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What to Expect at the Australia PNG Business Forum and Trade Expo

Jun 5, 2025

What to Expect at the Australia PNG Business Forum and Trade Expo

The 40th Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo (APNGBFTE) comes at a significant moment in Papua New Guinea’s national journey — marking the country's 50th year of independence. Scheduled to take place from 23rd to 25th June 2025 at the Stanley Hotel & Suites in Port Moresby, this landmark event will bring together leaders from government, business, civil society, and development partners from both Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Hosted in partnership by the Business Council of Papua New Guinea and the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council, the Forum celebrates four decades of bilateral commercial engagement, while setting the stage for the next wave of investment and development.

A Future-Focused Theme

This year’s theme, "Securing the Future of Investments – Stori Bilong Yumi: From Shells to Artificial Intelligence," reflects on the evolution of trade and economic cooperation — from traditional systems of exchange to the dynamic realities of digital transformation. It is a timely and forward-looking message, aligning both nations on a shared vision for innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth.

A Comprehensive Program

The Forum opens with a pre-conference cocktail and the official launch of the Trade Expo on Monday, 23rd June. Over the following two days, participants will engage in a robust program of keynote addresses, sector-focused presentations, and panel discussions. High-level speakers will include the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, senior representatives from the Australian Government, and executives from leading businesses in both countries.

Key program themes include:

  • Australia-PNG Business Relationships
  • Infrastructure and Economic Development
  • Agriculture and Downstream Processing
  • Technology, Digital Disruption, and Innovation
  • Investing in Climate Change and Sustainability
  • Mining, Oil and Gas Industry Insights
  • Transformation of State-Owned Enterprises
  • Sport, Tourism, and Cultural Diplomacy

These sessions are designed to provide insights, stimulate dialogue, and encourage actionable outcomes that benefit both economies.

A Trade Expo Showcasing Opportunity

Running in parallel with the Forum is the Trade Expo, featuring businesses from a wide range of industries. The Expo provides a platform to showcase innovations, explore market-ready investment opportunities, and connect with potential partners and clients. It is a space where commercial visibility meets strategic networking.

Strengthening Partnerships Through Dialogue

The Australia PNG Business Forum and Trade Expo has a long-standing reputation as a space for meaningful exchange between the private sector and government. It facilitates open and constructive dialogue, enabling policy-makers and business leaders to identify challenges, align on solutions, and build frameworks for sustainable progress.

Celebrating 40 Years of Engagement

The 2025 Forum marks the 40th edition of this important event, underscoring the strength and maturity of the bilateral business relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea. It is also a celebration of legacy, growth, and shared aspirations for the next fifty years of national development.

Be Part of the Conversation

Participation in the 40th APNGBFTE is an opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of investment, innovation, and partnership in the region.

To register your attendance or learn more, contact admin@bcpng.page.

The Business Council of Papua New Guinea (BCPNG) held its 2026 Annual General Meeting on 23 September 2026 at Airways Hotel in Port Moresby, bringing members together to review the Council’s progress over the 2025/26 financial year and confirm changes to the BCPNG Board.

Presenting the President’s Report, BCPNG President Susil Nelson-Kongoi highlighted FY2025/26 as a year of implementation, consolidation and institutional strengthening for the Council.

A key focus during the year was the continued delivery of BCPNG’s “Strengthening Content” strategy, aimed at improving the way member concerns are translated into evidence, technical analysis, policy positions and structured engagement with Government.

The Council continued to strengthen its Government-to-Business model by connecting Technical Working Groups, Taskforces, major forums, research and policy engagement into a more coordinated advocacy pathway.

Among the year’s institutional milestones was the signing of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding between BCPNG and the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council, providing a stronger framework for regular Government-to-Business dialogue and the progression of private-sector priorities.

The President also acknowledged the contribution of BCPNG members, Technical Working Groups, Taskforces, Government and development partners, sponsors and the Secretariat in strengthening the Council’s role as an evidence-led voice for Papua New Guinea’s private sector.

Board Changes Following the AGM

The AGM also marked an important transition in BCPNG’s Board leadership.

BCPNG formally acknowledged outgoing Board members Kee Lim and Kenneth Imako for their longstanding service to the Council.

BCPNG extends its sincere appreciation to both for their leadership, experience and contribution to the Council and to Papua New Guinea’s wider private sector.

The Council also welcomed Zhi Quan Tam as a new Board member.

Adam Kramer has also now joined the Executive Board as Vice President International, succeeding Kenneth Imako.

BCPNG looks forward to working with its 2026–2027 Board, members and partners as the Council continues to strengthen private-sector advocacy, evidence-led policy engagement and constructive dialogue with Government.

As BCPNG enters the new financial year, the Council remains focused on building stronger partnerships, stronger institutions and a stronger business environment for Papua New Guinea.