PNG SME Magazine

03/01/2026

Farmers Urged to Reframe Perspective on Government Support in 2026

President of the Farmers and Settlers Association, Wilson Thompson, has called on farmers across Papua New Guinea to rethink their expectations of government support in 2026, urging a shift toward empowerment, contribution, and self‑reliance.

Thompson emphasized that government at all levels—national, provincial, district, and LLG—operates on five‑year development plans aligned with long‑term strategies. The 2026 budget, he explained, will be driven by activities, projects, and programs designed to improve livelihoods, expand access to public goods and services, and empower communities.

“Government plans are about empowering people, improving access to health, education, water, sanitation, communication, and economic services. But it is what individuals do—how we contribute and help others—that truly strengthens the nation,” Thompson said.

Focus on Individual Responsibility

Thompson’s message highlighted the importance of farmers and citizens taking responsibility for their own progress. He encouraged communities to:

- Support access to health and education services.

- Promote clean water, sanitation, and communication systems.

- Engage in economic services such as training, advisory support, and financial literacy.

- Utilize quality seeds and planting materials to boost agricultural productivity.

He cautioned against reliance on government handouts for personal expenses such as school fees, bride price, or compensation, stressing that public funds should be directed toward essential infrastructure and services.

Redirecting Government Resources

Thompson outlined how government funds should be prioritized:

- Purchasing vehicles and boats to deliver medicine and school supplies.

- Investing in plant and animal breeding stock.

- Deploying trainers to rural and remote communities.

- Building classrooms, roads, footbridges, and power systems.

“We must stop asking for money to plant food, run trade stores, or build houses. Government resources must serve the wider community, not individual needs,” he stated.

Strengthening Institutions and Economy

Thompson also called on law and order agencies and public servants to perform their duties without fear or favor, and without dependency on additional resources such as fuel or stationery.

He reminded farmers that GDP is built on the collective output of every citizen—from salaries and production to income earned. Taxes and government expenditure, he explained, are directly tied to this productivity.

“The more we plant—tapioca, taro, cocoa, rubber, coffee—the more we contribute to our communities, districts, provinces, and ultimately, the country,” Thompson concluded.

01/01/2026

Focus on Action, Not Fantasy

31/12/2025

2026 | Start. Scale. Succeed.

31/12/2025

The Power of Discipline

29/12/2025

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – 30/12/2025

The Cooperative Alliance PNG Chapter, led by Interim President Reuben Yapi, has renewed calls for urgent government action to strengthen the role of cooperatives in Papua New Guinea’s national development agenda. This follows a successful series of collaborative campaigns with the AgriTradeExpo, Ela Motors PNG SME Awards, and the annual Mid-Year Economic Outlook SME Business Breakfast.

Mr. Yapi appealed Prime Minister James Marape during the Breakfast, to make redundant the 1985 Cooperatives Act and called on the Department of Commerce under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to remodel the Cooperative Services Unit (CSU). He emphasized the need for:

1. Stronger statutory annual compliance enforcement to restore corporate governance within cooperatives and banking confidence.

2. Digital streamlined services to reduce delays.

3. Greater financial inclusion to empower rural communities.

Mr. Yapi reiterated that cooperatives have long been neglected, with members forced to file multiple papers and endure lengthy registration processes. He stressed that this inefficiency alongside Financial Exclusion is an impediment to the government’s priorities for rural development and employment creation under the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV) and the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP).

“Our farmers are deeply engaged in the informal sector. A migration into the formal economy is necessary if we are to unlock their full potential,” Mr. Yapi stated.

He praised the Coffee Industry Corporation Limited for driving the revival of coffee cooperatives, as well as the Cocoa Board and National Fisheries Authority, Papua New Guinea - NFA for their interventions to boost rural fisheries engagement.

While acknowledging the impact of the EU STREIT Program in the Greater Sepik Region, Mr. Yapi raised concerns for a specific PNG Cocoa model that sustained regrowth of Cocoa under emerging restrictive European deforestation policies to ensure sustainability and scale up of emerging cocoa growers across Greater Sepik, Madang, Morobe, Milne Bay, the Islands, and Bougainville.

Highlighting the importance of sustainability, Mr. Yapi noted that the Green and Blue Economy is not a new concept for Pacific Islanders:

“Our cultures and customs have coexisted with nature for generations. Sustainability is our way of life.”

As Papua New Guinea marks the end of 50th years of Independence on the 31st of December 2025, Mr. Yapi stressed that it is the right time to flag government's attention for the betterment of farmers. He argued that empowering cooperatives will reduce unemployment and underemployment in rural communities, curb urban drift, and deliver tangible benefits such as solar power, improved health services, and better schools.

