The fishing industry players in Papua New Guinea would be glad to know that National Tuna Domestication Strategy (NTDS) will be launched in the first quarter of 2025. The Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister, Jelta Wong, announced that this NTDS reflects the Marape –Rosso led Government’s commitment to developing a robust tuna industry in the country. Over the coming months, the NTDS will be presented to stakeholders before it is finalized and officially endorsed for implementation. Minister Wong stated that this strategy provides an overarching framework of actions that the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) together with other line government departments and agencies will take to enhance policy and investment environment together with addressing inefficiencies of the tuna fishing and processing industry. “The end goal is to boost the value retention of tuna catches within PNG’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Archipelagic Waters (AW).” “The NTDS is developed under the Fisheries Strategic Plan 2021-2030 (FSP) to support the National Government's aim of making PNG a major regional tuna hub in the Asia-Pacific region.” Wong highlighted that this initiative seeks to boost PNG’s role in regional tuna fishing and processing industries, aligning with the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi), which was endorsed by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and Pacific Islands Forum Leaders. “The NTDS is an action-oriented document designed to guide the NFA in achieving our domestication agenda’s ultimate goal: retaining a greater percentage of the value of tuna fisheries within the PNG economy and ensuring increased participation by our people throughout the tuna value chain.” Minister Wong outlined that the domestication strategy is grounded in three core principles: i) PNG's fisheries waters and the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) are to be maintained as some of the world's most well-managed and sustainable tuna fisheries. ii) PNG-based tuna fishing fleets and processing companies are essential to achieving PNG’s objective of boosting tuna landings for value-added processing. iii) Existing limitations in government policies and inefficiencies in the tuna supply chain hinder processing plant productivity, which in turn affects employment opportunities, business growth, and economies of scale. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and the NFA are adopting a proactive and measured approach to achieve their objectives by outlining six strategic outcomes, each with specific actions: ▪ Streamlined Fisheries Regulatory and Policy Framework: Create a fair investment environment by clearly defining the benefits and obligations for tuna fishing and processing companies. ▪ Enhanced Tuna Value Chain Productivity: Address supply chain constraints, reduce production costs, and achieve economies of scale to enhance productivity. ▪ Access for PNG-Flagged Vessels: Establish arrangements to enable PNG-flagged vessels to access fishing waters outside PNG. ▪ Global Market Access: Secure duty-free and quota-free access to alternative and emerging global markets for PNG-processed tuna products. ▪ Sectoral State-Owned Enterprise (SOE): Establish and operate an SOE to address inefficiencies within the tuna industry. ▪ SME Participation in By-Catch Utilization: Increase the involvement of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in utilizing by catches from tuna fishing fleets. Minister Wong further emphasized that this strategy recognizes the pivotal role of PNG’s tuna industry and acknowledges the current challenges they face and outlines a comprehensive approach to improving the competitiveness of PNG’s tuna industry. “The goal is to position PNG as a leading hub for tuna fishing and processing and harnessing our comparative advantages to realize our industry’s full potential,” said Minister Wong. “As part of the transitional arrangements towards implementing the NTDS, all tuna processors and their associated fishing fleets are operating under Memoranda of Agreements (MoA) signed with the NFA in July this year, highlighted Wong. “The MOA allows PNG-flagged vessels and locally based foreign vessels to secure and pay for vessel-days under the Start Fish VDS package, which aims to increase the landing and processing of tuna catches.” Additionally, the Marape-Rosso Government’s approval of a competitive VDS fee structure and the provision of a rebate scheme for tuna processed in PNG are all directed towards advancing PNG’s tuna domestication agenda. “We cannot achieve this without addressing supply chain constraints and ensuring that all stakeholders, including line government departments and agencies, work together under the guidance of the NTDS,” Wong re-emphasized. Mr. Wong stated that establishing this domestication strategy would allow focused investment in fishing and processing, helping retain a greater portion of the country's resource value. Minister Wong is looking forward to presenting the policy document to the National Executive Council (NEC) before the end of the year and for its launching by the Prime Minister in January 2025.

