FAQ
We welcome your questions—whether it’s about SEZ policies, project developments, investment opportunities, or challenges. Let’s make this an open, insightful dialogue that helps us all move forward with clarity and confidence toward Papua New Guinea’s economic transformation.
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A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a designated geographic area within a country where business and trade laws differ from the rest of the country, specifically designed to attract investment, boost industrial activity, and create employment. For Papua New Guinea, SEZs are critically important as they offer a pathway to diversify the economy beyond the extractive industries, stimulate regional development, and foster inclusive economic growth. By providing incentives such as tax concessions, streamlined regulations, and infrastructure support, SEZs can attract both local and international investors. This, in turn, enhances export capacity, generates jobs, improves skills, and promotes sustainable development. For a nation rich in natural resources but facing challenges in economic distribution and infrastructure, SEZs represent a strategic opportunity to unlock untapped potential and drive long-term prosperity.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has made significant strides in advancing its Special Economic Zones (SEZs) through both policy development and the initiation of key projects.
Policy Developments:
In early 2024, the PNG government introduced new policy directions for SEZs, emphasizing the prioritization of Papua New Guinean investors. This policy mandates that local investors should have majority ownership or substantial shareholding in SEZ developments, ensuring that the benefits of these zones are shared among citizens, including landowner companies, SMEs, and ordinary individuals.
Additionally, the government has been working on a comprehensive SEZ Masterplan in collaboration with international experts. This plan aims to strategically guide the development and management of SEZs across the country.
Key SEZ Projects:
- Paga Hill SEZ (Port Moresby): This flagship project includes developments like the Radisson Blu Hotel, with 40% local ownership. The government has directed that all other investments within this SEZ, such as shopping malls and private hospitals, be majority-owned by Papua New Guineans.
- Madang SEZ: An agreement has been reached to develop a fully integrated SEZ in Madang, focusing on the fisheries sector. This initiative aims to transform PNG into a significant player in the global fishing industry.
- Ihu SEZ (Gulf Province): The Ihu SEZ project is set to receive funding from international partners, including China. This zone is expected to host various industrial activities, contributing to regional economic growth.
- Portside Business Park (near Motukea Wharf): Steamships Trading Company is developing this 38-hectare site, aiming to leverage the benefits of SEZ incentives to boost logistics and commercial activities.
These developments underscore PNG’s commitment to leveraging SEZs as catalysts for economic diversification, job creation, and increased foreign investment. By focusing on local ownership and strategic planning, the country aims to ensure that the growth generated by SEZs translates into tangible benefits for its citizens.
Our Team will get in touch with you once you fill out the registration form. Please fill the registration form, our team will get in touch with you for further assistance.
No, accommodation is not covered. Attendees are responsible for arranging and covering their own accommodation during the PNG SEZ Summit 2025.
We recommend booking early with nearby hotels such as the Hilton Port Moresby for convenience and proximity to the summit venue.
The PNG SEZ Summit 2025 is a pivotal event designed to chart Papua New Guinea’s path toward economic independence by leveraging the potential of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Coinciding with the nation’s 50th year of independence, the summit aims to reflect on past economic challenges and strategize for a prosperous future.
Main Objectives of the PNG SEZ Summit 2025:
- Assess Economic Progress and Challenges: Evaluate the nation’s economic journey over the past five decades, identifying persistent issues such as unemployment, foreign currency shortages, and reliance on raw material exports.
- Learn from Global SEZ Successes: Engage with international experts from countries like Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines to understand best practices and lessons learned in SEZ development.
- Showcase and Promote PNG’s SEZs: Highlight the progress of the seven SEZs initiated since the enactment of the SEZ Act in 2019, and present investment-ready zones to potential global investors.
- Facilitate Strategic Partnerships: Provide a platform for signing key Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and issuing SEZ licenses, fostering collaborations between the government, investors, and other stakeholders.
- Develop a Comprehensive SEZ Roadmap: Collaborate with international experts to formulate a ten-year master plan for SEZ development, aligning with national economic goals and international standards.
- Promote Downstream Processing and Industry Growth: Encourage the development of industries such as coffee, oil palm, cocoa, and vanilla through downstream processing, aiming to add value to PNG’s raw materials and boost exports.
- Restore Confidence and Inspire Future Growth: Motivate stakeholders by outlining a clear vision for the next 50 years, emphasizing the role of SEZs in achieving sustainable economic growth and independence.
By addressing these objectives, the summit seeks to position SEZs as catalysts for economic diversification, job creation, and increased foreign investment, ultimately contributing to the nation’s long-term prosperity.
This event is targeted but not
limited to:
State Ministers
Chief Executive Officers
Managing Directors
Directors and General Managers
Heads of Departments
Government Officials
Heads of Industrial Clusters
Investors
Head of Missions
Others
From the following Sectors/ Industries:
Mining and Petroleum
Manufacturing
Agriculture
Forestry
Fisheries
Banking & Finance
Government Agencies
Private Sector
Academia
Yes, breakfast, morning tea, and lunch will be provided daily for all registered attendees. Dinner will also be included, with each evening hosted by a different sponsor and accompanied by special acknowledgements.
Please note: Access to all meal services, including dinner events, will be granted upon presentation of your official event access pass.