“Our farmers cannot be held ransom to institutional delays, nor should they be reduced to handouts of lamb flaps and cola every five years. We want to create our own wealth, transform our communities, empower our women and youth, and build a stronger PNG,” he said.

Mr. Yapi also thanked the new Registrar for Cooperatives for his open-door policy and encouraged continued dialogue with the Cooperative Alliance PNG Chapter to strengthen both stakeholders to ensure the cooperatives play their rightful role in national development.

International Cooperative Alliance
UNDP in Papua New Guinea
Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion

25/12/2025

23/12/2025

Guidelines for the 2026 Cooperative Awards are now available.

Nominations:
Open: Sunday, April 5, 2026
Close: Sunday, May 31, 2026

Awards Ceremony:
Friday, July 3, 2026, in Lae, Morobe Province

Recipients of the 2025 Awards are eligible to be nominated under the updated 2026 Cooperative Awards Standards. Click the link to request the nomination form.

https://forms.gle/gSJsm69Rb5HesaCa9

23/12/2025

IFC - International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group focused on the private sector, today announced a partnership with BRED Bank Vanuatu and BRED Bank Solomon to help institutional commercial customers access financing for their businesses and productive assets—supporting growth and job creation in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.

SMEs and commercial companies are crucial drivers of economic growth and jobs across both countries. However, businesses in these countries face increasing challenges in accessing the capital they need to innovate and expand, with widening financing gaps exacerbated by natural disasters.

To support these vital businesses, IFC will provide an unfunded risk sharing facility to BRED Vanuatu and Solomon, with a maximum IFC risk amount of $10 million under IFC’s Small Loan Guarantee Program. The financing, which is supported by the International Development Association’s (IDA) Private Sector Window, will enable both banks to increase the value of their business finance loans. IFC will also provide advisory services to help them scale up their commercial lending.

IFC estimates that the expanded institutional commercial lending will generate economy-wide impacts in both countries, driving job creation directly within businesses and indirectly through their supply chains and wider economic activity.

“As the leading bank in Vanuatu and a growing presence in Solomon Islands, BRED is uniquely placed to help drive growth and resilience across SME and commercial markets. BRED and IFC have a long-standing global strategic partnership with a successful track record of collaborating on projects,” said Owen Thomson, CEO of BRED Solomon Islands. “We welcome this investment, which will enable us to expand our business-segment financing portfolio in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, supporting the small businesses that are fundamental to growth in these economies.”

“Many SMEs in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands struggle to access the capital they need to grow, hire, innovate, and fully contribute to their economies,” said Allen Forlemu, IFC’s Acting Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific. “With this investment, IFC aims to increase lending to SMEs and commercial segment borrowers in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands and reduce the financing gap in both countries—clear actions to drive economic growth and create jobs.”

IFC - International Finance Corporation
World Bank Pacific

22/12/2025

The IFC - International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group focused on the private sector, announced a partnership with Tonga Development Bank (TDB) to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and boost job creation in Tonga.

Tonga’s economy has faced significant setbacks in recent years. The Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption caused a tsunami that severely damaged tourism infrastructure, while the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2022 further strained businesses. These shocks, combined with longstanding gaps in access to financial services, have disproportionately limited the ability of MSMEs to grow, contribute to economic recovery, and create jobs.

To help address these constraints, IFC will provide TDB with an unfunded risk sharing facility of up to USD3 million equivalent in Tongan pa’anga under IFC’s Small Loan Guarantee Program. The financing, which is supported by the International Development Association’s (IDA) Private Sector Window and the Women Entrepreneurs Opportunity Facility (WEOF), will enable TDB to expand its SME lending. IFC will also provide technical assistance to strengthen TDB’s capacity to support underserved MSMEs.

The risk sharing facility is expected to deliver economy-wide benefits by expanding access to finance for MSMEs, including women-owned businesses and enterprises in the tourism sector. Increased lending is anticipated to support job creation directly within SMEs and indirectly through supply chains and increased economic activity.

“TDB stands ready to offer increased support to our nation’s vibrant entrepreneurs,” said TDB Chief Executive Officer Kaho ‘o Vailahi ‘Ofa. “We are delighted to enter this new partnership with IFC, which follows our successful collaboration to introduce the 'Ave Pa'anga Pau remittance service.”

“Tongan MSMEs face numerous constraints on their access to finance, stifling their potential contributions to the economy,” said Allen Forlemu, IFC’s Acting Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific. “With this investment, IFC aims to help close the financing gap and promote the growth of small businesses. By improving access to finance, this project will catalyze MSME development, support job creation, and help reduce unemployment in Tonga.”

