PNGFA to allow only genuine investors after business plan is finalised

PNGFA Managing Director, John Mosoro, addressing PNGFA staff on the Forest Authority's business plan (Image: Supplied)

The Papua New Guinea Forest Authority [PNGFA] says only genuine investors will be allowed to operate in the country’s forestry sector once its business plan is final.

Managing Director John Mosoro made the announcement during the PNGFA Business Planning Kick-off on 19th November 2025 in Port Moresby. Staff were informed about the plan and invited to give input.

“Forestry is one of the lucrative industries we are managing in the country. It has been plundered and used, but we will now have a business plan which we must use to protect our forest and our people,” Mr Mosoro said.

He added that investors must provide proof of funds before receiving a timber permit. “We must allow the right people with funds into our country, bank it, and produce the receipt to us before a timber permit is issued to them… Toktok nating bai ino inap [Just talking will not be enough],” he said.

The business plan focuses on leadership, governance, and accountability. Mr Mosoro explained the difference between managers and leaders:

“When you talk about leadership, a manager manages a problem, and it lingers on… A leader, on the other hand, sees that things are not right, so demolishes the whole system and builds a new one. They don’t carry over bad legacies,” he said.

Mosoro has urged staff of the PNGFA to change their mindset and improve professionalism in the workplace (Image: Supplied)

He also stressed the need to change mindsets, improve professionalism, and follow proper work practices.

“This business plan will not work if the mindset is not changed. The need for gender equality, professionalism, punctuality, work ethics, and proper work attire is in the Public Service General Orders… We, as an authority, must change. Change will happen when the leader [of the pack] is providing the right leadership,” Mr Mosoro said.

The PNGFA boss said strong governance is vital for the forestry sector to operate fairly. “Corporate Governance is at the Board level. Professional governance goes down to the managers and cascades down… With a business plan and the regulatory process, the forms that are filled in are very important. They enable us to follow due process and promote corporate governance… We must promote corporate governance at a very high level to avoid corruption and complacency,” he said.