Overview of Papua New Guinea

(Last updated: November 2017)

【Country Name】The Independent State of Papua New Guinea

【Area】 462840 square kilometers.

【Population】8.47 million (estimated in 2016). The urban population accounts for 15%, while the rural population accounts for 85%. 98% are Melanesians, while the rest are Micronesians, Polynesians, Chinese, and white. The official language is English, with over 820 local languages. Pidgin is popular in most parts of the country, with the southern region of Papua predominantly speaking Motu. 93% of the residents are Christians, and traditional fetishism also has some influence.

【Capital】Port Moresby, with a population of approximately 400000 (estimated in 2016).

【Head of State】Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. The Queen appoints the Governor General as her representative for a term of six years. Bob Dadae became the 10th Governor General of Papua New Guinea (hereinafter referred to as "Papua New Guinea") on February 28, 2017.

【Independence Day】 September 16th.

【Overview】Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It borders Irian Jaya Province in Indonesia to the west and faces Australia across the Torres Strait to the south. Belonging to the Melanesian Islands. There are over 600 islands in the entire region. The main islands include New England, New Ireland, Manus, Bougainville, and Buka. The coastline is 8300 kilometers long, with a water area of 2.4 million square kilometers including a 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. An altitude of over 1000 meters belongs to mountainous climate, while the rest belongs to tropical climate. The dry season is from May to October, and the rainy season is from November to April. The average annual temperature in coastal areas is 21.1-32.2 ℃, while mountainous areas are 5-6 ℃ lower than coastal areas. The annual average precipitation is 2500 millimeters.

The highland areas of New Guinea have long been inhabited. In 1511, the Portuguese discovered the island of New Guinea. In the second half of the 18th century, Dutch, British, and German colonizers came one after another. In 1906, British New Guinea was handed over to Australia for management and renamed as the Australian Papua Territory. The German part was occupied by the Australian army during World War I and was entrusted to Australian management by the League of Nations on December 17, 1920. It was occupied by Japan in 1942. In 1945, the United Nations re entrusted it to Australian trusteeship. In 1949, Australia merged the former British and German territories into one administrative unit, known as the "Papua New Guinea Territory". Internal autonomy was implemented on December 1, 1973. Independence was achieved on September 16, 1975. Michael Somare was the first Prime Minister.

【Politics】From April to July 2017, Papua New Guinea held general elections. A new parliament and government will be formed in August, with Peter O'Neill re elected as Prime Minister.

【Regarding the Bougainville Peace Process】the Papua New Guinea Autonomous Region was originally part of the North Solomon Province and is the location of the largest copper mine in Papua New Guinea, the Panguna Copper Mine. Due to the escalating conflicts between the central government, local governments, development companies, and landowners in the mining areas of Papua New Guinea, the local people began to resort to force in 1988, closed the copper mine, and declared independence in 1990, leading to the outbreak of the Bougainville crisis. On June 22, 2001, the Papua New Guinea government reached an agreement with various factions in Bougainville to comprehensively resolve the Bougainville issue, including autonomy of the Bougainville region, a national referendum, and weapons disposal. On August 30th, the Bougainville Peace Agreement was officially signed, marking the end of the 12 year long war and the beginning of Burundi's journey towards recovery and reconstruction. In January 2005, the central government approved the Bougainville Constitution, and on May 20th, the autonomous government elections began. On June 4th, Joseph Kabui, the candidate of the People's Congress Party, was elected as the chairman of the autonomous government. On June 15th, the autonomous government of Burundi was officially established, and the Burundi issue that had plagued the central government for 15 years was basically resolved. The autonomous government initially focused on promoting the process of disarmament, peace, and reconciliation. In June 2008, Kabui passed away due to illness. James Tanis was elected as the chairman of the autonomous government in the by election held at the end of 2008. In June 2010, John Momis, the candidate of the New Bougainville Party and former Ambassador of Papua New Guinea to China, was elected as the Chairman of the Autonomous Government in the second election of the Bougainville Region. He took office that month for a term of five years. In June 2015, Momis was successfully re elected as the Chairman of the Autonomous Region Government in the third election of the Bu District. He took office that month for a term of five years. According to the preliminary consensus reached by the central government of Papua New Guinea and the autonomous government of the Bu region in May 2016, the Bu region will hold an independence referendum on June 15, 2019.

