Tasminnie ISIMELI

Chairman of Comrade Trustee Services Limited, Chetan Chopra, has hailed 2025 as a “very fortunate year for the superannuation industry in Papua New Guinea,” praising the fund’s strong performance and critical role in supporting the retirement security of its members.Chopra began by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, saying, “Before we start, I'd also like to acknowledge the traditional landowners of this land, the Motu koita people, both past and present. We thank them for allowing us to gather here today and conduct our meetings here.”Reflecting on CTSL’s success, he noted, “Success in superannuation is not defined by the size but by how effectively we are delivering strong outcomes for our members, including sound financial performance, prudent governance, and responsible stewardship of retirement savings.”Chopra outlined the progress made since 2023, when an interim board was appointed by the Government of Papua New Guinea. “We set ambitious goals to reduce risk in our balance sheet, increase annual returns, and establish ethical corporate governance and functional legal structures,” he said, adding, “While doing all of this, we managed our costs in a more responsible and transparent manner.”He acknowledged the contributions of key individuals, including former chairlady Her Excellency Michelle Hoffa, saying, “Under her steady leadership, the fund made significant progress in strengthening stakeholder engagements and developing internal capability. Her passion for the welfare of service personnel was evident in every discussion we had.”He explained CTSL’s unique focus on Defense Force members: “CTSL currently serves only 5,000 members. While the size of the fund is small, we see this as a key strength because we are able to understand the requirements of our members.”On investments, Chopra said, “We have undertaken a comprehensive review of our investment portfolio, identifying opportunities across Papua New Guinea. We have been very strong about exiting investments, much to the dislike of many people, because you’ve got to make an investment decision based on returns and not emotion.” He added that Toea Homes has been successfully turned around and is now delivering positive returns.Chopra highlighted five pillars of success: membership engagement, investment performance, governance and institutional strength, people and capability, and financial performance. On the fund’s 2025 results, he said, “Net asset value reached K899 million, representing 11.8 percent growth. Comprehensive income increased by 32 percent and the board declares a 12.5 percent interest crediting rate for 2025.”Looking ahead, Chopra outlined plans for 2026 and beyond: “Our priorities will include continued engagement with members, exploring innovative retirement products, strengthening the fund’s balance sheet, expanding investment opportunities across PNG, further development of Toea Homes and maintaining disciplined cost management.”He concluded, “We remain committed to protecting and growing the retirement savings of the men and women who serve our nation.”

Nasfund Superannuation is strengthening its focus on superannuation education, governance and service delivery as part of its long-term strategy to better support members. Chairman Christopher Elphick said improving members’ understanding of superannuation remains a key priority for the fund.He said Nasfund has been advocating for greater superannuation literacy, helping workers better understand how retirement savings work and why it is important to plan for the future.Mr. Elphick said the fund has been working with the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion to support financial education initiatives in Papua New Guinea.Through this partnership, Nasfund has contributed to the development of financial education material aimed at strengthening financial awareness within the country’s education system.He said these initiatives are designed to ensure that future generations have a better understanding of savings, financial planning and retirement security.“Superannuation education helps members understand how their savings grow and the role it plays in their long-term financial security,” Mr. Elphick said.In addition to education programs, the fund has also focused on improving its internal systems and governance frameworks.Mr. Elphick said Nasfund has been strengthening its data governance and service delivery systems to better understand member needs and improve the services provided.He said the improved use of data is helping the organization gain better insights into member behaviour and deliver more personalized services.“These improvements allow us to engage with members more effectively and enhance the overall service experience,” he said.The initiatives form part of Nasfund’s three-year strategic plan, which focuses on portfolio optimization, stronger governance, improved service delivery and better use of technology and data.Mr. Elphick said these priorities will help ensure the fund continues to operate efficiently while protecting and growing the retirement savings of its members.

