Tokyo, Japan, 21 May 2025 — Papua New Guinea’s presence at the World Expo in Osaka continues to draw significant attention, with the expo site bustling with visitors from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The PNG pavilion, under the leadership of Ambassador Gabriel Dusava, Commissioner-General for the PNG section, has become a key attraction, captivating both Japanese nationals and international visitors with showcases of PNG’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and investment opportunities.
During a site visit yesterday, Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, praised the hard work and commitment of the PNG team managing the pavilion. Despite challenges such as limited resources and logistical hurdles, the team has maintained a strong presence, promoting PNG’s image on the global stage and engaging with potential investors and tourists alike.
Minister Maru said, “The efforts by Ambassador Dusava and his team have been exceptional. They have worked tirelessly, often putting in long hours, to ensure PNG’s stories, culture, and economic potential are well represented. Their dedication is commendable, and I am proud to witness their achievements firsthand.”
Ambassador Dusava reported that visitor interest has been robust, with about one-third of Expo attendees being foreigners and two-thirds Japanese locals. Many Japanese visitors were particularly impressed by PNG’s natural beauty and cultural richness, expressing strong interest in traveling to the country. However, some voiced concerns about the lack of direct flights between Japan and PNG and the absence of visa-on-arrival arrangements for Japanese passport holders, highlighting barriers that need addressing to boost tourism.
The delegation emphasized the urgent need for Air Niugini to reinstate direct flights between Port Moresby and Narita before PNG’s National Day on July 21. This event, which will be held at the Expo in Osaka, will see Prime Minister Hon. James Marape as the Guest of Honor and Head of Delegation, underscoring the importance the PNG government places on strengthening bilateral ties with Japan.
Following the National Day celebrations, Prime Minister Marape will travel to Tokyo on July 22 to engage with key Japanese government officials, investors, and development partners, including representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). A high-level reception hosted by the Prime Minister will provide a platform to deepen economic cooperation and attract new investment opportunities for PNG.
Minister Maru stressed that the government views its participation in the World Expo as a strategic investment to enhance PNG’s profile internationally. “Our involvement supports our broader vision of diversifying our economy and fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties with key partners like Japan,” he said.
He added, “This Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase PNG’s unique offerings to a global audience and create new pathways for tourism, trade, and investment. We are confident that these engagements will translate into real economic benefits for our people.”
In addition to visiting the PNG pavilion, Minister Maru took the opportunity to visit the Australian Pavilion, accepting an invitation from the Deputy Commissioner-General, Ms. Lucy Ryan, to further strengthen regional cooperation and explore mutual opportunities.
The World Expo in Osaka continues until late July, providing a dynamic platform for PNG to promote its culture, natural resources, and investment potential to millions of visitors from around the world. With the upcoming National Day celebrations and Prime Minister Marape’s planned visit, PNG aims to further cement its position on the global stage and attract meaningful partnerships for sustainable development.