Major private-sector developments now reshaping Port Moresby’s skyline are clear indicators of Papua New Guinea’s strengthening economic performance and growing investor confidence, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape said.
Welcoming the opening of Phase One and the launch of Phase Two of the Paga Hill Paradise development, the Prime Minister said the rapid emergence of high-rise residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings across the capital reflected a city — and a country — experiencing renewed economic momentum.
“What we are seeing in Port Moresby today is not accidental,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“These buildings are the result of confidence — confidence in our economy, in our institutions and in our future.”
Prime Minister Marape pointed to visible transformation in Waigani, the central business district and the harbour precinct, where new towers have emerged almost annually over the past six years.
From government and commercial buildings in Waigani to hotel, residential and office developments in the CBD, he said more than 100 floors of new construction had been added during his term.
“These are real, physical signs of progress,” he said. “Concrete and steel do not rise unless there is belief that the city will grow and remain viable.
Independent Institutions Affirm Economic Momentum
Prime Minister Marape said international financial institutions and professional advisory firms had consistently reported strengthening growth conditions in Papua New Guinea, particularly in non-resource sectors.
Recent assessments by the World Bank note that Papua New Guinea’s economic growth is strengthening, supported by improved performance in construction, services and agriculture, with urban-based economic activity playing an increasingly important role.
Similarly, the Asian Development Bank projects steady economic growth, underpinned by infrastructure investment, improved resource output and expanding services, while highlighting the role of continued public and private investment in driving activity in urban centres such as Port Moresby.
“These are independent, technical institutions,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Their assessments confirm that our economy is moving beyond reliance on a narrow base and building broader foundations for growth.”
The Prime Minister said international accounting and advisory firms working closely with investors had also identified improving confidence across the economy.
In its latest Papua New Guinea outlook, PwC reported that economic growth is becoming more broad-based, with non-resource sectors such as construction, finance and services increasingly supporting expansion and strengthening investor sentiment.
“These firms advise businesses and investors every day,” Prime Minister Marape said. “When they report confidence, it reflects real investment decisions being made.”
Prime Minister Marape said the surge in construction activity reflected broader economic momentum beyond the traditional resource sector.
“For the first time since Independence, we are seeing sustained growth in the non-resource economy,” he said. “Cities grow when everyday economic activity is strong — when people are working, investing and planning for the future.”
He noted that Papua New Guinea’s economy had expanded significantly since 2019, despite global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister said the government would continue working with National Capital District authorities to improve power supply, water, roads, housing and urban services to support a growing population.
“Our aim is a Port Moresby that is safe, modern and liveable,” he said. “A city where Papua New Guineans can work, raise families and build a future at home.”
Prime Minister Marape said developments such as Paga Hill Paradise were not isolated projects, but part of a wider pattern of growth occurring across Papua New Guinea’s urban centres.
“When you see cranes, towers and new buildings rising, it tells you one thing,” he said.
“People believe this country is heading in the right direction.”
“These developments show what is possible,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Port Moresby is growing — and Papua New Guinea is growing with it.”