“Papua New Guinea as the biggest Melanesian country has the biggest potential and influence to help West Papua in their quest for freedom.” This was stated by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua spokesperson Mr Raki Ap. “PNG is the biggest country in Melanesia and if we combine West Papua and PNG together, we will change the geopolitics.” Mr Ap added this in the interest of Melanesia and in the interest of the Pacific. “Therefore, we need courage, dignity and integrity from our leaders to stand together and raise one voice for a free West Papua.” Ap further added that it is ironic that International News agencies are reporting daily about the War in Ukraine, and Europe as the former colonizer is doing everything to support the people of Ukraine with support through military, money, and diplomacy all in the name of Peace to stop war in Ukraine. “However, it is an incredibly sad scenario that for the last 60years no media is allowed to go in and report on the day-to-day genocide that has been happening for over 60 years even up till now.” “More than 540,000 West Papuans have been killed over 60 years of Indonesian colonial rule, and as a result of an escalation in Indonesian militarization, as of April 2024, over 76,000 West Papuans remained displaced.” “All Melanesian leaders must have courage, dignity, and integrity, and the first thing they can do for West Papua is to allow the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, chaired by President Benny Wenda to become a full member in the Melanesian Spear Head Group.” Mr Ap added that this is because when all Melanesian countries do not want to talk about all the sensitive issues affecting the people of West Papua, the West Papuans themselves can talk about it through the ULMWP. “Give us a space on the table so that we can confront Indonesia directly and defend our positions as Melanesians.” This is the most modest and simple thing the leaders of the Melanesian countries can do for the people of West Papua said Ap.

This is day four now since the Yalu Bridge has gone down due to continuous rain and flood in the Morobe Province causing travellers, locals and business communities to be stuck on either side of the bridge. The Acting Secretary for Works and Highways, Mr. Gibson Holemba visited the Yalu Bridge emergency works today and assessed the extent of the damage and the repair works undertaken. Present at the site during the visit was Contractor, China Railway International Group, Acting Deputy Secretary (Network Planning, Design and Standards), Mr. Simeon Suagu, Engineer to the Lae - Nadzab 4 Lane Project, Mr. John Kaio, Provincial Works Manager Morobe, Mr. Samson Apai, and the staff from DoWH and Contractor. Mr. Holemba upon his site inspection pointed out that the bridge should be restored by Tuesday, 27th August 2024 if the weather permits. It has been established that 50 meters of Bridge approach from Lae side was eroded by flood on Friday, 23rd August 2024 Moreover, the contractor CRIG and DoWH Provincial staff were able to respond swiftly to open temporary wet crossing on Saturday. Currently traffic flow is back to normal as major repair works are being undertaken. It is estranged that major repair work should be completed by tomorrow if weather conditions permit. Meanwhile, the Lae City Authority has put out a public notice to inform all locals to stay at home or back at their villages until their ward councillors advise them that access is open. It is understood that despite opening a temporary wet crossing has been established access for pedestrians and 4WD will be RESTRICTED from 7.00pm to dawn for the safety of crossing. Wet Weather pedestrian crossing continues between dawn to 7.00pm as does 4WD but those who choose this crossing do it at their own risk and are strongly advised to follow the instructions whether safe to cross or not. Also, the Wet Weather 4WD access also is open between dawn and 7.00pm but snorkel is recommended at present Lae City Authority also advices that in the case of an EMERGENCY between these hours (i.e - Travelling to Hospital) travellers are urged to please discuss with a Police personals before attempting crossing. At the meantime, site assessment and regular update are being provided to get this vital thoroughfare open as soon as possible. Provincial Administrator Mr Max Bruton extended gratitude to the business houses that are providing food and drinks to Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary personals and other local Security firms who are doing an excellent job providing protection for both the community and business houses whose trucks and assets are parked up on the Nadzab side The Provincial Administrator Bruton also extended heartfelt thanks to Hon DPM John Rosso MP, Morobe Governor Luther Wenge MP and Lae City Authority CEO Robin Calistus for their support and drive to achieve a speedy and effective opening of Yalu Bridge.

