Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has arrived in Osaka to officiate at Papua New Guinea’s National Day during Expo 2025 and to promote PNG’s trade and investment potential to Japanese and international stakeholders.
The Prime Minister will officiate the PNG National Day ceremony on Monday, 21 July, at the Expo site on Yumeshima Island. He is scheduled to travel to Tokyo the following day, Tuesday, 22 July, where he will meet with his Japanese counterpart, His Excellency Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as well as engage with key Japanese business leaders.
PM Marape emphasized that the cornerstone of his bilateral discussions will be the development of a trade framework aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship between Papua New Guinea and Japan. He stated:
“Japan is one of our top three trading partners and has stood with us for over 51 years. As we prepare to elevate this relationship, we are seeking a mutually beneficial trade framework — one without tariffs — to facilitate the free movement of goods, services, and investments.”
The Prime Minister referenced the International Monetary Fund’s recent economic outlook, which forecasts PNG’s GDP growth at 4.7% in 2025, noting that the country is in a strong position to expand trade and attract foreign investment.
“Japan needs more energy, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, and agricultural produce. PNG needs Japanese machinery, vehicles, and technology. We also welcome more Japanese investors in our economy,” Marape said. “This meeting will be a crucial step in securing our economic partnership for the next 50 years.”
Before his departure to Tokyo, PM Marape will visit the PNG National Pavilion and participate in the cultural and diplomatic program marking PNG National Day. The celebration will showcase traditional performances and high-level engagement with visitors and dignitaries.
“Papua New Guinea’s participation at Expo 2025 is a bold statement of our intent to engage with the world,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to present our nation’s cultural heritage and economic aspirations. We are ready to do business with the world.”
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan for hosting Expo 2025 and reiterated the importance of the event as a platform for global cooperation, innovation, and inclusive development.
As Expo 2025 reaches its halfway mark, the PNG Pavilion has already recorded impressive visitor numbers. Over the past three months, hundreds of thousands of visitors have explored the pavilion, drawn by its cultural exhibits, investment showcases, and tourism information.
Expo 2025 milestones to date include:
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1 million visitors within the first 13 days after opening on 13 April,
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162,000 visitors in a single day in late May,
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10 million visitors as of 29 June,
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A total of 28.2 million visitors anticipated by the Expo’s conclusion on 13 October.
Prime Minister Marape’s visit aims to amplify PNG’s presence on the global stage and secure long-term economic partnerships that will benefit generations to come.