European Union and Papua New Guinea to convene 5th Business Forum: 400 participants including 40 European companies on their way to the 5th EU-PNG Business Forum on 2 and 3 June 2026 in Port Moresby
Around 400 participants, including more than 40 representatives of European companies, are registered for the 5th EU-Papua New Guinea Business Forum that will take place on 2 and 3 June 2026 in Port Moresby. This major event will bring together senior political leaders, investors, business leaders and development partners from Papua New Guinea and the European Union (EU).
Held under the theme “The EU Global Gateway for sustainable investment, connectivity and growth in Papua New Guinea”, the Forum will provide a platform to strengthen economic cooperation, advance sustainable investment, and expand partnerships under the EU–Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA). Papua New Guinea was the first Pacific country to ratify iEPA, in May 2011, and today benefits from fully duty-free and quota-free access to the EU single market. The EU market is the fourth export destination for PNG.
The Theme of the Forum clearly resonates and aligns with the overarching vision of the country which is to be “smart, wise, fair, healthy and happy society”. The Government strives to achieve this long-term vision through the various medium-term plans. The PNG MTDP IV 2023-2027 serves as the ‘road map’ for the Government of PNG in the pursuit of its ambitious development agenda and this vision. This Forum is expected to create the platform to address any gaps.
Over these two days, participants will explore how to translate a bilateral trade relationship worth more than 5 billion kina annually into deeper investment partnerships and new commercial opportunities across key sectors including:
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sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy,
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digital transformation and connectivity,
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inclusive and sustainable extractive industries development
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agriculture value chains.
During the Business Forum, the European Union will not only act as a facilitator for business-to-business and business-to-government contacts, but will also present itself as a developer of major upcoming infrastructure and investment projects under the Global Gateway strategy – in close collaboration with PNG Government.
H.E. Erika Hasznos, Ambassador of the European Union to Papua New Guinea
As Papua New Guinea continues to advance its National Trade Policy, our active engagement under the EU–Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) exemplifies our commitment to sustainable growth and economic diversification. The EU Global Gateway initiative complements these efforts by enhancing connectivity and attracting investments. Looking ahead, PNG remains dedicated to strengthening our partnerships with the EU. The EU-Papua New Guinea Business Forum underscores our collective efforts to translate trade agreements into tangible development outcomes for our people and our future.
Richard Yakam, Chief Trade Officer, National Trade Office
The Investment Promotion Authority had the privilege of starting this journey together with the EU when we first inaugurated the PNG-EU Business Conference in 2019 in Port Moresby. Since then, we have witnessed the steady and growing interest of EU businesses and investors making their presence in PNG. We stand ready to connect and facilitate more interests after this Business Forum.
Clarence M. Hoot, Managing Director, Investment Promotion Authority of PNG
The 5th EU-PNG Business Forum
Since its first edition in 2011, the EU–Papua New Guinea Business Forum has served as a platform to strengthen economic ties, advance sustainable investment, and advance trade relations between the EU and Papua New Guinea. This new edition, after the regional one held for the Pacific in Fiji in 2025, will focus on concrete opportunities for European and PNG businesses under the Global Gateway Strategy.
The Forum is organised by the EU in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. The event is held in cooperation with the Government of Papua New Guinea, in particular the National Trade Office (NTO) and the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), and with the PNG-Europe Business Council.
Business Forum highlights
The Forum will start with addresses by Prime Minister James Marape and EU Ambassador Hasznos, followed by a signing ceremony for new investment projects under the Global Gateway. Hon. Foreign Affairs Minister Tkatchenko is scheduled to preside over the closing ceremony.
A high-level plenary session will bring together senior representatives from the European Commission, the Government of Papua New Guinea, and the private sector to discuss opportunities for sustainable investment and economic cooperation between the EU and Papua New Guinea. Confirmed speakers include Hon. Sir Ano Pala, Minister for National Planning, Mr Peteris Ustubs, Director for Partnerships with Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission (DG INTPA), representatives from the European Investment Bank, the World Bank, the International Trade Centre (ITC), PNG Europe Business Council, Government agencies, national, regional and European private sector leaders, as well as international development organisations.
Across two days, participants will engage in:
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High-Level Plenary on strengthening EU–Papua New Guinea strategic partnerships under the Global Gateway, including announcement for new investment initiatives.
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Thematic Sessions covering sustainable infrastructure including renewable energy and safe water; digital transformation and connectivity; inclusive and sustainable extractive industries; and agriculture value chains.
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Business-focused sessions on exporting agri-food products to the EU market and on doing business and investing in Papua New Guinea.
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A masterclass supporting PNG exporters to navigate the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
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B2B and B2G matchmaking sessions to facilitate concrete business deals and partnerships.
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Site visits showcasing Global Gateway projects and investment opportunities around Port Moresby.
About the EU Global Gateway
Global Gateway is supporting sustainable and high-quality investment globally. Global Gateway is the European strategy to boost connectivity and bring smart, clean and secure investment to digital, energy and transport sectors. It also strengthens health, education and research across the world. Through a 'Team Europe approach', Global Gateway brings together the EU, its Member States and their financial and development institutions to mobilise the private sector for larger investments promoting sustainable growth.
Event details
Dates: 2–3 June 2026, Venue: Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residences
Information: https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/eu-papua-new-guinea-business-forum_en