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Richard Maru’s Achievements in Trade and Investment: A Two-Year Progress Snapshot

Over the past two years, Hon. Richard Maru, Minister for International Trade and Investment, has made significant strides in transforming Papua New Guinea’s trade and investment landscape. His leadership has been marked by a proactive drive to shift PNG from a resource-exporting economy to one that prioritizes value-added production and strategic international partnerships.

One of Maru’s most notable achievements is the establishment of the PNG–Indonesia Business Council, which is set to be launched by Prime Minister James Marape. This initiative marks a major policy shift, moving beyond border and security cooperation to focus on commercial engagement with Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The Council aims to unlock trade opportunities, attract Indonesian investors, and strengthen private sector ties between the two nations.

In line with this, Maru has been instrumental in attracting foreign direct investments, including securing PNG’s first K1.5 billion investment from Indonesia, a major milestone expected to stimulate economic activity in critical sectors such as mining, agriculture, and downstream processing.

Another key area of progress has been the promotion and development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across PNG. Under Maru’s direction, work has advanced on SEZs in West Sepik, Gulf, and Western Provinces. These zones are designed to draw foreign investors by offering incentives and streamlined operations, with the goal of creating jobs and industrial hubs in underdeveloped regions.

Maru has also led multiple trade missions to countries like China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, strengthening bilateral ties and opening doors for PNG exporters and investors. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to diversify PNG’s trade portfolio and learn from countries that have successfully industrialized.

Recognizing the need for a more investor-friendly climate, Maru has pushed for reforms to improve the ease of doing business in PNG. This includes simplifying regulatory processes, enhancing transparency, and encouraging greater collaboration between government agencies and the private sector.

Through these efforts, Minister Richard Maru has positioned PNG for a new era of economic growth—one built on partnerships, investment, and strategic development.

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