PNG Ports pushes to make Lae Industrial Park the nation’s economic powerhouse

PNG Ports Corporation is spearheading efforts to transform Lae into the economic heart of Papua New Guinea through the development of a state-of-the-art Industrial Park.

Lae Port which is the largest, busiest, and most economically strategic among PNG Ports Corporation’s 15 regulated ports, is primed for expansion due to its proximity to key shipping routes linking Asia and Australia, and its direct access to resource-rich highlands provinces.

PNG Ports Corporation Chairman Harvey Nii said the Lae Industrial Park will become the country’s key economic engine, offering a central platform for both domestic and international trade.

“Lae Port directs access to resource-rich regions in the highlands and its proximity to the Asian market and its role in servicing the highlands and its supply makes it a natural hub for an SEZ development,” Nii said.

“PNG Ports is committed to ensuring that the Port of Lae is ready not just for today's demands but for tomorrow's possibilities. We are focused on delivering an industrial park that will support large-scale industrial growth.”

Nii said building a successful SEZ requires broad collaboration.

“No single entity can drive the SEZ agenda alone. That is why we want to establish more collaboration with key stakeholders,” he said.

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, also urged PNG Ports to position itself strategically as more SEZs emerge and competition grows.

With increased interest from private investors to build and operate ports, Maru said PNG Ports must make bold and strategic decisions. He said ports are critical infrastructure for SEZs and must align with the national development agenda.

Maru further stressed the need for reliable utilities such as stable power, water and sewage infrastructure to attract serious investors.

“Most people will come into your SEZ if they know they can be guaranteed power every day instead of constant blackouts in Lae. You need to invest in power so it's very reliable in Lae, at the moment it's not,” he warned.

“If PNG Ports wants its SEZ to thrive, it must guarantee essential services. Investors need assurance that power, water, and sewage systems are reliable and efficient.”

As Papua New Guinea ramps up its SEZ strategy, the success of Lae’s Industrial Park could set a national benchmark for infrastructure-led economic transformation.