PORT MORESBY, 24 June 2025 – The Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA) today announced a renewed partnership with global inspection, verification, testing, and certification company SGS, marking a significant step forward in safeguarding the nation’s forestry resources and revenue streams.
Following a productive meeting in Brisbane on June 22nd between PNGFA Managing Director Mr. John Mosoro and SGS Managing Director Mr. Johan O’Connell, both parties have committed to resolving past differences and modernizing their collaboration. The agreement ensures the recommencement of crucial export monitoring services and paves the way for a new, long-term agreement to be signed before the end of 2025.
The discussions successfully addressed a recent dispute that had led to the suspension of SGS’s services. Under the renewed understanding, both organizations will work towards a fresh start, setting aside previous disagreements.
“This is a fruitful outcome for Papua New Guinea,” said Mr. Mosoro. “SGS’s export monitoring services are crucial to maximizing revenue from our log exports and ensuring the efficiency of our operations. We have addressed the gaps and are committed to a renewed partnership built on transparency, data sharing, and capacity building for our local staff.”
As part of the interim agreement, which extends the existing contract to 31 December 2025, PNGFA has committed to addressing previous outstanding payments through a structured instalment plan. This arrangement will ensure uninterrupted service delivery while facilitating PNGFA’s financial planning.
A key focus of the renewed partnership will be enhancing PNGFA’s internal capabilities. PNGFA has requested, and SGS has agreed to commit to, the training of local staff in data management. Furthermore, SGS will ensure that all data generated under the mandate is the sole property of PNGFA and will be shared at regular intervals to enable effective monitoring and decision-making.
Looking ahead, the new agreement will address the need for modernized technology, including digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems to meet global standards such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
“We value our partnership with SGS and appreciate their dedication to supporting PNGFA and the State,” Mr. Mosoro stated. “We look forward to working together in good faith to finalize a new, comprehensive Export Monitoring Agreement that will build a strong and self-sustaining framework for the future of PNG’s forestry sector.”
The successful resolution and forward-looking commitments from both PNGFA and SGS signal a strengthened, more transparent, and accountable future for the monitoring of Papua New Guinea’s valuable forest resources.
After extensive and complex negotiations, Mr. Mosoro the Managing Director of PNGFA successfully secured SGS’s agreement to a five-year contract, with a robust scope for further renewal.