Nasfund Superannuation has announced a 13 percent interest crediting rate for the 2025 financial year, marking the highest rate the fund has delivered since 2010.Chairman Christopher Elphick made the announcement during the release of the fund’s 2025 audited financial results, describing the outcome as one of the strongest financial performances in the organization’s history.The trustee board approved the financial statements showing a record net profit after tax of K1.08 billion, while the fund’s net asset value increased to more than K9.45 billion.Mr. Elphick said the strong performance would result in more than K1 billion being credited to members’ accounts, reflecting the fund’s commitment to growing retirement savings for its members.“This is the highest distribution ever, demonstrating the fund’s commitment to growing members’ retirement savings,” he said.He acknowledged the role played by the board of directors, management and staff in delivering the results, noting that strong governance and disciplined investment strategies had contributed significantly to the fund’s success.Membership and employer participation also continued to grow during the year.The fund recorded a net increase of 28,384 members, bringing total membership to 744,213 members nationwide.The employer base also expanded, with 87 new employers joining the fund, increasing the total number of participating employers to 2,978.Mr. Elphick said the growth reflected increasing confidence in the fund and continued engagement with employers and workers across the country.He added that the fund’s long-term investment strategy has also been delivering solid returns for members.Over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025, Nasfund recorded an average annual return of 8.91 percent, outperforming the national inflation average of 3.56 percent.“This means members’ retirement savings have grown about 5.35 percent above inflation,” he said.According to Mr. Elphick, the fund is currently in the final year of its three-year strategic plan, which focuses on optimizing its investment portfolio and maintaining disciplined investment decisions to ensure sustainable long-term returns.Another key focus area has been superannuation education and financial inclusion, aimed at improving members’ understanding of retirement savings.Through its partnership with the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion, Nasfund has contributed to the development of financial education programs within the national education curriculum.Mr. Elphick said the fund has also strengthened its internal operations by improving governance frameworks, enhancing service delivery and investing in better data management systems.“These improvements are helping us better understand our members and deliver more personalized services,” he said.He added that the board remains focused on ensuring the fund continues to deliver sustainable returns while safeguarding the long-term retirement savings of its members.

Strong investment returns and improved offshore performance have contributed to record financial results for Nasfund Superannuation in the 2025 financial year.Chief Finance Officer, Ms. Debbie Oli highlighted the key financial results during the announcement of the fund’s audited results.Ms. Oli said the fund recorded cash income of K554 million, exceeding the budgeted income of K544 million for the year.In addition, the fund achieved valuation gains of K580 million, reflecting the strong performance of its investment portfolio.One of the major differences between the 2024 and 2025 results was the turnaround in foreign exchange performance.The fund recorded a foreign exchange gain of K142 million, compared to a K5.7 million loss the previous year.Ms. Oli said contributions from members and employers also continued to grow.During the year, K856 million in contributions were received, representing an eight percent increase compared to the previous year.Meanwhile, member benefit payments totaled K611 million, slightly higher than the K591 million paid in 2024, reflecting ongoing member withdrawals and benefit claims.According to Ms. Oli, the total interest credited to members’ accounts for 2025 will reach approximately K1.1 billion, compared to K839 million credited in 2024.Of this amount, K17 million had already been paid to members who exited the fund during the year.She explained that the fund’s gross investment return across the portfolio reached around 15 percent, before operating expenses and taxes were deducted.Operating expenses for the year totaled K88 million, which Ms. Oli said was in line with the fund’s budget and reflected continued efforts to maintain strict cost control.She noted that 36 percent of the fund’s expenses were fixed costs, including administrative fees, investment management costs and regulatory fees paid to the Bank of Papua New Guinea.Staff costs accounted for 35 percent of total expenses, while about 28 percent represented controllable operational costs.Ms. Oli said prudent cost management is essential because lower expenses allow the fund to return more value to its members.Strong returns were also generated from several major investments, including holdings in BSP Financial Group and Credit Corporation, as well as offshore equities.The fund has also continued expanding its international investment portfolio.Nasfund’s offshore investment portfolio increased from K1.4 billion in 2024 to K2.1 billion in 2025, now representing 21.8 percent of the fund’s total net asset value.Ms. Oli said this remains within the fund’s prudential limits and below the board-approved target of 25 percent allocation to international investments.She added that global investments and foreign currency movements contributed positively to the fund’s results this year.However, she noted that maintaining a balanced and diversified portfolio remains important to ensure stable long-term returns for members.

The Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (RPIR) marked its 75th anniversary with the Trooping of the Regimental Colours yesterday, commemorating the regiment’s diamond jubilee since it was formed in 1951.Deputy Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Brigadier General Opa Lari, thanked members of the media for covering the significant event, describing it as an important moment in the regiment’s history. Brigadier General Opa explained that the Trooping of the Colours is a long-standing military tradition carried out on special occasions, particularly on the regiment’s birthday. He said the Regimental Colours may also be displayed when dignitaries visit the unit or when foreign army generals visit the regiment. However, the full trooping ceremony is conducted only on the regiment’s birthday. The Deputy Chief said the regiment holds two colours: The King’s Colour and the Regimental Colour. He explained that the King’s Colour is only trooped when a member of the royal family is present on parade or when a representative of the sovereign, normally the Governor-General, is in attendance. Because the sovereign’s representative was not present at the anniversary celebration, only the Regimental Colour was trooped. Brigadier General Opa also highlighted that the regiment received new colours from the Duke of Edinburgh last year. He said this year’s ceremony marks the first time the colours have been trooped on the regiment’s birthday since they were received. He said the King’s Colour is a rare privilege granted to regiments that have distinguished themselves in battles or conflicts, reflecting long-standing Commonwealth military traditions. Brigadier General Opa noted that members of the British royal family are traditionally appointed as Colonel-in-Chief of certain regiments. Up until the reign of His Majesty King Charles III, he held the honorary title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment. He said it is not yet clear who will inherit that title. Meanwhile, the Regimental Colour carries the battle honours of the unit. Brigadier General Opa said the honours recognize the contributions of the Pacific Islands Battalion and the Papua New Guinea Infantry Battalion during the Second World War. He said the battles and campaigns in which they fought successfully are inscribed on the Regimental Colour. Currently, eight battle honours are displayed on the colour. Brigadier General Opa added that new battle honours could be added in the future if the 1st Battalion or the 2nd Battalion is deployed in an active campaign and achieves success in those operations.

Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Defence Dr Billy Joseph has paid tribute to the long and proud history of the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment during celebrations marking the regiment’s 75th anniversary.Speaking as the reviewing officer at the commemorative parade, Dr Joseph congratulated the soldiers and officers of the 1st Battalion Royal Pacific Islands Regiment for their professionalism, discipline and pride displayed during the ceremony. The Defence Minister said the parade reflected the finest traditions and enduring spirit of the regiment, which has played a vital role in protecting the sovereignty and stability of Papua New Guinea over the past seven decades. Dr Joseph acknowledged dignitaries present at the event, including the Governor for the National Capital District Powes Parkop and Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, noting that parliamentary commitments had prevented them from attending the celebration. The regiment traces its origins to 1951 when the Pacific Islands Regiment was re-established following the Second World War at Taurama Barracks in Port Moresby. The force was built on the legacy of the Papuan and New Guinea Infantry Battalions whose bravery during the war earned international recognition. Dr Joseph said the regiment was later expanded, with the second battalion established in 1965 at Moem Barracks in Wewak, forming the two-battalion structure that continues to serve the nation today. “For 75 years, the soldiers of the Pacific Islands Regiment have stood at the forefront of national service,” he said. “They have operated in difficult terrain, supported national security operations and development efforts, and stood ready whenever the nation has called them to serve.” The Defence Minister also paid tribute to the veterans who helped build the regiment’s proud legacy, thanking them for laying the foundation on which the modern regiment stands. Looking ahead, Dr Joseph said the government is committed to strengthening and modernizing the Papua New Guinea Defence Force to meet emerging security challenges as the country continues to develop. He announced plans to expand the regiment through the establishment of a third battalion in Hela Province, as part of efforts to grow the nation’s defence capability. The government is also working to revitalize defence infrastructure, expand training opportunities and modernize equipment with support from regional defence partners. Dr Joseph said new protected mobility platforms, including up-armored vehicles and armored SUVs, will be introduced to improve force protection for soldiers. The government is also progressing the acquisition of modern weapon systems to replace ageing equipment currently in use. “These investments are not simply about equipment,” he said. “They represent the government’s commitment to ensuring that our soldiers have the capability, protection and support required to carry out their missions with confidence.” The Minister reminded soldiers that while modern equipment is important, the true strength of a defence force lies in the discipline, leadership and character of its personnel. He told the soldiers of the 1st Battalion that they represent the next generation who will carry forward the traditions of the regiment and lead the defence force through future challenges. Dr Joseph also acknowledged the families of PNGDF personnel, thanking them for supporting soldiers who often spend months away from home on duty. “As we look beyond this 75th anniversary, the next 75 years must be defined by professionalism, modern capability and national pride,” he said. Dr Joseph concluded by congratulating the regiment on its milestone anniversary, expressing hope that the King’s Regimental Colors will continue to fly high in service to Papua New Guinea.

