PNG Economy ‘Stronger Than Critics Claim, Says Marape
PNG Prime Minister James Marape says the national economy is recovering and strengthening despite opposition claims, rejecting Chuave MP James Nomane’s criticisms as selective and politically motivated.
Marape said global events since 2019 reshaped every economy, and PNG was no exception. He pointed to the worldwide impacts of COVID-19, inflation, supply-chain disruptions and commodity volatility, saying that even advanced economies resorted to increased borrowing to maintain essential services.
He said his Government ensured schools, hospitals, policing, SMEs and the public service wage bill remained intact during the hardest years.
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| PNG Economy ‘Stronger Than Critics Claim, Says Marape |
The Prime Minister said PNG’s debt situation must be weighed against the country’s faster-than-ever economic expansion. Over six years, he said, the Government added K50 billion to GDP, pushing the economy beyond the targets set in 2019.
Deficits have fallen steadily since 2020, he said, and PNG remains on track for a balanced budget by 2027 under the Medium-Term Fiscal Strategy.
Marape said institutions such as Westpac, ANZ, BSP, Nasfund, Nambawan Super, ADB, IMF and the Bank of PNG have independently verified the stabilisation and diversification of the economy.
Major achievements include record State dividends, resource project progress in Porgera, P’nyang, Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu, strong non-resource tax collections and sustained non-resource sector growth above 4%.
Marape said social support programs under his Government are the most extensive in the country’s history, including expanded education assistance, tax relief for low-income earners and GST removal on essential goods.
With more than 80% of DSIP and PSIP funds now reaching districts, he said infrastructure delivery has improved, with Connect PNG posting the highest road construction output since Independence.
Audits, including COVID-19 expenditure reviews, are nearing completion. “Where mismanagement is found, action will be taken,” he said.
Marape said Nomane’s position lacks the credibility of independent economic assessments and reflects political rivalry from the previous administration.
“We must rise above politics,” he said. “The 2026 Budget will continue fiscal consolidation and support long-term national growth.”
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