By GEORGINA MICHAEL
NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop has pitched two prime Port Moresby land sites—Paga Hill (Special Economic Zone) and the Old Port, now known as Portside Gardens—to China’s R&F Properties Group as flagship investment opportunities.
Speaking at a luncheon hosted for the delegation on Tuesday (28/06/26) Governor Parkop welcomed R&F Group Co-founder and Chairman Zhang Li, describing the visit as a milestone after years of dealing mainly with Chinese state-owned enterprises from China.
“This is the first time we are having a big corporate private company from the People’s Republic of China in PNG and that is development,” Mr. Parkop said.
Governor Parkop told Mr. Li that PNG and China share a strong 50-year relationship and assured him of government support for any investment.
“I want to give you the assurance that your decision to invest in whatever sector here in the city or our country, you can beassured that it will be a good investment,” he said.Â
“It will be within the framework of the strong relationship that we have built over the last 50 years. It will be a win-win investment. You benefit, your company benefits, our city and our country benefit.”
He highlighted two prime investment locations in the NCD: Paga Hill Special Economic Zone and the Old Port now Port Side Garden in town.
“Part of your visit, you might be visiting Paga Hill, a potential area of investment, and also the Old Port now Port Side Garden which is owned by our state-owned enterprise, Kumul Consolidated Holdings,” Mr. Parkop said.
“These two areas are prime land in the city. Any investment in those two areas will contribute to creating new hubs that will become landmarks for our capital city and for our nation.”
The Governor said NCD has also compiled a list of 10 investment-ready projects to be presented to R&F Group.
“We have a list of about 10 projects that are ready to pass on to you for your consideration,” Mr. Parkop said.
“We will be passing it to our Ambassador, His Excellency Dr. Thaddeus Kambanei so he can pass it on to you as well.”
As Chairman of the Physical Planning Board and Governor of the city, Mr. Parkop assured the delegation of full support from himself and NCD MPs to enable investment in Port Moresby.
Governor Parkop said PNG is a developing nation with limitless opportunities and good returns.
“The important thing about Port Moresby is that we are still developing. The opportunity is limitless,” he said.
“In housing, tourism, fisheries, mining, forestry, or agriculture, the opportunity here is limitless. It’s up to you. Port Moresby is open for business. Papua New Guinea is open for business.”said Mr. Parkop
Mr. Li met with Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru yesterday eveing and is expected to meet Prime Minister James Marape today to discuss possible investment areas.