Forest Authority MD defends SGS partnership

PNG Forest Authority Managing Director John Mosoro responding to questions raised by the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Delivery while his Director Field Operations Lyall Umbo and the Commissioner for Customs David Towe look on (Image: Supplied)

The Managing Director of the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority [PNG FA], John Mosoro, has defended the agency’s intention to re-engage international firm SGS as an independent verifier of log exports, while questioning the accuracy of data presented to the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Delivery.

Mr. Mosoro appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Pre-Shipment and Inspection of Log Exports on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The committee is chaired by Oro Governor Gary Juffa.

In his remarks, the PNGFA boss stated strongly the agency’s support for bringing back SGS, citing the need to uphold the value of forest produce and maintain accountability throughout the export process.

“It is our desire to retain the services of SGS,” Mosoro said, adding that a new engagement with the company would also support the government’s policy on downstream processing and forest carbon monetisation as part of the national climate change response.

However, Mosoro told the committee that some clauses in the draft agreement with SGS remain unclear, and the State Solicitor's advice would be sought before the deal is finalized. Despite this, he was eager to proceed with signing the agreement.

While backing the re-engagement of SGS, Mr. Mosoro raised serious concerns over the reliability of data presented by the same company to the committee.

According to Mosoro, the data, which reportedly indicated significant fluctuations in export tax revenues and potential losses to landowners and stakeholders, was bias and unverified.

“I strongly doubt this data from SGS and want it verified. This is a massive increase, and I am concerned about it,” he said. “We are only made aware of this data today at the hearing. The data must be reviewed by PNGFA before being presented at this forum.”

Mr. Mosoro pointed out that SGS had withdrawn from its monitoring role in 2023, questioning how such detailed figures were compiled in their absence.

The contested figures included export tax revenues, shifts in royalty distributions, and other financial data with direct implications for landowners and the forestry sector.

Mr. Mosoro’s remarks underline ongoing concerns within the forestry sector over transparency in monitoring and reporting. He urged that any data influencing national policy or public opinion must first be verified by PNG FA and relevant government agencies.

Senior representatives from PNG Customs, Treasury, SGS, and the media were also in attendance at the hearing.