【Constitution】It was formulated on August 15, 1975 and came into effect on September 15 of the same year.

【Parliament】The National Assembly, also known as the Parliament, is a unicameral system with 111 seats and a term of 5 years. The current parliament was elected in August 2017. Current Speaker Job Pomat.

【Government】Form a government by the political party or coalition of political parties that hold a majority in the parliament. The cabinet is responsible to the parliament. In addition to Prime Minister O'Neill, other key members of the current cabinet include Deputy Prime Minister and Treasury Secretary Charles Abel, Treasury Secretary James Marape, Planning Secretary Richard Maru, State Owned Enterprises and National Investment Minister William Duma, Fisheries Minister Patrick Basa, and Foreign Affairs and Trade Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato.

【Administrative Division】The country is divided into 20 provinces, with the establishment of Bougainville Autonomous Region and the Capital Administrative Region (Port Moresby City).

【Judicial Institutions】There are Supreme Court, National Court, Local Court, and Special Court. The current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is Sir Salamo Injia.

【Party】The current ruling party is the People's National Congress Party, which was established in 1996 and currently has around 38 members of parliament. Prime Minister O'Neill is the leader of the party, and the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister O'Neill holds an absolute majority in parliament.

【Important People】Bob Dadae: Governor. Born on March 8, 1961 in Morobi Province, Papua New Guinea. I have received higher education in Papua New Guinea and Australia, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Papua New Guinea and a Master's degree in Business Management from Griffith University in Australia. From 2002 to 2017, he served as a member of parliament, during which he successively held the positions of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Minister of Defense. Elected as the 10th Governor General of Papua New Guinea on February 1, 2017, and assumed office on February 28.

Peter O'Neill: Prime Minister. Born in February 1965, obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Papua New Guinea. Previously worked in government departments, private enterprises, and financial institutions. Elected as a member of parliament in June 2002, he has held various positions including Minister of Labor and Industrial Relations, Minister of Public Services, Minister of Finance and Treasury, and Minister of Engineering. Elected as Prime Minister by Parliament in August 2011. Elected as a member of parliament again in the June 2012 general election and assumed the position of Prime Minister on August 3rd. Re elected as Prime Minister in August 2017. Married.

【Economy】Rich in resources and economically backward, many mountain dwellers still live a life of primitive tribal self-sufficiency. 37% of the population lives below the international poverty line ($1.25 per person per day). According to the 2016 United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index, Papua New Guinea ranks 154th out of 185 countries. Mining, oil and cash crop cultivation are the pillars of PNG's economy.

  The government has increased its efforts to attract foreign investment and achieved certain results. Significant progress has been made in investment projects such as the liquefied natural gas project and the Ram nickel mine, which have played an important role in promoting sustained economic growth in Papua New Guinea. In May 2014, the Papua New Guinea liquefied natural gas project was put into operation, officially entering the ranks of natural gas exporting countries.

However, at the same time, the population is growing rapidly, with a large number of rural residents flowing to cities, high unemployment rates, poor social security, and the general public still facing difficult living conditions. The main economic data are as follows:

Gross Domestic Product (2016): Approximately 67.762 billion Kina (approximately 16.394 billion US dollars).

Per capita Gross Domestic Product (2016): Approximately 2704 US dollars.

Economic growth rate (2016): 2.0%.

Currency name: Kina.

Exchange rate: 1 Kina ≈ 0.3145 USD (March 2017).

Foreign exchange reserves: 1.678 billion US dollars (as of December 31, 2016).

【Resources and Energy】Gold and copper production rank 11th and 10th in the world, respectively, while oil and natural gas reserves are abundant. The proven copper reserves are 20 million tons, gold reserves are 3110 tons, crude oil reserves are 600 million barrels, and copper gold symbiotic mineral reserves are about 400 million tons. In addition, there are abundant resources such as gold mines, chromium, nickel, bauxite, underwater natural gas, and oil. The reserves of Kutubu and Yibei oil fields reach 400 million barrels. The reserves of oil fields in the southern region of China reach 17 million barrels. The proven reserves of natural gas are 7 trillion cubic feet, and the predicted reserves are 15 trillion cubic feet.

