Port Moresby, June 2, 2025 — Seven leading organizations have today officially pledged their backing as foundation sponsors for the highly anticipated 2nd Papua New Guinea Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Summit. The event is slated to take place from August 31 to September 3, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, bringing together key stakeholders to shape PNG’s economic future.
Key Sponsors Come Onboard
The foundation sponsors include major institutions such as Teachers Savings and Loan Society (TISA), Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited, Paga Hill Estate, Air Niugini, the Special Economic Zone Authority, and the Department of National Planning and Monitoring. Their support marks a significant step forward in PNG’s efforts to harness the full potential of SEZs as engines of economic growth.
Part of 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations
This year’s Summit forms a critical part of the Government’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, under the theme “Reflecting on Our Past 50 Years and Charting Our Next 50 Years.” The event will be prefaced by the official launch of the PNG SEZ Foundation Policy on June 15, 2025, a key milestone aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework to attract greater domestic and international investment.
Taking Stock of PNG’s Economic Challenges
Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, highlighted the Summit’s purpose: “This gathering provides a vital opportunity to assess PNG’s economic trajectory over the last five decades and to confront the challenges that have hindered sustained growth—such as high unemployment rates, persistent law and order issues, foreign currency shortages, and a national debt exceeding K60 billion.”
Learning from Global Success Stories
Minister Maru urged participants to draw lessons from global economic success stories. “Countries like Japan, New Zealand, and the Philippines—despite being smaller and less resource-rich—have achieved economic sizes multiple times larger than PNG. Singapore’s extraordinary rise from a small fishing village to a first-world economy within 30 years, with a GDP exceeding US$500 billion, is a testament to the power of focused economic strategies. We intend to learn from these models and implement the right policies to drive sustainable growth.”
International Speakers and Investors to Participate
The Summit will feature international experts and dignitaries from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Rwanda, and other nations. They will share insights on leveraging SEZs to accelerate economic development. Notable speakers will include representatives from world-class SEZs like Indonesia’s Java Integrated Industrial and Port Estate, as well as international financiers such as the International Finance Corporation and Japan Bank for International Cooperation. Local financial entities, including the TISA Group, will also participate.
New SEZs to Drive Industrial Growth
Minister Maru announced that PNG is on track to license six new SEZs this year: Sepik Plains SEZ, Madang Integrated SEZ, Finschhafen Integrated SEZ, the Used Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Plant SEZ in Central Province, Sea Park SEZ, and the Central Province Industrial Park. These will join the already licensed Paga Hill SEZ in fostering industrialization and investment across diverse sectors.
Investment Opportunities Across Key Sectors
The Summit will also spotlight investment opportunities across PNG’s key economic sectors—fisheries, forestry, manufacturing, renewable energy (hydro and solar), mining, and petroleum—positioning the country as an attractive destination for investors.
Sponsorship and Participation Details
To support the Summit, sponsorship is offered at a single Gold level of K200,000. Sponsors will benefit from opportunities to present at the Summit, premium exhibition spaces, prominent branding in all promotional materials, and access for five representatives to attend as delegates.
Government and Sponsors Ready for Success
Minister Maru thanked the foundation sponsors for their commitment, noting, “Their early support sends a strong signal of confidence in PNG’s economic potential. Together, we will showcase the opportunities within our Special Economic Zones and attract serious investment to transform our economy.”
The program for the 2nd PNG SEZ Summit is currently being finalized, with expectations high for robust participation from domestic and international investors ready to partner in PNG’s industrial and economic transformation.