The country’s economy is growing strongly supported by good earnings in tax revenues coming from the great performance in the resource sector projects.

Prime Minister James Marape reaffirmed that this is supported by clear national data showing a significant rise in government revenue over the past seven years, while making it clear that the Government will not enter into resource agreements that short-change the nation.

“In 2018, Papua New Guinea collected a total tax revenue of K9.7 billion. Of this, mining and petroleum taxes contributed only K775 million,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“This was at a time when the old Porgera Mine was still operating under previous agreements, PNG LNG was already in production, and all major resource projects were active. Yet, despite these projects running at full capacity, revenue remained at that level.

“By 2025, total tax revenue has increased significantly to K17.064 billion—almost double. Importantly, mining and petroleum tax alone has risen to K4.137 billion.

“This clearly shows that our economy is growing, our revenue base is expanding, and our efforts to improve compliance and governance are delivering real results.”

Prime Minister Marape further highlighted that total government revenue, including grants and other income streams, has also expanded substantially.

“In 2018, total budget revenue stood at around K14 billion. By 2025, this has grown to approximately K25 billion,” he said.

“This is a clear indication that our national economy is not in decline. It is growing, and it is becoming stronger.”

The Prime Minister emphasized that this growth has been achieved even before the commencement of major new resource projects such as Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu.

“Even without Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu coming into operation, we have grown internal tax revenue from K9.7 billion to over K17 billion,” he said.

“This demonstrates that our strategy to diversify the economy — focusing on agriculture, construction, and other sectors — is working.”

He added that the Government has strengthened tax compliance to ensure all businesses operating in the country meet their obligations.

“We are tightening compliance and ensuring that everyone who should pay tax is paying tax. This is part of building a fair and responsible economy.”