Celebrating the 50th anniversary of independence from Australia this year, Papua New Guinea has chosen to highlight resounding themes like its unique cultural identity and the international partnerships that have contributed to its economic growth and social progress.
In the lead-up to the celebrations, Papua New Guinea reaffirmed a commitment to its foremost advocate, Japan.
As the largest foreign investor and trading partner in the country and the region, Japan chose Tokyo as the venue of the 10th edition of the triennial Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting last year.
During the meeting, the 18 members of the Pacific Islands Forum, including Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the partnership with the Japanese government in their collective effort to build a more prosperous and sustainable future.
The Office of Development Assistance, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, has been the principal proponent of socioeconomic progress in Papua New Guinea. JICA is also celebrating its 50th year in the country.
“PNG has vastly abundant natural resources, and its communities are very inclusive. I feel at home here. The investment outlook is strong. Though regrettably, many Japanese are not aware of the country’s existence,” said JICA Chief Representative Hideaki Matsuoka, who believes the country’s potential goes beyond mining, forestry, fishing, and renewable energy.
Acquired by the Chow family in 1972, Lae Biscuit is one of the pioneer biscuit makers in Papua New Guinea. Since then, it has become a major food and beverage company, which following a significant post-pandemic investment, now uses around 90 tons of flour a week.
“At this point, we have the capacity and corporate infrastructure to expand overseas. Our Japanese suppliers provide us with reliable machinery that enables us to maintain our advantage while we scale up,” said Lae Biscuit Managing Director John Chow.
But the company’s mission extends beyond profit and global expansion. As a conscientious company, Lae Biscuit endeavors to ensure not only stable employment, but also assistance and opportunities for the families of its staff and local communities.
Another Japanese company that has thrived in Papua New Guinea is Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Ltd., which trades locally as Ela Motors.
“We are grateful for the continued support for our vehicles and marine-related products and for our services, which local society and countless people have sustained. We will strive to fulfill our responsibilities even more by providing mobility services,” said Ela Motors CEO Masaru Mikami.
Echoing his company’s mission statement, Mikami added, “Through the formation of an ecosystem, we aim to produce happiness for the future society through transportation by building a new business model that supports safe and reassuring movement for both people and goods.”
Meanwhile, the backbone of Papua New Guinea’s economy is its skilled workforce. Among the closest partners of the country’s industrial sector has been PNG University of Technology.
Since 2017, the institution has been working hard to gain official accreditation for its engineering program to provide highly trained alumni to serve the country’s major industries. It is developing a degree program in petroleum engineering ahead of a predicted expansion in the extractive industries.
Satellite broadband providers like Emstret Holdings also lend vital support by offering internet connectivity to businesses, particularly in hard-to-reach areas of Papua New Guinea. The owners of remote industrial and agricultural sites have improved productivity and market linkages through the company’s services.
This locally owned enterprise, recognized by the World Confederation of Business in August 2023, has built a strong partnership with Exxon Mobil.
With continued determination, the resilient island nation will be known both for its beauty and for its industrial strength.