PNG targets Japanese market with major investment mission

The Papua New Guinea Investment Promotion Authority [IPA] is spearheading a major investment mission to Japan, aiming to strengthen economic ties and attract new opportunities for PNG businesses.

The mission culminates in a high-profile investment conference in Tokyo on November 4, 2025.

In a collaboration with the Pacific Islands Center and the PNG Embassy in Tokyo, the IPA is organizing the event to mark a significant milestone: 50 years of bilateral relations between the two nations.

The conference, themed “50 Years of Partnership: Forging the next chapter in trade, investment and shared prosperity,” will take place at the prestigious ANA International Hotel.

The event builds on the strong momentum from Prime Minister James Marape’s successful visit to Japan in July, where he engaged in high-level dialogues with government and business leaders. It also follows a reciprocal visit by a Japanese business delegation to Port Moresby in February 2024.

IPA Managing Director, Clarence Hoot, said this mission seeks to create tangible outcomes by connecting PNG enterprises directly with one of the world's largest economies.

"Delegates will participate in targeted business-to-business [B2B] and government-to-business [G2B] meetings, allowing for direct engagement with Japanese corporations and institutions."

He said the one-day program will also feature presentations showcasing prime investment opportunities across various sectors in Papua New Guinea, providing a platform for industry leaders, exporters, and government officials to network and forge new partnerships.

Meanwhile, IPA extends an invitation to PNG businesses and exporters eager to explore the Japanese market to join the mission.

Trade representatives, development partners, and business chambers are also encouraged to participate in this landmark event.

Japan is one of PNG’s three biggest trading partners, where PNG enjoys a trade surplus.

In 2023 and 2022, PNG exported over K7 billion and K8 billion to Japan in raw materials in copper, gold, logs, tuna, coffee, seafood, wood-chip, shell, crocodile skin, vanilla, timber, and liquefied natural gas; while PNG imports from Japan are manufactured products from motor vehicles, car parts and accessories, and machinery.