Infrastructure financing, ports, defence cooperation and development partnerships took centre stage during the Kramer Asia Pacific-sponsored Session Five, Infrastructure Pipeline: Infrastructure for Growth & Investment, on Day Three of the 41st Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum & Trade Expo in Brisbane.
Rachael Thompson, Acting Head of the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), said the facility had expanded significantly since its establishment in 2019 to meet the Pacific’s growing infrastructure needs.
“Since 2019, we’ve committed A$2 billion in project financing towards 59 projects in 13 countries,” she said.
Ms Thompson said PNG accounted for 11 projects worth around A$1 billion, including major port upgrades, road projects, rural electrification and digital connectivity initiatives.
“These projects include the A$621.4 million package to refurbish, replace and upgrade five ports,” she said, adding that AIFFP was also exploring support for PNG’s digital ambitions through the Puk Puk Digital Connectivity Initiative.
Speaking on behalf of Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH), Chief Investment and Infrastructure Officer David Kitione said Papua New Guinea’s infrastructure development was being guided through a deliberate and nationally-led framework.
“What we are presenting to you today are not aspirations,” he said. “They are the outputs of a structured, nationally owned infrastructure development process.”
Mr Kitione outlined KCH’s plans for the Portside Business Precinct in Port Moresby, describing it as a strategically planned waterfront commercial development designed to attract long-term investment.
PNG Ports Corporation Managing Director Neil Papenfus highlighted the scale of the country’s maritime sector, saying PNG ports handled 10.8 million tonnes of cargo in 2025 and supported 22 per cent of national GDP.
“When ports work well, supply chains work well,” he said.
Mr Papenfus said the A$621 million port infrastructure upgrade programme was the largest in the corporation’s history and was aimed at rebuilding infrastructure “for the next 50 years”.
Laura Darlington, Assistant Secretary Indo-Pacific Infrastructure in Australia’s Department of Defence, said defence infrastructure investment was creating long-term economic opportunities alongside security outcomes.
“Defence infrastructure is not just about facilities,” she said. “It is about supporting the economic development of local communities.”
She said future investment under the Defence Cooperation Program and the proposed Pukpuk Treaty would generate further opportunities for Papua New Guinea businesses and workers.
World Bank Senior Procurement Specialist Amin Saskai said Papua New Guinea’s World Bank portfolio stood at around US$677 million across sectors including energy, transport, agriculture, education and water.
“Please engage with our clients,” he told businesses attending the forum. “Let them know about the new trends.”
Asian Development Bank representative Leonardo Storni said PNG’s infrastructure pipeline remained strong, particularly in transport and energy.
“We are trying to buy right, not buy cheap,” he said, referring to new procurement approaches placing greater emphasis on quality and value for money.