【Mining Industry】The total export value of mineral products in 2016 was 19.77 billion Kina (approximately 6.31 billion US dollars).

【Forestry】Tropical primary forests cover an area of 36 million hectares, accounting for approximately 86.4% of the country's total land area. The total volume of forest trees is 1.2 billion cubic meters, with a recoverable volume of 360 million cubic meters. The main export is raw wood, and deep processed products include building materials such as furniture, plywood, and flooring. The total export value of timber in 2016 was 970 million Kina (approximately 310 million US dollars).

【Agriculture】The arable land area accounts for 5% of the national land in agriculture. The agricultural population accounts for 85% of the national population. The main agricultural products are dried coconut, cocoa beans, coffee, natural rubber, and palm oil. Papua New Guinea is the largest producer of coconut oil and coconut jerky in the Pacific island region. The total export value of agricultural products in 2016 was 3.22 billion Kina (approximately 1.03 billion US dollars).

【Fishery Industry】In 1978, a 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone was declared, expanding Papua New Guinea's fishing area to 2.4 million square kilometers. With abundant fishery resources, it is the third largest fishing area in the South Pacific region. Rich in tuna, shrimp, and lobster. The potential annual catch of tuna is 300000 tons, and the current annual catch is about 200000 tons, accounting for 15% of the world's catch and 20-30% of the South Pacific region. It is mainly exported to Asia and the United States. Export over 15000 tons of other types of fish. The total export value of seafood products in 2016 was 570 million Kina (approximately 180 million US dollars).

【Tourism Industry】The tourism resources are abundant and have great potential for development. We receive 70000 foreign tourists annually.

【Transportation】The total length of the highway is about 30000 kilometers.

Water transportation: It has sea transportation links with Australia, Japan, Singapore, other Pacific island countries and other countries and regions, as well as Taiwan, China, China, Hong Kong and other places. The main ports include Port Moresby, Lae, and Rabaul.

Air Transport: The largest airline in Papua New Guinea is the state-owned Air New Guinea, which operates routes to major cities in the country as well as Australia, Singapore, Japan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and the Solomon Islands. In addition, Papua New Guinea has six or seven private airlines that operate small aircraft such as helicopters for transportation. There are a total of 492 registered airports, most of which are small airports located in remote areas, with only a few airports capable of accommodating large aircraft. Among them, international airports include Capital Jackson International Airport, Mount Hagen Airport, Daru Airport, and Alotao Airport.

【Financial】The main sources of fiscal revenue are taxes and international aid. In 2016, the fiscal revenue was 10.485 billion Kina (approximately 3.347 billion US dollars), the fiscal expenditure was 13.572 billion Kina (approximately 4.332 billion US dollars), and the fiscal deficit was 3.087 billion Kina (approximately 985 million US dollars). As of 2016, Papua New Guinea's public debt was 21.944 billion Kina (approximately 7.005 billion US dollars), including 5.507 billion Kina (approximately 1.558 billion US dollars) in external debt and 16.437 billion Kina (approximately 5.247 billion US dollars) in domestic debt.

The main banks include: 

(1) Bank of Papua New Guinea, also known as the Central Bank of Papua New Guinea, established in 1973, responsible for formulating monetary policy, regulating other commercial banks, and issuing currency.

(2) South Pacific Bank (BSP): accounts for 60% of the national market, with the government owning 25.3% of its shares.

In addition, Papua New Guinea also has commercial banks such as Australia's ANZ Bank, Western Pacific Bank, and Malaysia's Maybank.

【Foreign Trade】Trade plays an important role in the economy of Papua New Guinea. In 2016, the total import and export volume was 30.521 billion Kina (approximately 9.742 billion US dollars), of which the import volume was 5.712 billion Kina (approximately 1.823 billion US dollars), the export volume was 24.809 billion Kina (approximately 7.919 billion US dollars), and the trade surplus was 19.097 billion Kina (approximately 6.096 billion US dollars).