Police in East Sepik are continuing investigations into the weekend incident that led to the temporary closure of Wewak Airport with authorities now pursuing at least 23 suspects believed to be involved.East Sepik Provincial Police Commander Christopher Tamari confirmed that investigations are progressing with officers gathering statements and identifying key suspects connected to the disturbance. Superintendent Tamari said one of the main persons of interest has already provided a confession to police, which helped investigators identify others believed to have been involved. “The investigation is ongoing. We are getting all the statements together, and one of the prime persons of interest has given a confessional statement revealing the names of others who were present during the incident,” Tamari said. Police have since begun working with communities to track down and apprehend those implicated in the attack. “As we speak, officers are out working with communities to apprehend about 23 prime suspects,” he said. The police commander said the incident was allegedly carried out in retaliation after police shot a suspected gang leader during a previous operation. According to Tamari, the destruction of public infrastructure such as the airport is unacceptable and those responsible, will face the full force of the law. “Public infrastructure is for everybody. Whoever thinks they are fit enough to destroy what belongs to the public will face the full blunt of the law,” he said. Tamari urged residents of Wewak and surrounding communities to help police with information that could assist investigations. He said most community members support law enforcement efforts, while only a small minority are responsible for criminal activities. The police commander also highlighted broader concerns about crime in the province, including hold-ups along the highway near Wewak and ongoing tensions between rival settlement groups. He attributed much of the rising crime to youth unemployment and lack of opportunities urging young people to seek productive livelihoods rather than resort to criminal activities. “Crime does not pay. People should take up opportunities available to them, work the land, and engage in small businesses instead of resorting to crime,” Tamari said. Despite challenges such as limited manpower and a growing population, Tamari said police remain committed to managing crime in the province. He called on the public to work together with law enforcement to ensure the safety of the provincial capital and surrounding communities. “Help us ensure we have a better and safer province” he said.

The launch of the documentary Voices of Change: The Journey of Women in Papua New Guinea since 1975 has highlighted the leadership, resilience and contributions of Papua New Guinean women over the past five decades.The documentary was launched ahead of International Women’s Day and National Women’s Day celebrations, bringing together government representatives, development partners and advocates for gender equality. Acting Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian High Commission, Dr. Kate Rogers, said the documentary provides an important opportunity to reflect on how women have shaped Papua New Guinea. She acknowledged the women featured in the film, commending their strength, determination and ambition to lead change in communities and across the country. “We honour your strength and determination, your resilience and your ambition to lead change in both visible and everyday ways,” Dr. Rogers said. Dr. Rogers congratulated the Minister and the Department of Community Development and Religion for their commitment to empowering women and girls, describing the documentary as a testament to their ongoing work. She stressed that progress toward gender equality can only be achieved when women and girls are included in decision-making processes and have equal voice alongside men. Dr. Rogers also highlighted Australia’s support through the PNG Women Lead initiative, a $55 million partnership with the PNG Government, civil society organisations and the private sector. The program focuses on elevating women’s leadership, promoting respectful relationships, preventing violence against women and girls and supporting women’s economic empowerment. She encouraged communities across the country to watch and share the documentary to spark conversations and inspire action towards greater gender equality. Providing an overview of the film, Director of the Office for Women’s Development, Ms Nancy Kavop, said the documentary tells an important national story by capturing the voices and achievements of Papua New Guinean women since independence in 1975. Ms Kavop said the documentary highlights women from various backgrounds, including grassroots leaders, advocates, professionals and pioneers who have contributed to shaping communities and the nation. “It reminds us that women have always been central to the development of Papua New Guinea,” she said. She noted that the themes highlighted in the documentary reflect the priorities of the Papua New Guinea Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy 2025–2035, which was endorsed by the Government in December last year. According to Ms Kavop, the documentary showcases women breaking barriers and taking leadership roles, contributing to economic growth through entrepreneurship and innovation, while also highlighting ongoing challenges such as gender-based violence and unequal access to opportunities. She said the project also demonstrates the importance of partnerships between the PNG Government, the Australian Government through the PNG Women Lead program, civil society organisations and other advocates working to advance gender equality. “The documentary is more than just a film. It is an advocacy and educational tool that will inspire young women and girls, inform communities and encourage greater support for women’s leadership and participation in national development,” Ms Kavop said. She also acknowledged the teams and partners involved in producing the documentary, including the PNG Women Lead team, Tribe Media and the Office for Women’s Development staff. Ms Kavop said the documentary serves as a reminder that the future of Papua New Guinea depends on the full participation, leadership and empowerment of women and girls. The documentary was officially launched by the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion before its screening.

