Port Moresby, 14 March 2025 — Members of Austrade’s Port Moresby team have been formally recognised with Australia Day Awards for their outstanding contribution to the successful delivery of the Australia–Papua New Guinea Business Exchange in September 2024.
In a special presentation held on Wednesday, 13 March, Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr. John Feakes, presented award certificates and pins to Alu Tauna, Kembol Kaikipae, and Patrick Ani at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby.
The Australia Day Awards celebrate excellence in achievement and are awarded to individuals and teams who go above and beyond to deliver high-impact outcomes for Austrade and the Australian Government. The three awardees were honoured for demonstrating exceptional collaboration, one of Austrade’s core values.
Business Exchange Restores Confidence Post-Unrest
Their efforts came at a critical time for bilateral business engagement. In the wake of civil unrest in early 2024, the team worked tirelessly to restore confidence among Australian investors and stakeholders, facilitating the establishment of the Australia–PNG Business Exchange, a platform that re-energised commercial ties between the two nations.
Their work not only helped rebuild trust but also laid the foundation for enhanced trade and investment opportunities between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Strengthening Economic Partnerships
In his remarks, Mr. Feakes praised the team’s dedication and professionalism:
“This award recognises not only your individual excellence but also your collective impact in advancing Australia’s economic partnership with Papua New Guinea. Your efforts have strengthened business ties and supported PNG’s national development priorities.”
Australia remains PNG’s largest trading partner and the biggest source of foreign direct investment. The Australia–PNG Business Exchange is a strategic platform aimed at expanding these ties, creating new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, and digital innovation.
Excellence in Collaboration
Austrade acknowledged that the recognition of the Port Moresby team reflects the importance of cross-agency cooperation and working closely with local stakeholders, particularly during times of uncertainty.
“Alu, Kembol, and Patrick exemplified the spirit of collaboration and adaptability, core values that define Austrade’s mission,” the agency noted in a statement.
Looking Ahead
With renewed confidence and growing interest in PNG’s investment landscape, Austrade and its partners are expected to continue building momentum in 2025 through additional business engagement forums, policy dialogues, and trade facilitation initiatives.
The recognition of the Port Moresby team stands as a testament to the enduring importance of strong bilateral relationships, and the people behind the scenes who help deliver real economic impact for both nations.