The main exports include primary products such as copper, gold, mineral sand, logs, crude oil, coconut oil, coconut oil, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, etc. The main trading partners include Australia, Japan, New Zealand, China, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States, and Germany.

【Foreign Capital】Actively encourage foreign investment. The main sources of investment are Australia (accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total), Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and the United States. Almost all industries in Papua New Guinea, including industry, mining, forestry, agriculture, and fishing, are controlled by companies from Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries.

【Foreign Aid】Foreign aid mainly comes from Australia, accounting for 70% of all foreign aid. In the 2011-2012 fiscal year, Australia provided 500 million Australian dollars in aid to Papua New Guinea. Other countries providing assistance include China, New Zealand, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Asian Development Bank. The types of aid include economic aid, military aid, education and health aid, etc.

【Famous Company】(1) Air Niugini: The state-owned airline of Papua New Guinea, established in 1973, with total assets of 115 million Kina. There are multiple international routes from Port Moresby to Brisbane, Cairns, Honiara, Manila, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and over 20 domestic routes. Mailing address: P O.Box 7186, Boroko NCD, PNG。 Phone: (00675) 3259000, Fax: (00675) 3273482.

(2) Steamships Trading Company Ltd.: The largest private comprehensive commercial company in Papua New Guinea, founded in 1919. I am currently engaged in wholesale and retail of goods, shipping, hotels, real estate, automobiles and accessories, soap production, and engineering construction. Mailing address: Champion Parade P.O. Box 1, Port Moresby, PNG。 Phone: (00675) 3220222, Fax: (00675) 3211786.

【People's Life】There are 19 hospitals and over 240 clinics nationwide. The average life expectancy is 63 years (2016), and the population aged 65 and above is 215000, accounting for about 3% of the national population (2012). The average annual population growth rate is 3.1%. The infant mortality rate was 47 ‰ (2016). The main epidemics include cholera, dysentery, pneumonia, malaria, etc. At present, the incidence rate of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS in PNG ranks first in the Asia Pacific region, with about 46000 people suffering from sexually transmitted diseases. The first case of AIDS was found in PNG in 1987, with an annual growth rate of 0.9%. By 2017, there were 47000 AIDS virus carriers in PNG.

【Education】The education system in Papua New Guinea is divided into three levels: central, provincial, and local. The national literacy rate was 63.3% (2013). Since the implementation of the free compulsory education system, the number and enrollment of primary and secondary schools in Papua New Guinea have increased sharply. There are currently 10466 registered primary and secondary schools in the country, with about 1.8 million students and an enrollment rate of 83%. There are currently 6 universities, mainly including Papua New Guinea University and Papua New Guinea University of Technology, with approximately 7780 students. There are also 21 private urban and rural international schools with over 6000 students.

【News】The main news agency is the official Papua New Guinea International News Agency. The main newspapers include: the English newspaper "Guomin Daily", "Messenger Post", and the Pidgin language newspaper "Tongxiang Daily". The National Broadcasting Corporation of Papua New Guinea (NBC) was established in 1975 and has three main radio stations. EMTV television station (private) was founded in 1987. The National Television of Papua New Guinea (NTS) was launched on September 17, 2008, mainly reporting on the achievements of Papua New Guinea's economic and social development, as well as the government's policies in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and other areas.

【Military Affairs】The Papua New Guinea Army was established in 1940, known as the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, and currently has a strength of 5000 personnel. Papua New Guinea has signed a defense cooperation agreement with Australia, which provides approximately AUD 40 million in military aid and military training annually.

【Overseas Chinese】There are currently about 30000 overseas Chinese, mainly consisting of: 1. locally born Chinese, most of whom are engaged in wholesale, supermarkets, real estate, and processing industries, with large capital and certain status and influence in Papua New Guinea society. 2. Chinese people from Southeast Asian countries and Hong Kong and Taiwan often run supermarkets, chop wood, fish, restaurants, etc., and their lives are relatively affluent. 3. In recent years, most of the overseas Chinese and Chinese from Chinese Mainland (mainly Fujian Province) work as part-time workers and run restaurants and small shops.

