THE Credit Guarantee Corporation’s
PNG Agri Trade Expo, a fourday event from June 24 to 27, has emerged as a landmark in the evolution of Papua New Guinea’s agricultural landscape.
The Expo, held at the esteemed APEC Haus in Port Moresby, garnered significant international interest, presenting a wide array of exhibitors and nurturing essential business connections.
The Expo, with its 30-odd booths, underscored the pivotal role of diverse sectors such as agriculture, finance, and agribusiness. Notably, 12 cocoa and vanilla agripreneurs from East and West Sepik Provinces, backed by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme under the FAO, showcased the global competitiveness of PNG’s agricultural offerings.
One of the Expo’s highlights was the introduction of cocoa and vanilla products from the Greater Sepik region, which piqued the interest of international markets. Mr. Nobuchika
Ihara, the Honorary Consul of Papua New Guinea to Japan, lauded the organic farming techniques employed in Sepik, indicating potential new markets in Japan.
The success of the Expo is a testament to the joint efforts of the European Union and
United Nations agencies, striving to boost sustainable economic growth in PNG’s rural
regions. The event not only displayed the richness of PNG’s agricultural potential but
also emphasized the crucial role of international collaborations in propelling economic
growth.
In addition to the exhibition, an SME Breakfast with Prime Minister Hon. James Marape
offered a forum for discussing the challenges and opportunities confronting small and medium-sized enterprises in PNG. The commitment from industrial and business sector groups to nurture SME excellence was palpable, with plans to uplift the SME community.
The PNG Agri Trade Expo has undoubtedly paved the way for a new epoch of economic
transformation, steered by strategic alliances and innovative agricultural practices.
The recent Credit Guarantee Corporation PNG Agri Trade Expo in Port Moresby
not only spotlighted Papua New Guinea’s dynamic agricultural sector but also
underscored the transformative power of international collaborations and strategic
investments. This event, held at the APEC Haus from June 24 to 27, convened
key stakeholders from around the world, highlighting PNG’s potential as a significant
contender in the global agricultural market.
Insights gleaned from the Expo reveal promising trends. Over 30 booths hosted a variety
of exhibitors, including banks, financial institutions, agribusinesses, exporters, and
investors. The participation of 12 cocoa and vanilla agripreneurs from East and West
Sepik Provinces, supported by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, underscored the growing
interest in PNG’s unique agricultural products.
Data shared during the Expo suggest that the discussions and business linkages facilitated
at the event are projected to yield substantial economic returns. The promotion of cocoa
and vanilla from the Greater Sepik region, coupled with international interest, signals
potential new markets and increased export opportunities for PNG farmers.
Furthermore, the presence of international dignitaries such as Mr. Nobuchika Ihara, the
Honorary Consul of Papua New Guinea to Japan, underscores the global recognition of
PNG’s organic farming methods and quality agricultural products. Mr. Ihara’s interest in
sourcing dried cocoa beans for testing and potential marketing in Japan underscores
the Expo’s role in unlocking lucrative international markets.
Looking ahead, the success of the PNG Agri Trade Expo calls for continued support and
investment in PNG’s agricultural sector. Strategic partnerships, like those fostered
through the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, are pivotal in enhancing sustainable economic
development.
Rise of Nationalist Movements
The rise of nationalist movements played a significant role in the transformation of Papua New Guinea’s agricultural sector. The desire for self-determination and economic independence fueled the drive to showcase and enhance the country’s unique agricultural offerings. The Expo served as a platform for these movements, allowing local agripreneurs to present their products to an international audience and establish valuable business connections. This surge in nationalism, coupled with strategic international collaborations, has set the stage for a new era of economic progress in Papua New Guinea.
