10-day event.