Sporting competitions are taking centre stage in the lead-up to the main 75th anniversary celebrations of the 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR), helping to build morale, teamwork and pride amongst troops.The Diamond Jubilee celebrations are being observed over several weeks, with a range of activities organized to mark the milestone, culminating in the Trooping of Colors parade on March 11th. Speaking to PNGHAUSBUNG, Media Liaison Officer Captain Roderick Kambual said sporting events are a long-standing tradition within the regiment and play an important role in the overall celebrations. “Traditionally, the company that performs best across all sporting events and activities is recognized as the champion company and is given the honor of trooping the colors on the regiment’s birthday,” he said. Trooping the colors is a ceremonial highlight, where soldiers carry the regimental and sovereign colors in a formal parade, symbolizing pride, unity and military heritage. However, Captain Kambual explained that this year’s celebrations have been adjusted due to operational demands and limited troop numbers. “With many of our troops currently deployed on operations, we are short in manpower. So instead of full companies competing, each company has provided sections to take part,” he said. He said this means the competition will recognize a “champion section” rather than a full company, and the Trooping of Colors will be performed by a combined group drawn from across the battalion. Captain Kambual also outlined the structure of the battalion, explaining that a section is made up of around 10 soldiers, with three sections forming a platoon and three platoons forming a company. The battalion itself consists of Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta companies, which are infantry units as well as Support and Admin companies, which include specialists such as medics, radio operators, drivers and other essential personnel. Despite the adjustments, he said participation in the sporting events has been strong with troops showing enthusiasm and commitment throughout the three-week program. “The response has been very positive. The troops have been excited and have really enjoyed the activities,” he said. He added that beyond competition, the events are helping to strengthen relationships among soldiers. “These activities promote teamwork and team bonding in a more relaxed and enjoyable environment which is different from our usual military routines. It brings soldiers closer together and builds that team spirit,” he said. Finals for the sporting competitions were held today, with winners to be formally announced during a reaffirmation parade scheduled for next week Tuesday. Captain Kambual also encouraged members of the public to attend the remaining activities and the main parade, saying it is a rare opportunity to engage with soldiers and learn more about the regiment.

The 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment is marking 75 years of service with commemorations highlighting its rich history and enduring role in protecting Papua New Guinea (PNG).The milestone anniversary, also known as the Diamond Jubilee, is significant not only for the regiment but for the nation, as its origins pre-date the country’s independence. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, Captain Roderick Kambual the Media Liaison Officer, described the anniversary as a time for reflection and recognition. “At 75 years, this is a very important milestone. The regiment is older than the country itself, so it gives us time to reflect on our history and honor those who have contributed to building this nation,” he said. The regiment’s history dates back to World War II, with the formation of the Papuan Infantry Battalion in 1940 and the New Guinea Infantry Battalion in 1942. These units played a key role alongside Allied forces during the war before being disbanded and later re-established. In 1951, the two units were merged to form the Pacific Islands Regiment, laying the foundation for what would later become the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. Captain Kambual said the regiment remains central to the country’s security and development. “Our role is to protect the sovereignty of Papua New Guinea, but we also contribute to nation-building and support during times of need,” he said. He said one of the key aims of the anniversary celebration is to help the public better understand the military’s history and role. “A lot of people see the uniform, but they don’t know the story behind it. This is an opportunity for people to learn about where we came from and what we do,” he said. Among the activities planned is the GEAI Cup, a military skills competition designed to showcase the capabilities and training of soldiers. The event will include obstacle courses, weapon handling drills and other exercises that demonstrate how troops are prepared for operations. “It’s a chance for the public to see firsthand the level of training and discipline that goes into being a soldier,” Captain Kambual said. Preparations are also intensifying for the Trooping of Colors parade on March 11th, with troops currently undertaking daily rehearsals to ensure precision and discipline on the day. Captain Kambual, who has served in the Defence Force for 12 years said the anniversary has also prompted personal reflection on his own service. “It makes you think about how you can contribute meaningfully to the organization and the country. We don’t just want to serve and leave, we want to make an impact,” he said. He added that the milestone is not only about celebration but also about honoring the sacrifices and legacy of those who came before. “This is about remembering our history, honoring our soldiers, and looking ahead to how we continue to serve the nation." 