World Bank Pacific
World Bank
IFC - International Finance Corporation
Pacific Islands SME Magazine

20/12/2025

📢 Friendly GST Reminder to All Taxpayers

Goods and Services Tax (GST) for November 2025 is due on
📅 Sunday, 21 December 2025

GST is a 10% tax on the sale of goods and services in Papua New Guinea, and businesses play a key role in collecting and paying this tax to the IRC.

Who must register?

✔ Businesses with an annual turnover of K250,000 or more must register for GST and charge GST under their TIN
✔ Businesses earning less than K250,000 may only charge GST if they are registered with the IRC

Important to note

❌ Charging GST without registering is an offence
❌ Charging GST but failing to lodge returns or pay on time may result in penalties and prosecution

GST Returns (GST S65A)

• GST returns are due on the 21st of the following month
• If the due date falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment and lodgment move to the next working day
• Early filing and payment are encouraged to avoid penalties

🔗 Helpful Links
• GST information & key dates:
👉 https://irc.gov.pg/key-tax-dates
👉 https://youtu.be/cYrsFkA9fnY
👉 https://irc.gov.pg/pages/know-your-taxes/goods-services-tax

• Pay online via myIRC:
💻 https://irc.gov.pg/myirc/payments/make-a-payment

• Register for myIRC:
🔗 https://irc.gov.pg/register

• Other payment methods:
🔗 https://irc.gov.pg/pages/taxes/making-your-tax-payments

Please file and pay your GST on time to avoid penalties and help support essential services across Papua

18/12/2025

New Ireland Province is blessed with an abundance of marine resources, which have long been the backbone of livelihoods for both island and mainland communities. Fishing is not only a tradition but also the primary source of income for thousands of families. Recognizing the need for a reliable market, Island Marine Products stepped in to create a space where fresh seafood could be sold in bulk. This initiative has transformed the local economy, providing daily income to small-scale fishers and uplifting communities across the province. As the only commercial fish market in New Ireland that buys seafood at fair rates, the business has created a win-win situation for both buyers and sellers, fostering trust and long-term cooperation.

Families now have money in their pockets every day, enabling parents to pay school fees, cover medical bills, and meet family obligations. Villages have seen the rise of trade stores, proper housing, and the purchase of boats, solar panels, fridges, and water tanks—all funded by earnings from seafood sales. The business uses its own resources to carry out awareness campaigns on sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that marine resources are preserved for future generations. Perhaps most significantly, the availability of a market has kept youths engaged in productive work. Instead of idling or turning to petty crime, young men are busy making their own money through fishing, which has led to a noticeable reduction in law-and-order problems in many communities.

Since its establishment in 2023, Island Marine Products has built cool rooms, purchased a three-tonne delivery truck, added a 20-foot re**er container, and supplied 24 tonnes of fish to NCS. In 2024, a main processing room was constructed, floors were tiled, a 65KVA generator was purchased, and 32 tonnes of fish were supplied. In 2025, the business expanded storage facilities, acquired export licenses, purchased vacuum pack machines and an ice-making machine, and supplied 22 tonnes of fish despite reduced contracts. Each development was funded purely from fish sales income, underscoring the company’s resilience and resourcefulness.

The business has invested heavily in its workforce and infrastructure. Skilled staff are regularly trained, with some sponsored to the National Fisheries College to build expertise. They have seen that specialized roles streamline product handling, making bulk processing fast and efficient. They have established their own internal systems and operating procedures. Fish is cleaned, gutted, and stored in cold rooms before being vacuum-packed or neatly packed into eskies for delivery. Even off cuts are cleaned and resold to walk-in customers, while waste is properly disposed of. This ensures that customers receive seafood that is not only fresh but also presented professionally.

Island Marine Products Limited partnerships with National Catering Services (NCS), Air Niugini, and ferry operators have expanded distribution from Kavieng to Lihir and Port Moresby, opening doors for future exports. A retail outlet has already been established in Lihir, and plans are underway for a storage facility in the capital city to support both local supply and exports. Despite many challenges the company remains optimistic committed to growth.

By creating market access, investing in sustainable practices, and prioritizing quality, this small business has brought hope and opportunity to thousands of families.

Island Marine Products reinforces the vital role of SMEs as community builders, youth engagers, and creators of sustainable livelihoods. The business was recognized this year at the 2025 Ela Motors PNG SME Awards for Excellence in Marine Fisheries.

SME Corporation