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BCPNG President’s 40th APNGBFTE Speech

Jul 16, 2025

OPENING REMARKS 

SUSIL’S NELSON KONGOI

President of BCPNG

ACCOLATES 

  • Hon. John Rosso, Acting Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
  • Ms. Charlotte Blundell, First Assistant Secretary-Pacific Economic and Infrastructure Division, Office of the Pacific, The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • Mr. Vaughn Mills, President of Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council 
  • Ministers of State and Members of Parliament 
  • Members of our Business Council’s
  • Delegates
  • Ladies and Gentleman 

We are delighted Honorable Pat Conroy federal Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Defense Industry will join us later today.

It is an absolute privilege to welcome you all to the 40th Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum & Trade Expo. Apart from the annual bilateral meetings since 1975, this forum is the longest continued engagement of promoting Australia PNG relations. This event carries special significance as Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of nationhood alongside four decades of enduring business dialogue between our two nations.

It presents an important opportunity to reflect on our collective journey, acknowledge our achievements, and chart a forward-looking agenda focused on strengthening partnerships, trade, and investment for the years ahead.

INTRODUCTION

In order for the Kumul to display elegance, vitality and strength, like all birds, the strength of its wings must prevail.  This basic observation is central in the mythology of several regions to describe the necessity of partnership. Where the absence of collaboration, teamwork, bung will not make the family strong: husband and wife; clans and the tribe will be divided. Therefore, the wings must rise, function and operate in unison to display the majestic Kumul. The vibrancy of PNG Australia business relationship depicts this and has immensely contributed to the prosperity of Australia and Papua New Guinea.

2025 THEME

By blending development aspirations, people, culture, training and business models, we are able to control the pace of disruption so as to continue our co-existence of traditional values and embracing technology such as artificial intelligence. The next two days will shine a spotlight on these key themes shaping our partnership and the future of our economies.

We continue to unlock opportunities in agribusiness, regional trade, advancing digital transformation and innovation, promoting climate-resilient strategies, and supporting major initiatives like the PNG NRL Franchise. Through these conversations, we aim to capture the energy, enterprise, and creativity of wantoks that are driving these tremendous opportunities.

With over 30 exhibitions and an anticipated 800 visitors across two days, the stage is set for a productive and memorable event. I extend my sincere appreciation to all our speakers, exhibitors, and guests joining us from Papua New Guinea, Australia, and beyond. I wish you a successful Forum filled with meaningful dialogue, valuable connections, and lasting partnerships.

KEY MESSAGE

I would like to cover three critical themes that will define our relations for the next 10 years. These are;

  1. The 100 000 (tbc) strong PNG Diaspora;
  2. Security in an increasingly volatile region; and,
  3. Enhancing socio-economic growth through Rugby League and Sports in general

The 100 000 strong PNG Diaspora

I had the privilege of engaging with the PNG community at the Gold Coast last year on how best they may actively contribute in a trade and investment relations. It was gratifying to hear their voices speak confidently on shaping tourism, logistics, agriculture, resource projects, and in creative and innovative sectors. Whether it was thousands of tradies, SME tour operators or cyber security experts, these PNG Aussies are fully invested for a better Papua New Guinea. Yesterday, their voices were heard again, at the first Coral Sea Dialogue, an engagement exclusively to promote the PNG Diaspora as a vital bilateral builder.  It’s truly exciting that government representatives are keen to facilitate removing barriers for their participation. There was also constructive conversations on how best to apply local led partnerships in the Australian Aid Program. And specifically relating to my 8-5 job at IBBM, smart low hanging fruit opportunities are present in accessing suppliers and workforce in this important community. Indeed, the future looks bright if we are able to bring our wantoks for the next 40-year journey where the possibility of technology will have no barriers.

Security in an increasingly volatile region

We produced the Business Protection Report earlier this year to inform Government on urgent protection measures. Key findings included heightened survival crimes, cybersecurity threats, and weak enforcement coverage across the country. There is also an increase in transnational crimes where black economy industries are growing in sophistication and resources. The report calls for an urgent, coordinated strategy centered on strong public-private partnerships to stabilize the business environment. Priority actions include expanding enforcement resources, strengthening the National Cyber Security Center, implementing targeted youth employment programs, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and establishing a Copyright and Cultural Rights Commission to protect PNG’s intellectual property. This forum must actively participate in bilateral security and defense conversations as malicious cyber-attacks and transnational crime actors undermine the markets performance and therefore the market must be protected if it is to prosper.

Enhancing socio-economic growth through Rugby League and Sports in general

The PNG NRL project is not just a sporting novelty but a strategic, transformative program with deep social, cultural, and economic significance. The initiative comprises two key components: the “shiny bit,” which includes events, games, tourism, and international exposure;

and the “back end,” focused on infrastructure, development pathways, and long-term sustainability. A major highlight is the $300 million investment in development pathways, seen as critical for the program’s viability beyond its initial 10-year funding. It also presents an opportunity to enhance public services, such as transport, immigration, and city infrastructure—addressing gaps like the lack of reliable transport after 7pm in Port Moresby.

Perhaps the most important part of the NRL initiative, will inspire other sporting codes to initiate similar partnerships with other Australian Sporting Competitions. Ultimately, these sorts of projects call for collaborative stakeholder alignment to effectively plan and implement sustainable sports development comprising of business methods, technology, science and new jobs, making it a powerful vehicle to drive lasting socio-economic impact across the country.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The Business Council of PNG remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the Australia PNG Business Council and all stakeholders to ensure that we continue on the path of sustainable development.