Papua New Guinea’s closest neighbour Indonesia is a rapidly growing economy and the largest in Southeast Asia and it is classified as a newly industrialised country, Indonesia is an upper-middle-income nation and a member of the G20. Indonesia has a nominal GDP of US$1.371 trillion in 2023, and Indonesia ranks as the 16th largest economy globally and seventh in terms of GDP (PPP). With the strong economy Indonesia has, Papua New Guinea can benefit from Indonesia's expertise in utilizing its vast natural resources, said Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso. Rosso made this remark after leading a small PNG delegation to the PT Indonesia Weda Bay Industrial Park, which employs 80,000 people, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. The Weda Bay Industrial Area, located in Desa Lelilef, Kecamatan Weda, Halmahera Tengah Regency, Maluku Utara Province, is Indonesia’s first integrated industrial area designed to facilitate nickel-based mining and mineral processing. The PNG delegation included International Trade and Investment Minister Hon. Richard Maru, Labor Minister Hon. Kessy Sawang, Madang Governor Hon. Ramsey Pariwa, Secretary for International Trade and Investment Jacinta Warakai-Manua, along with officials from Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd, the Mineral Resources Authority, and PNG Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Simon Namis. The visit follows recent discussions between Indonesian President H.E. Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Hon. James Marape aimed at enhancing business relations between the two countries. “It has been a very eye-opening experience for us. As you are aware, my country has many natural resources and opportunities. We are seeking strategic partners who can collaborate with us not only in developing our resources but also in advancing downstream processing and value addition.” “Our goal is to create more jobs and enhance the value of our exports by moving beyond the mere export of raw materials,” Deputy Prime Minister Rosso said during a meeting with PT Indonesia management after touring the project. Rosso highlighted that visiting Indonesia, learning from their experiences with their resources, and the partnerships in such operations, would be worthwhile having in that is PNG. The value-adding, downstream processing, lowering of the carbon footprint, and many others, all work in favor of the future, said Rosso. “The solutions that Indonesia and your organization offer is a win-win for both parties, while Indonesia gains for its people, as seen by the amount of employment, the investor also gains with good profits. That is a good template for other countries to emulate, especially a country like mine which has, in my view, struggled to try to find the right template.” “You have my personal invitation to come and visit my country, and I will be glad to take you around, as well as Minister Maru and Minister Sawang, and we can look at opportunities we might derive from the Indonesia experience,” he said. Deputy Prime Minister Rosso extended a personal invitation to PT Indonesia to visit PNG, this also expressing gratitude to the Indonesian Government, led by President Widodo, and Indonesia’s Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister, Hon. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, for encouraging PNG to pursue downstream processing initiatives.

