Madang’s long-standing role in Papua New Guinea’s fisheries industry is set for a significant boost, following confirmation that plans are advancing to expand the province’s processing capacity. The development, highlighted in December 2025 coverage by EMTV, reflects growing industry confidence and the government’s ambition to deepen downstream value in Papua New Guinea’s fisheries sector.
The proposal centres on upgrading the existing processing footprint to accommodate larger volumes of tuna and other commercial species that pass through Papua New Guinea waters. Madang already hosts several major fleets and trans-shipment operations, making it a natural candidate for scaled-up processing. The new investment aims to increase export-ready output, reduce reliance on overseas processing plants, and accelerate the country’s move towards higher-value manufacturing rather than raw commodity exports.
A major feature of the proposed expansion is its employment potential. Fisheries remains one of Papua New Guinea’s most reliable job creators, and Madang’s new facilities are expected to generate opportunities not only for processors and quality inspectors but also for logistics, cold storage, engineering, packaging and administration. Industry representatives anticipate a particularly strong increase in opportunities for women, who already form a substantial portion of Papua New Guinea’s processing workforce.
With Pacific fisheries demand rising globally and Papua New Guinea retaining access to high-value European, Asian and North American markets, the Madang upgrade comes at a strategic moment. The sector has been working to strengthen compliance with international sustainability and traceability standards, and improved processing infrastructure forms part of that broader push. The ability to meet premium-market requirements could open doors for new export partnerships and better price realisation.
The initiative aligns closely with Papua New Guinea’s ambition to retain more value from its marine resources. While the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone is one of the largest tuna grounds in the world, much of the catch is processed offshore, limiting domestic economic gains. If executed at scale, Madang’s expanded role could shift that equation and position the province as a central node in the country’s long-term fisheries strategy.