So I reiterate, like the majestic Kumul, the wings of PNG-Australia business relations must rise and prevail together.

Thank you.

The Business Council of Papua New Guinea (BCPNG), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the European Union-funded Preventing and Countering Corruption in Papua New Guinea Project, brought together leaders from the judiciary, private sector, government, civil society and development partners for a series of engagements focused on strengthening trust, institutional integrity and confidence in Papua New Guinea’s business environment.

The engagements began on 18 August 2026 at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby with the Chief Justice’s Business Breakfast, followed by Private Gavamani Konekt 3 (PGK3). The programme continued on 20 August with a workshop focused on practical tools for strengthening business integrity in the private sector.

Together, the events created a platform for discussing how justice, governance, integrity and innovation intersect with business confidence, investment and sustainable economic development in Papua New Guinea.

Chief Justice’s Business Breakfast: Strengthening Confidence Through Justice and Integrity

Held under the theme “Justice, Integrity and Innovation: Strengthening Markets and Governance in PNG,” the Chief Justice’s Business Breakfast placed the role of strong and trusted institutions at the centre of the discussion.

Chief Justice Sir Gibuna Gibbs Salika highlighted the importance of the rule of law, judicial integrity and institutional confidence in supporting economic activity and national development.

His remarks reinforced the importance of businesses and investors being able to operate in an environment where laws are predictable, contracts can be enforced and disputes can be resolved fairly and efficiently.

The Chief Justice also reflected on continuing reforms within the justice sector, including improved case management, judicial education and the growing use of technology.

Emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, digital evidence, privacy and cybersecurity were highlighted as areas requiring careful consideration as PNG’s justice system and wider economy continue to evolve.

A key message from the breakfast was that innovation must strengthen access to justice, transparency and efficiency while preserving fairness, accountability, judicial independence and sound human judgement.

The discussion also reinforced the connection between strong institutions and the confidence required for investment, commercial activity and long-term economic growth.

PGK3: Connecting Justice, Governance and the Business Environment

Following the breakfast, PGK3 expanded the dialogue through five focused sessions examining issues increasingly important to both government and the private sector.

The forum covered financial crime, anti-money laundering and economic integrity; artificial intelligence, digital evidence and the future of justice; land, the green economy and environmental justice; judicial reform, security and investor confidence; and arbitration, mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

Participants explored how stronger information-sharing, transparency and institutional coordination can contribute to more trusted and resilient markets.

The discussions on financial and economic integrity highlighted the importance of reliable systems, corporate transparency and collaboration between regulators, government agencies and businesses.

Technology also featured prominently throughout PGK3. As more government, financial and commercial systems become digital, the forum recognised the growing importance of cybersecurity, data integrity and responsible approaches to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The land and environmental justice session considered the need to balance economic development with customary land interests, environmental stewardship and the long-term sustainability of PNG’s natural resources.

Investor confidence and commercial justice were also central themes. Participants considered how efficient judicial processes, predictable regulation and stronger dispute-resolution mechanisms can reduce uncertainty and support a more competitive business environment.

The forum also highlighted the role of mediation and arbitration as practical mechanisms for resolving commercial disputes, potentially reducing delays, transaction costs and pressure on the courts.

Across the discussions, a consistent message emerged: improving PNG’s business environment is not simply about introducing new policies or institutions, but ensuring that existing laws, systems and institutions work effectively and consistently.

Business Integrity Workshop: Moving from Dialogue to Practical Action

The week’s engagements continued on 20 August with the Workshop on Practical Tools for Strengthening Business Integrity in the Private Sector.

The workshop, delivered through the EU-funded PNG Anti-Corruption Project in partnership with UNDP and BCPNG, focused on practical approaches businesses can use to strengthen ethical conduct, compliance and organisational integrity.

Participants examined PNG’s existing anti-corruption framework and considered how private sector organisations can strengthen internal governance and reduce corruption risks.

The workshop also explored a proposed model approach to business integrity, including principles around transparency, accountability, ethical conduct, fair competition, information integrity and responsible engagement with communities.

Whistleblower protection was another important area of discussion, alongside the importance of clear reporting processes, confidentiality and organisational systems that encourage concerns to be raised safely and appropriately.

A strong emphasis was placed on prevention—through education, awareness, clear procedures, ethical leadership and stronger internal systems—rather than relying solely on investigations after misconduct has occurred.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for businesses and stakeholders to contribute practical feedback on how integrity tools could be applied within Papua New Guinea’s private sector.

Building Stronger Institutions Through Collaboration

Taken together, the Chief Justice’s Business Breakfast, PGK3 and the business integrity workshop demonstrated the value of sustained dialogue between the institutions and organisations that influence Papua New Guinea’s economic environment.

For BCPNG, these engagements are an important part of connecting the experiences of businesses with the institutions responsible for justice, regulation, governance and national development.

By bringing the judiciary, private sector, government, civil society and development partners into the same conversation, BCPNG continues to provide a platform for constructive engagement on issues that directly influence business confidence and investment.

The week’s discussions reinforced a clear principle: stronger markets depend on trusted institutions, effective systems and a shared commitment to integrity.

BCPNG will continue to support Government-to-Business dialogue and practical collaboration that contributes to stronger governance, responsible business practices and sustainable economic growth in Papua New Guinea.