Papua New Guinea will not be attending the United Nation’s Climate Change Conference – known as the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) – this year 2024. The decision not to send PNG to the COP 29 The COP29 this year in Baku, Azerbaijan in November was made by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape when he met with the managements of Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) and Conservation and Environment Protection Agency (CEPA) on Thursday, 22 August 2024, at his office in Manasupe Haus, Waigani. Prime Minister Marape briefly explained that Papua New Guinea’s non-attendance will be in protest at the big carbon footprint holders of the world to demonstrate that forest nations like PNG demand for seriousness in addressing climate change issues, especially in practically addressing conservation of forests as a mitigation strategy. Marape also added that he wants the CCDA and CEPA to assess their attendance of the UN climate change conference and detail the progress and achievements since PNG first sat in at those meetings beginning in 1992. “Our non-attendance this year will signal our protest at the big nations – these industrialized nations who are big carbon footprint holders – for their lack of quick support to those who are victims of climate change, and those of us who are forest and ocean nations.” “We are protesting to those who are always coming into these COP meetings, making pronouncements and pledges, yet the financing of these pledges seem distant from victims of climate change and those like PNG who hold substantial forests.” Marape elaborated further that Papua New Guinea does not only have climate change-induced problems, but we are a big ocean and forest nation that cleans off pollutants. “Climate change and forest conservation are two sides of the same coin and COP meetings cannot talk about climate change with no consideration for forest conservation.” “Our carbon footprint is minimal. Our carbon sinks are not being appreciated by those who are huge carbon footprint holders. If they are not paying us for conservation, why do we make up the numbers all the time?” Prime Minister Marape emphasis that the country’s economy needs money yet whilst Papua New Guinea is preserving trees as the lungs of the earth, the industrialized nations keep on emitting and not paying PNG for conserving the environment. “Our forests, when harvested, earn money for our economy. Similarly, that same forest, when conserved, must earn money for our economy,” said PM Marape. The Prime Minister has demanded that the two agencies return with better deliverables in climate change mitigation, pointing out France’s funding support of the Managalas Conservation project through his and French President Emmanuel Macron’s dialogue as an example of the practical solutions that the CCDA and CEPA should be emulating and working on.

The first ever Santos Cup match played in Minj, Jiwaka Province between Goroka Lahanis and the Mt Hagen Eagles Womens teams over the weekend was a remarkably close game. However, the Goroka Side proved to be the best when they defeated Mt Hagen Eagles 12-10 in a close match, with tries by Egi John, Seroge Sabumei and Yolanda Taute. Eagles Head Coach Mr. Bobby Koke stated that despite his girls leading with 10points –8points, the Lahanis scored in the last 2 minutes the winning try through their second row. “The girls just let their guards down a bit too early," said Coach Koke. “Lahanis scored 3 tries, however all conversion kicks were unsuccessful while we score 2 tries with one successful conversion kick and another unsuccessful conversion.” This is their second back-to-back loss. So far, they have registered only 1 win and two losses in the Santos Cup, and they are now looking at improving all this in their next game this weekend. “We will continue to focus on our defense principles, denying space and time, deny territory and focus on regaining possession and work mostly on our attack tactics.” Koke further added that they will take this week to look at their completion rates, sticking to the attack structure by building pressure in the middles and focus on using their outside backs. “Hopefully we can make a comeback on the competition come this weekend's game”

The Mt. Hagen City Authority has officially presented its 2023 Annual Report to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Governments Affairs (DPLGA) in Port Moresby. The report was received by Deputy Secretary James Agigo, responsible for Provincial Local Level Service Monitoring Authority (PLLSMA), along with Acting Director Herman Mirio on behalf of Secretary Philip Leo. During the presentation, Mr. Agigo highlighted the ongoing reforms championed by DPLGA, especially in service delivery and the review of services delivery functions, which are being enhanced through new financing arrangements. He asked for collaborative efforts with various national agencies to implement these initiatives effectively. Acting Director Mirio underscored the significance of the current city authority arrangements, referencing their foundational role in the Organic Law Review conducted in 2012. He reiterated the critical importance of these arrangements in strengthening service delivery frameworks. Mt Hagen City Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Leo Noki, acknowledged the challenges in implementing these arrangements but affirmed their overall viability. He expressed confidence that the Authority’s initiatives would enhance operational efficiency in service delivery, while also recognizing the need for further improvements in specific areas. Meanwhile, Secretary Leo is urging provincial administrators who have not yet submitted their 2023 Annual Provincial Performance Report (APPR) to do so, as the deadline has lapsed. “Out of 20 provinces required to comply with the Organic Law on the Provincial and Local-level Government (OLPLLG), only four have submitted their report to date,” he stated. In accordance with Section 119 of the OLPLLG, each provincial government must submit a report to the minister responsible for provincial governments and local-level government affairs for the preceding year by June 30. “DPLGA will thoroughly review the submitted APPRs to ensure compliance with the required standards of accountability,” Mr. Leo emphasized. He added that the insights and recommendations derived from these reports will inform future planning and development efforts, ensuring continuous improvements in governance and service delivery across provincial governments.

