As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th year of independence, much of the spotlight is on how the country can secure a stronger and fairer economy for future generations. Leading this charge is the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, whose work has been central to reshaping PNG’s trade and investment agenda into one that delivers for everyday citizens.

Building New Pathways for Livelihoods

Since taking on the role in 2022, Minister Maru has made it clear that his vision is for Papua New Guinea to move beyond exporting raw resources and toward building industries that add value at home. A cornerstone of this plan is the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

He has championed these zones as spaces where agriculture, manufacturing, and small businesses can thrive with the right infrastructure. For instance, the Sepik Plains SEZ is being developed to support rice, cassava, and oil palm processing locally, so farmers are no longer restricted to selling raw produce but can benefit from higher-value export markets.

Making Trade Easier for Businesses

Minister Maru has also been outspoken about the need to remove barriers that slow down businesses. Under his leadership, the Ministry is introducing a National Electronic Single Window system, backed by K20 million, to simplify trade processes and reduce costs for local companies.

He has also directed a review of outdated tariff regimes, aiming to protect local jobs and give Papua New Guinean producers a fairer chance against cheap imports. These steps are part of his broader push to modernize trade systems so that ordinary people, whether they are farmers, shop owners, or SMEs, can participate more easily in the economy.

Partnerships That Deliver Opportunities

The Ministry under Hon. Maru’s leadership has been active in building international partnerships but always with a focus on practical outcomes for PNG. Talks with Japan on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement could expand market access for PNG exports, while the establishment of the PNG–Indonesia Business Council earlier this year is strengthening economic cooperation with PNG’s closest neighbor.

For Hon. Maru, these partnerships are not just diplomatic achievements; they are opportunities for cocoa growers, coffee farmers, and fishing families to gain more buyers and better prices for their products.

Ensuring Fairness and Sustainability

In keeping with his focus on long-term benefits for communities, Minister Maru has overseen the launch of an inquiry into the oil palm sector. The aim is to improve sustainability and secure fair outcomes for smallholder farmers. Similarly, he has been supportive of landowner participation in major projects, such as a new hydropower development in the Southern Highlands, where protections are being put in place to formalize land titles and safeguard community interests.

Signs of Global Confidence

Hon. Maru’s leadership has also coincided with PNG attracting unprecedented attention from international investors. The proposed multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Santos’ PNG assets by a global energy consortium has been one of the most talked-about investment proposals in recent history. While still under consideration, the proposal reflects growing confidence in PNG’s economic direction and has the potential to bring wider benefits across industries from logistics to hospitality.

A Future for All Papua New Guineans

At the core of Minister Maru’s agenda is the everyday citizen. Whether it is a young graduate finding employment in a new manufacturing facility, a family business scaling up thanks to improved trade systems, or farmers accessing international markets through SEZs, the emphasis is on ensuring that growth touches lives across the nation.

As PNG celebrates its Golden Jubilee, Hon. Maru’s message is one of optimism and inclusion: that trade and investment are not abstract policies, but real tools for empowering people and building a stronger, more self-reliant Papua New Guinea.

Advertorial Sidebar: Key Impacts of Hon. Maru’s Trade & Investment Agenda (2024–2025)

• Empowering farmers: SEZs to process and export agriculture products locally.
• Simpler trade systems: The K20 million Single Window platform to cut costs for businesses.
• Fairer markets: Tariff reforms to protect local producers and jobs.

• Expanded exports: Ongoing talks with Japan and Indonesia to open new trade doors.

• Community inclusion: Landowners safeguarded in major projects like new hydropower.
• Stronger industries: Inquiry into oil palm sector to benefit smallholders.
• Global confidence: Multi-billion-dollar investment proposals showing renewed trust in PNG’s economy.