PNG–Sri Lanka Partnership Advances Madang Coconut Project

A proposed coconut processing facility in Madang is gaining momentum as PNG deepens its partnership with Sri Lankan exporter Jaindi Exports, with construction planning now underway.

International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru said the development followed a successful visit by Jaindi Exports’ leadership team, who toured the proposed plant site at Siar over the weekend.

 PNG–Sri Lanka Partnership Advances Madang Coconut Project

The land, covering 20 hectares and owned by the Madang Provincial Government, is positioned near RD Tuna Canners and has been identified as suitable for a fully integrated processing operation.

Jaindi Exports managing director K.M. Sampath Anuruddha said his company was pleased with the site selection and the cooperation received from government agencies at both levels.

He said engineers from Sri Lanka would arrive in PNG within two weeks to work jointly with local technical teams, with the full design and implementation plan expected to be completed by March.

Minister Maru said the project aligns with the Marape–Rosso Government’s policy direction to move PNG away from exporting raw and semi-processed agricultural products.

“In the future, only final products will be leaving our shores through this proposed coconut processing plant,” Maru said. “This is part of the Government’s deliberate plan to do away with exporting of semi-processed and raw materials out of PNG.”