A leading researcher has called for Papua New Guinea to unlock new income streams for its coffee industry through carbon trading, as part of efforts to revive declining production and support rural livelihoods.Speaking at the Climate Smart Coffee Policy Validation Workshop in Port Moresby, Dr. Mawe B. Gonapa, stressed that stakeholders must first understand the science and systems behind coffee production before advancing policy discussions. Dr. Gonapa said coffee, traditionally valued for products such as cherry, parchment, green beans and roasted coffee, also holds untapped potential through its ability to store carbon. He explained that coffee is a tree crop that qualifies for carbon trading under international frameworks, as it absorbs carbon dioxide and stores it as biomass both above and below ground. “Coffee sequesters carbon. That carbon can be measured, valued and traded, creating an additional income stream for farmers,” he said. According to Dr. Gonapa, the global demand for carbon-neutral coffee is growing, with major buyers such as Starbucks seeking millions of tonnes of certified supply. He noted that Papua New Guinea’s coffee industry currently generates approximately K1 billion annually and supports close to three million people with about 400, 000 farming households actively involved in production. Despite its importance, he said production has been declining since the 1980s due to factors such as poor infrastructure, limited extension services and price volatility. Dr. Gonapa compared PNG’s performance with countries like Vietnam, which has grown into one of the world’s top coffee producers over the same period. He said carbon trading could act as a catalyst to reverse this trend by incentivising farmers to plant more trees and rehabilitate aging coffee blocks. “Off-season, farmers can rely on carbon credits as an additional source of income, with trading periods lasting between 25 to 30 years.” The proposed policy focuses on three key areas: carbon measurement, policy alignment and capacity building for farmers. Dr. Gonapa highlighted that accurate measurement is critical, with methods such as allometric equations and chemical analysis being identified as feasible approaches for PNG. He added that aligning with international and national frameworks including mechanisms under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and REDD+ is essential to ensure credibility and compliance. The policy also places strong emphasis on smallholder farmers, who contribute up to 85 percent of PNG’s coffee output. Dr. Gonapa said improving shade-grown coffee systems would not only enhance quality but also increase carbon storage potential making the crop more valuable in both traditional and carbon markets. He pointed out that other coffee-producing countries, including Colombia, Kenya and India, have already been participating in carbon trading for years. “Why not PNG take up the challenge?” he asked. Dr. Gonapa further stressed the need to bridge the gap between science and policymaking in the country, noting that research findings are often not effectively integrated into policy development. “We have a lot of policies in PNG, but the interface with science is lacking.” Moreover, he proposed a cooperative-based model to help farmers participate in carbon markets, supported by government agencies, provincial administrations and international certification bodies. The workshop brought together stakeholders from government, industry and development partners to validate the proposed Climate Smart Coffee Policy, which aims to position PNG’s coffee sector as both economically resilient and environmentally sustainable.

Papua New Guinea’s coffee industry is seeing strong growth with higher prices, increased earnings, and rising production.Speaking at the Climate Smart Coffee Policy Validation Workshop today in Port Moresby city, Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) Chief Operations Officer Steven Tumae said global demand is changing, with buyers now requiring coffee to be sustainably and environmentally produced. He said the workshop is the final stage of consultations to develop a Climate Smart Coffee Policy, which aims to guide the industry through these changes. Mr. Tumae highlighted that climate change is already affecting coffee-growing areas through unpredictable weather, pests, and diseases. He added that coffee is now being grown in new areas, increasing pressure on the industry. He said the policy will focus on improving productivity and quality, while helping Papua New Guinea meet international requirements, including the European Union’s deforestation rules. Mr. Tumae also pointed to opportunities in carbon trading, noting that coffee grown under shade trees can help absorb carbon and may create new income streams for farmers. He stressed the importance of strong partnerships between government agencies, provinces, exporters, and farmers to make the policy work. Mr. Tumae said while progress will take time, the policy is an important step toward building a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive coffee industry in Papua New Guinea.