Yesterday, 30 June 2021, the governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea signed a Memorandum of Understanding in which a framework for cooperation in PNG’s maritime infrastructure sector was agreed. It is hoped that activities flowing-on from the MoU will lead to an investment programme of 1.1 billion PNG Kina (approximately AUD$418.8 million) in PNG.
The MoU outlines cooperation between the Australian Government, including through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (the AIFFP), the PNG Government and PNG Ports Corporation. According to the AIFFP, Australian support will help the PNG Ports Corporation – a state owned entity that operates PNG’s ports – to increase port capacity to accommodate larger ships.
“Australia is responding to Papua New Guinea’s request to support the renewal and upgrade of critical ports”, PNG Prime Minister James Marape said. “Australia and Papua New Guinea share a strong and enduring bilateral partnership, and today’s agreement will further strengthen our cooperation set out in our Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership,” he added.
The news of the MoU follows on from the recent announcement by PNG Ports Corporation that it has launched its first-ever 30 year Ports Infrastructure Infrastructure Master Plan.
Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, Jon Philp, acknowledged that the MoU and the Master Plan are part of a growing engagement by Australia in the country. ”The 30 Year Ports Infrastructure Master Plan provides an excellent opportunity and platform through which Australia can help support infrastructure development aspirations of PNG” he said.