Papua New Guinea Defence Force Head Quarters Murray Barracks has handed over its gym keys to the Kickboxing Federation for Kick-Boxing Federation to use the gym for its training sessions. Papua New Guinea Kick Boxing Federation (PNGKBF) Head-hunter and President Mr Stanley Nandex stated he is grateful for PNGDF Head Quarter for having the trust in PNGKBF and for giving them the opportunity to use the Murray Barracks Gym. “This is something we always wanted, and now our fighters can have a place to lift weights and also use the gym hall for their training.” “All our best fighters will be at Murray Barracks; this gym is now our professional training camp.” Nandex highlighted that over the last 28 years the PNGKBF has been operating on the Armature level, developing Armature fighters but all this will now change. He added that it is about time PNGKBF needs to come out and expose its fighters overseas and this is exactly what is going to happen moving forward. “PNGKBF will be looking now at commercializing the sport so that our top fighters can get exposure outside of the country.” Mr Nandex further added that this is the way to go and PNGKBF is grateful to PNGDF Head Quarters at Murray Barrack for their partnership, as more can be accomplished with a great venue readily available now for the fighters to use. “In exchange for using the Murray Barracks gym, we will be giving free combat, self-defence, kick boxing trainings and discipline trainings to the soldiers at Murray Barracks.”

“The rising commodity prices present extensive opportunities across various sectors, highlighting agriculture’s potential to fortify economic stability and support national development.” BSP Group GM Corporate, Peter Beswick highlighted this while giving his insight into the BSP Quarterly Pacific Economic and Market Pulse Report Mr Beswick said that as the largest employer in PNG, the agricultural sector sustains livelihoods for numerous farmers and harvesters across the region. “The agricultural sector in PNG is pivotal to our economy, often referred to as the 'engine room' due to its substantial role in driving growth and generating employment opportunities.” In supporting that drive in the agricultural sector, BSP Retail recently collaborated with New Britain Palm Oil Ltd and launched the Hargy Cashless Payment Eco-system campaign, which resulted in the establishment of 7,000 farmer accounts in the West New Britain Province. “This signifies significant strides in empowering local farmers and advancing financial inclusion.” “This initiative strengthens the agricultural sector and reinforces PNG's economic resilience.” Mr. Beswick further added that the rising commodity prices also offer extensive opportunities beyond cocoa, underscoring the sector's potential to enhance economic stability and support national development.

The Oro Provincial Government and the Provincial Member for Oro, Mr Garry Juffa handed over 4 X Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles, three (3) ten seaters and one (1) open back land cruiser, including 3 X 75horse power Yamaha engines and 3X 24-foot dinghies to the Oro Education Division. The presentation was done at the Ela Motors Show Room, Badili, in Port Moresby on the 30th of July 2024. Governor Garry Juffa at the presentation stated that his government continues to prioritize Education, and this investment will provide the much-needed capabilities for the Education Officers to effectively deliver services. A boat for the Oro Administration will assist them to meet the demands for provide quality education in the province. “The total cost of all these assets is over a K1.0million, and the funding is from the Provincial Government under the Marape Rosso Government Infrastructure Intervention Program.” Juffa said the vehicles will be allocated to various sectors, operations, Administration, Materials and Inspections. He added that even though Inspection is a National Function, Oro Government will still provide a vehicle to support their activities. Juffa further added that in line with his government plans to modernize their transport fleet, all vehicles are fitted with GPS Tracking system from TSI Security Services. “All vehicles will strictly remain light glass, no tint, and when these vehicles arrive in Popondetta, they will have the private plates replaced with the government plates.” “We want to ensure these assets are used for their intended purpose with strict guidelines.”