【External Relations】We adhere to a neutral policy towards foreign relations, advocate peaceful coexistence among countries, increase economic exchanges and cooperation, and are committed to peace and stability in the South Pacific region. Support the United Nations to play an active role in international affairs. Actively participate in international and regional affairs. In recent years, while continuing to develop traditional relations with South Pacific countries such as Australia and New Zealand, as well as European and American countries, the Papua New Guinea government has increasingly attached importance to East and Southeast Asian countries. The O'Neill government emphasized that "Papua New Guinea's future interests lie in Asia", and Papua New Guinea will further expand its relations with Asian countries such as China. At the same time, Papua New Guinea attaches great importance to its special ties with Australia and its traditional friendly relations with the United States. Papua New Guinea has established diplomatic relations with over 70 countries and is a member of organizations such as the United Nations, the Non Aligned Movement, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the Pacific Islands Forum, the Pacific Community, and the Melanesian Pioneer Group. It has 18 diplomatic missions abroad.

In recent years, Papua New Guinea's diplomatic performance has been more active than before. Actively attending the 60th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the Asia Africa Summit, the Commonwealth Ministers' Meeting, and the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group Ministers' Meeting, increasingly emphasizing the importance of playing a role in multilateral diplomacy. Actively seek a voice on climate change issues by utilizing the co chair status of the Tropical Rainforest Nations Alliance. Hosted the 16th Melanesian Pioneer Group Conference (MSG), 5th South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) Conference, Ministerial Council Meeting of the organization, 35th Pacific Islands Forum Conference (PIF), 16th ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, 15th Pacific Games, 46th Pacific Islands Forum Conference (PIF), 8th ACP Summit, and more. We will also host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Informal Meeting in 2018.

【Relations with Australia】Papua New Guinea and Australia have maintained a special relationship, with frequent visits between their leaders and annual ministerial level consultations. Australia is the largest aid donor to Papua New Guinea, with an annual aid amount exceeding 500 million Australian dollars. According to the "Strengthening Cooperation Plan" reached by the two countries in 2004, Australia should increase its aid to Papua New Guinea by AUD 800 million within five years from 2004. Australia is also the largest trading and investment partner of Papua New Guinea, accounting for nearly two-thirds of foreign investment in Papua New Guinea. The total investment of Australia in Papua New Guinea reached AUD 18.4 billion, with over 5000 Australian companies conducting bilateral trade in Papua New Guinea. The bilateral trade volume between Papua New Guinea and Australia was nearly AUD 5.8 billion (2016). Both sides have also established bilateral ministerial forums and defense ministerial consultation mechanisms. Under the "Defense Cooperation Program" between the two countries, Australia provides military assistance to Papua New Guinea, including training and technical consultation, and the two sides regularly conduct joint military exercises. Australia and Papua New Guinea establish a "police partnership" and send police to Papua New Guinea to assist in maintaining social order.

In March 2008, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd visited Papua New Guinea and the two sides issued the Port Moresby Declaration and signed the Forest Carbon Partnership Agreement. From April to May 2009, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Somare visited Australia. From November to December 2012, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister O'Neill visited Australia. In December 2012, the 21st Australia Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum Annual Meeting was held in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea. In April 2013, Australian Governor Bryce visited Papua New Guinea. In May, Australian Prime Minister Gillard visited Papua New Guinea and the two sides signed the Joint Declaration on Partnership. In February 2014, Australian Foreign Minister Bishop visited Papua New Guinea. In March, Australian Prime Minister Abbott visited Papua New Guinea and the two sides signed an Economic Cooperation Agreement. In May, Australian Foreign Minister Bishop visited Papua New Guinea. In November 2015, Australian Foreign Minister Bishop visited Papua New Guinea. In April 2017, Australian Governor General Koslow and Prime Minister Turnbull visited Papua New Guinea respectively.

