FROM AID TO TRADE: PRIME MINISTER MARAPE PROMOTES PNG INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO US BUSINESS LEADERS DURING UNGA WEEK
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has used his high-level engagements during United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) week in New York to promote Papua New Guinea as an emerging destination for international trade and investment, meeting American business leaders at a roundtable hosted by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU).
Prime Minister Marape presented Papua New Guinea’s investment potential across major sectors of the economy and reiterated his Government’s policy direction of moving the country’s international partnerships increasingly “from aid to trade.”
He told participants that Papua New Guinea possesses significant economic potential across petroleum and gas, mining, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, renewable energy, tourism and other sectors, and invited credible investors to explore long-term opportunities in the country.
The Prime Minister said Papua New Guinea was seeking partnerships that go beyond the traditional donor-recipient relationship and instead create sustainable commercial relationships, employment, downstream processing, technology and skills transfer, and opportunities for Papua New Guinean businesses.
“Our message to our partners is clear: Papua New Guinea wants to move from aid to trade,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We welcome genuine investors who want to work with our people, create jobs, build industries and participate in the enormous opportunities that Papua New Guinea has to offer.”
Prime Minister Marape emphasised that his Government wants more of Papua New Guinea’s resources processed domestically, where commercially viable, so that greater value can be retained within the national economy.
He said investment must ultimately translate into tangible benefits for Papua New Guineans through employment, SME participation, infrastructure, stronger supply chains, skills development and increased economic activity.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Papua New Guinea’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific and its proximity to major Asian and Pacific markets, positioning the country as an important investment and trading partner in the region.
He said the Government would continue working to improve infrastructure, connectivity and the broader business environment while encouraging responsible private-sector investment capable of contributing to sustained economic growth.
Prime Minister Marape welcomed stronger engagement between Papua New Guinea and the United States private sector, saying business-to-business relationships should become an increasingly important pillar of the wider relationship between the two countries.
He encouraged American companies to look closely at Papua New Guinea’s opportunities and establish partnerships with the Government, local businesses, resource owners and communities.
“We have the resources, we have the people and we have enormous potential,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“What we are looking for are genuine partnerships that convert this potential into industries, jobs, businesses and lasting prosperity for our people.”
The Prime Minister said his engagements during UNGA week were not only about Papua New Guinea participating in global discussions, but also about using the international platform to advance the country’s economic interests and attract investment capable of supporting national development.
He reaffirmed that Papua New Guinea remains open to responsible international investment and will continue strengthening partnerships with the United States and other international partners as it pursues economic growth and greater participation in global trade.
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Source: MEDIA RELEASE
NEW YORK | UNGA WEEK 2026
