In a combined push on business-ownership and national sovereignty, two related statements from members of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea (PNG Parliament) in November-December 2025 reflect growing pressure to reserve certain business sectors for Papua New Guineans.
On 8 December, the government reiterated that businesses reserved for citizens “must stay local,” signalling stricter enforcement of existing protections for citizen-owned enterprises. Meanwhile, on 18 November, MP Marsh Narewec urged the government to formalise and publish an updated list of business operations that should be reserved for Papua New Guinea citizens.
These moves reflect a pushback against foreign dominance in sectors deemed vital for national interests and local economic empowerment. Advocates argue that maintaining citizen ownership ensures that benefits — profits, employment, and control — remain within Papua New Guinea, supporting broader goals of sustainable development and national self-reliance.
However, the approach raises tension between encouraging foreign investment and protecting local interests. Enforcing tighter ownership restrictions may deter some international firms, especially in sectors where capital, expertise or technology remain largely external. For domestic businesses, though, it could open windows for growth, especially in a market where foreign investors have historically dominated.
MP Narewec’s call for clarity and transparency underscores the need for a well-defined, updated registry of reserved business categories. Without clarity, policy uncertainty could deter both foreign and local investors. On the other hand, a clear, public list could help balance investor confidence and local-ownership protections.
For businesses, local or foreign, the evolving ownership landscape in Papua New Guinea means that strategic planning will increasingly hinge not just on market opportunity but on compliance with socio-political objectives. As this debate unfolds, investment strategies in Papua New Guinea may need to adapt quickly to shifting regulatory norms.