【Relations with New Zealand】The two countries have close relations. Papua New Guinea is New Zealand's largest aid recipient and the third largest export market in the South Pacific region. In February 2006, Papua New Guinea Governor Matane visited New Zealand; In May, the new Foreign Minister Peters visited Papua New Guinea. In December 2007, the new Foreign Minister Peters visited Papua New Guinea and co chaired bilateral consultations with Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Abal. In January 2009, the new Prime Minister John Key and Foreign Minister McCalley visited Papua New Guinea. From September to October 2009, the new Governor Satyanande visited Papua New Guinea. In April 2010, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Somare visited New Zealand. In August 2010, Papua New Guinea's Defense Minister Dadae visited New Zealand. In August 2013, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister O'Neill visited New Zealand. In September 2015, the new navy warship Hui "Lingdun" visited Papua New Guinea to carry out joint patrol missions for Papua New Guinea's fisheries, police, customs and other departments, and provide training for Papua New Guinea Navy officers and soldiers. In February 2017, the new Foreign Minister Macaulay visited Papua New Guinea.

【Relations with the United States】The two countries have signed agreements on defense cooperation and joint military exercises, and Papua New Guinea allows US warships to dock at its ports. According to the Defense Arrangements Plan with the United States, Papua New Guinea has sent military officers to the United States for training. The United States provides a large amount of humanitarian aid to Papua New Guinea, providing assistance for the reconstruction of Bougainville and other areas. After the 9/11 incident, the Papua New Guinea government condemned international terrorism and supported international counter-terrorism actions.

In May 2005, the US medical ship "USS Myers" visited Madang Province to provide medical services to the victims of the Manam volcano eruption. In February 2006, the US Department of Defense provided US $360000 to PNG military for AIDS prevention and control; In December, former US President Clinton visited PNG to discuss the cooperation between the Clinton Foundation and PNG in the prevention and control of AIDS. In November 2010, US Secretary of State Clinton visited Papua New Guinea. In October 2011, the United States relocated the Pacific Islands Regional Office of the Agency for International Development (USAID) to Papua New Guinea and began construction on a 30000 square meter U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea.   ExxonMobil's investment of $19 billion in the construction of the Papua New Guinea Liquefied Natural Gas (PNG-LNG) project has made the United States the largest single foreign investor in Papua New Guinea. There are currently 100 Peace Corps volunteers serving in schools and hospitals in Papua New Guinea. From June 27 to July 10, 2015, the US USNS Mercy hospital ship, which participated in the 2015 Pacific Partnership, visited the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea and the province of East New Britain, providing medical services to local residents and conducting disaster prevention and mitigation cooperation exercises and training. In June and November 2016, the US Navy ships Sacagawea and Pililaau visited the capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moreau, respectively, to provide military training and security support training for Papua New Guinea's defense officers.

【Relations with other Pacific island countries】 It is a member of the Melanesian Pioneer Group along with Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu. In March 2007, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Somare signed the Melanesian Pioneer Group Charter with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sogavare, Vanuatu Prime Minister Lini, and Fiji's interim government Foreign Minister Naratikao in the capital city of Vila.

In 1990, the "Revolutionary Army" of Bougainville Island declared its independence from Papua New Guinea and established the "Bougainville Republic", which received support from the Solomon Islands government. The relationship between Papua New Guinea and the government has deteriorated as a result. Since 2003, the relationship between Papua New Guinea and Singapore has gradually eased.

【Relations with ASEAN countries】Strengthening relations with ASEAN countries is one of the key focuses of Papua New Guinea's external work. In recent years, the Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister has been attending ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings as an observer. In 1994, Papua New Guinea became a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum. There are many private enterprises investing in Papua New Guinea from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines. In December 2007, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Somare attended the "Climate Change Conference" held in Bali, Indonesia, where he met with Indonesian President Susilo and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. In April 2009, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Somare visited the Philippines. In March 2013, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra visited Papua New Guinea. In June 2013, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister O'Neill visited Indonesia. In November 2013, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister O'Neill went to Indonesia to attend the 21st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and met with leaders from Indonesia, Vietnam, and other countries. In March 2015, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno visited Papua New Guinea. In May 2015, Indonesian President Joko Widodo visited Papua New Guinea.