Madang Province is the first province in the Momase Region to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) to introduce financial Inclusion activities in the province. This also makes Madang Province the sixth province to sign a MoU with CEFI, following Milne Bay, West New Britain, Western Highlands, East New Britain and New Ireland provinces. Present to sign the MoU recently was the Governor for Madang Province Mr. Ramsey Pariwa, MP, Assistant Governor, Financial System Stability Group (FSSG), Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) and Alternate Chair CEFI Board, Mr. George Awap and CEFI Executive Director Mr. Saliya Ranasinghe. Also present to witness the signing ceremony were CEFI Board Members including, CEFI Deputy Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel, Ms. Susil Nelson Kongoi and Mr. Sanja Pepae. The objective of the MoU is to forge a partnership in rolling out financial inclusion activities and programs align with the targets set out in the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023-207. This is also to advocate and create awareness of financial literature and education to empower individuals to alleviate themselves from poverty. The Madang Governor Hon. Mr. Ramsey Pariwa thanked BPNG, CEFI, USAID and other development partners for their collaboration thus he is now working with his administration to put in place a plan for financial inclusion for the province. “The national government in its Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV) is looking at growing the economy base, through its intervention program on banking and finance and financial inclusion, further the Madang Provincial Integrated Development Plan was aligned to the MTDP IV.” “We have captured banking and finance in our provincial plan, that's an indication that we are serious in looking at banking and finance and SMES in the province.” The Assistant Governor, FSSG, BPNG and Alternate Chair CEFI Board, Mr. George Awap also emphasized the importance of financial education stressing the need for Papua New Guineans to know how to manage their finances. “If a population is literate financially, it's about empowering the people to do their business in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.” said Mr. Aawap. “Because if small businesses incur losses, they will give up hope in business because they have no financial knowledge and the ability to manage their own finances.” Meanwhile, CEFI Executive Director Mr. Saliya Ranasinghe further highlighted to the importance of financial inclusion to Governor Pariwa and members of the Madang Provincial Government (MPG) that CEFI was pleased to sign the MoU with MPG to address the issue of financial inclusion. “A larger percentage of people in this country are not involved in banking activities. Even though the banks have increased their outreach, a lot of people still do not enjoy the benefits of the banking sector.” “Our main aim is to bring these people into the financial mainstream, so that they can get benefits out of the banks, and we are proud to say that we now have about 4.2 million bank accounts in the country and 38% of those bank accounts are owned by women.”

An aged care training program delivered by the Australia Pacific Training Coalition was recently held at Lemakot in New Ireland Province. The training was organized by the Papua New Guinea Labour Mobility Unit (LMU). A big Congratulations to the 23 Papua New Guineans who have successfully completed their three-weeks aged care training program which saw 20 out of the participants secured job offers in Australia. APTC partners with LMU to train PNG workers to meet Australian employers’ workforce demands under the PALM Scheme, where there are not enough Australian workers to fill this demand. Participants from Manus, East New Britain, and New Ireland honed their skills through a curriculum aligned with key components of the Australian Certificate III Individual Support (Ageing) qualification. The course gives participants important skills and knowledge in caring for others, so they are informed and well prepared to work in the aged care sector in Australia and in their communities. Team Leader for the East New Britain participants, Colleen Olpitarea, expressed gratitude on behalf of the group, explaining the impact the training has had on each of them. “The training covers essential areas like communication, working effectively with diverse people, and upholding legal and ethical practices in caregiving and we are grateful for the opportunity as it has enabled us to be work-ready for future employment opportunities.” Also, a fellow participant, Ms. Colin John, a nurse by profession, was also thankful for the opportunity to build on his skills. “This program broadened my understanding of aged care and individual support,' she said. “I feel confident taking on this new challenge and contributing to a quality experience in the aged care sector in my community.” Since 2007, APTC has trained more than 6400 Papua New Guineans, enabling them to advance in their TVET careers. Among them are 36 women and five men who have been trained in aged care, sharing their skills and knowledge within PNG and internationally. APTC is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the Pacific and Timor-Leste.