Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed growing Malaysian interest in Papua New Guinea’s oil palm industry, saying the sector remains one of the country’s strongest agricultural success stories and a key driver of economic growth.
Speaking after a high-level meeting with Malaysian Palm Oil Board Chairman Datuk Mohamad Helmy Othman Basha and executives from New Britain Palm Oil, Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea has enormous potential to expand oil palm production while creating jobs and supporting rural communities.
The Prime Minister noted that palm oil remains one of PNG’s largest agricultural exports, generating more than K3 billion in export earnings in 2025.
He said the industry supports thousands of smallholder farmers and provides employment opportunities across several provinces, including West New Britain, Oro, Milne Bay, New Ireland and Madang.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the contribution of New Britain Palm Oil as the country’s largest palm oil producer and one of PNG’s most significant agricultural exporters.
“We have the land, we have the people and we have access to some of the world’s fastest-growing markets. Our task is to convert these advantages into productive economic activity that creates jobs and improves the lives of our people,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the Government remains committed to supporting responsible investment and greater downstream processing to ensure more value is retained within Papua New Guinea.