【Relations with Japan】Japan is Papua New Guinea's second largest trading partner and second largest aid donor. Since 1974, Japan has provided approximately 3.2 billion Kina in aid, accounting for 24% of the total foreign aid received by Papua New Guinea on an average annual basis. In recent years, the political and economic relations between the two countries have developed rapidly, with an increase in personnel exchanges. In February 2005, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Somare visited Japan and met with Emperor Akihito and the Prime Minister.   In May, Prime Minister Somare visited Japan and met with the Emperor and Prime Minister; In July, the 4th Policy Consultation between Papua New Guinea and Japan was held in Papua New Guinea; In August, the Japanese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Papua New Guinea. In May 2009, Prime Minister Somare went to Japan to attend the 5th Japan Pacific Island Leaders' Meeting. In October 2010, Vice Premier Poli went to Japan to attend the 5th Japan Pacific Island Leaders' Meeting Ministerial Meeting. After a strong earthquake and tsunami struck Japan in March 2011, Prime Minister Somare announced that he would donate 10 million Kina to Japan for post disaster reconstruction. In May 2012, the Ambassador of Papua New Guinea to Japan represented Prime Minister O'Neill at the 6th Japan Pacific Island Leaders' Meeting held in Japan. In March 2013, Prime Minister O'Neill visited Japan. In May 2013, Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Shigeru Yamaguchi visited Papua New Guinea.   Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Papua New Guinea in July 2014. In September 2014, the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force's training ship "Kashima" visited Papua New Guinea. In October 2015, Prime Minister O'Neill visited Japan. In May 2016, Prime Minister O'Neill went to Japan to attend the expanded G7 meeting.

【Relations with South Korea】South Korea is Papua New Guinea's fourth largest trading partner. In December 2003, a South Korean naval fleet visited Papua New Guinea and held talks with Commander Iloh of the Papua New Guinea Defense Forces. In December 2004, the two countries signed an agreement that South Korea would provide 20 million Kina to Papua New Guinea for the Wewak drainage project. In February 2005, South Korea signed an agreement with Papua New Guinea to invest 82 million Kina to build an ethanol manufacturing plant. In July 2006, the Deputy Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy of South Korea visited Papua New Guinea and signed a memorandum of understanding to actively participate in Papua New Guinea's energy development. In May 2011, Foreign Minister Poli went to South Korea to attend the first Korea Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers' Meeting. In October 2014, the South Korean Navy training ship "ROK Choi Young" visited Papua New Guinea. In November 2016, the South Korean naval training ships Chung Mu Gon Yi Sun and Cheon Ji visited Papua New Guinea simultaneously.

【Relations with European countries】Papua New Guinea is a member of the Commonwealth and has signed a defense cooperation agreement with the UK. The UK provides approximately $100000 in aid to Papua New Guinea annually. France signed a friendly cooperation framework agreement with Papua New Guinea in December 1996. In April 2002, Papua New Guinea Governor General Atapar went to the UK to attend the Queen's 50th anniversary celebration. In June 2006, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Somare attended the second France Oceania Summit held in Paris. In July 2008, Prime Minister Somare visited the United Kingdom. In November 2012, British Crown Prince Charles visited Papua New Guinea. In June 2015, Prime Minister O'Neill visited three European countries including the UK, Belgium, and France, and was received by Queen Elizabeth II during the visit. In July 2015, Prince Andrew, Duke of York of the United Kingdom, attended the opening ceremony of the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea. In June 2016, Prime Minister O'Neill visited France and attended the first Franco Papua New Guinea Economic and Trade Forum.

【Relations with the European Union】The EU has a permanent representative in Papua New Guinea. Since 1977, the European Union has provided over 2.7 billion Kina in aid to Papua New Guinea. In November 2004, former Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Kaputin was elected as the Secretary General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group, leading the group's trade and aid negotiations with the European Union. In February 2006, the European Union signed an agreement with the government of Papua New Guinea, committing to providing 156 million Kina in education aid to Papua New Guinea within six years. In November 2007, under pressure from the EU to increase import taxes on its tuna and sugar, Papua New Guinea signed a temporary Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU. As of October 2013, the European Union has provided a total of 415 million Kina aid funds to Papua New Guinea. In the next five years, the EU plans to provide 550 million Kina in aid to Papua New Guinea.