PNG's NCD Governor Wants to Give Land to Chinese Investors for Major Developments

Papua New Guinea's National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has invited one of China's largest private property developers to invest in two of Port Moresby's most valuable waterfront sites, identifying them as priority locations for future commercial development.

Governor Parkop told executives from China's R&F Properties Group that the Paga Hill Special Economic Zone and the former Old Port, now known as Portside Gardens, offer opportunities for landmark investments that could reshape the capital city.

 PNG's NCD Governor Wants to Give Land to Chinese Investors for Major Developments

The invitation was made during a luncheon hosted for R&F Properties Group Co-founder and Chairman Zhang Li during his visit to Port Moresby.

Governor Parkop described the visit as an important step in strengthening economic ties between Papua New Guinea and China, noting that it was the first visit by a major Chinese private corporation after years of engagement with Chinese state-owned enterprises.

He assured Mr Li that Papua New Guinea remained committed to supporting foreign investors and said any investment undertaken in the country would be backed by the long-standing relationship shared between the two nations.

The Governor said the Paga Hill Special Economic Zone and Portside Gardens were among the city's most valuable development sites and that new investments there could become future landmarks for Port Moresby.

He also revealed that the National Capital District Commission had prepared a list of 10 investment-ready projects that would be submitted to the company through Papua New Guinea's Ambassador to China, Dr Thaddeus Kambanei.

As Chairman of the Physical Planning Board, Mr Parkop pledged the support of the city authorities and NCD Members of Parliament to facilitate investment projects.

He said Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea continued to offer opportunities across sectors including housing, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, forestry and mining.

Mr Li also met International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru and was expected to hold discussions with Prime Minister James Marape on potential investment opportunities.

"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."

"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."

"Port Moresby is open for business. Papua New Guinea is open for business."