PNG Parliamentary Opposition Leader, James Nomane, has criticised Prime Minister James Marape’s participation at PNG Investment Week in Sydney, describing the event as “a parade of pretence” and questioning the government’s record on foreign direct investment (FDI).
In a statement this week, Mr Nomane said since 2019, the Marape-Rosso government has failed to attract meaningful Foreign Direct Investment.
“The mismanaged dealings with foreign entities like TotalEnergies, Puma Energy and Ok Tedi have damaged the government’s reputation and undermined PNG’s economic growth by eroding investor confidence, stifling capital inflows and isolating the country from global investment opportunities.”
Nomane added that the Prime Minister’s appearance at the PNG Investment Week in Sydney amounted to “grandstanding” rather than evidence of real economic performance.
“Papua New Guinea was once again paraded as a ‘safe’ investment destination, a claim that rings hollow when FDI has been stagnant since 2019,” he said in a statement.
“Investors are not swayed by speeches; they are deterred by the unfriendly business environment riddled with graft and bottlenecks and exacerbated by high crime and corruption.”
The Opposition Leader also criticised Australia’s announcement of $600 million, approximately K1.5 billion, linked to the National Rugby League, describing it as symbolic rather than substantive.
“This so-called ‘NRL carrot’ is less about supporting Papua New Guinea’s development and more about countering China’s influence in the region,” Nomane said.
“Instead of genuine partnership, we are treated as pawns in a geopolitical contest, offered sporting spectacles while our hospitals lack medicine and our classrooms lack teachers.”
He said the Prime Minister’s response to the announcement reflected a focus on symbolism over real outcomes.
“The Prime Minister’s embrace of this gesture underscores his willingness to masquerade symbolism as substance and acquiesce to the whims of Canberra,” he said.
The Opposition Leader further criticised Prime Minister Marape’s overseas travel between 2019 and 2025, saying repeated trips to Sydney, Singapore, New York and Dubai had produced no tangible results.
“These trips have not secured any meaningful FDI, new industry or the much-touted ‘1-million jobs’,” he said.
“The Prime Minister’s frequent flyer miles have grown as the nation’s economy continues to stagnate and socio-economic indicators regress.”
He described the situation as a failure of domestic leadership.
“This is evidence of a Prime Minister substituting overseas travel for leadership at home, leaving crises to fester while he chases applause and superficial accolades abroad,” Mr Nomane said.
He said there was a disconnect between the image presented overseas and the reality faced by citizens at home.
“At international forums, Marape paints a picture of a nation ready for investment, stability and growth,” he said.
“Yet at home, ordinary Papua New Guineans endure daily insecurity, deteriorating health services, an education system in decline, and a cost-of-living crisis driven by unabated inflation and high taxes.”
Nomane said international investors focused on maximising shareholder wealth were deterred by the risks associated with investing in Papua New Guinea.
“Papua New Guinea does not need more speeches, more conferences or more photo opportunities in foreign countries,” he said.
“We need leadership on the ground to confront crime, restore health and education, and rebuild trust in governance.”
He said until these issues are addressed, claims that PNG is a safe investment destination will lack credibility.
“Until then, the rhetoric of ‘safe investment’ will remain a cruel joke, and the people of Papua New Guinea will continue to pay the price for empty promises,” he said.