Prime Minister, James Marape has assured Gulf Province and Papua LNG landowners they will receive greater long-term benefits from the multi-billion-Kina project, saying negotiations with developers are close to delivering a stronger deal for Papua New Guinea.
Speaking during the opening of the Ihu Market and the launch of major infrastructure projects in Kikori last Friday, PM Marape said negotiations between the State, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil were nearing completion.
He said the Government had secured improved arrangements covering the country’s equity, royalties, development levy and tax benefits under the proposed agreement.
PM Marape announced that under Government policy, 40 per cent of the State’s equity share in the Papua LNG project would be transferred to Gulf Province and project landowners to ensure they receive lasting benefits from the resource development.
He urged landowners to continue supporting the project and to raise any outstanding concerns through the appropriate government processes rather than creating conflict.
The Prime Minister said every genuine issue would be properly recorded and addressed before the project proceeds.
He said the Papua LNG project was expected to reach its Final Investment Decision later this year if negotiations are successfully concluded, allowing construction to commence.
PM Marape also encouraged young people throughout Kikori and entire Gulf Province to register with district and provincial authorities so they could be identified for employment, skills training and business opportunities linked to the project.
He said while not everyone would secure direct employment with Papua LNG, many people would benefit through agriculture, small and medium-sized businesses and other industries expected to grow alongside the development.
PM Marape said the Government wanted Gulf Province to become the biggest beneficiary of both the existing PNG LNG project and the upcoming Papua LNG development while positioning the province as a future center for downstream gas processing and industrial growth.
“We want Gulf to be the biggest benefactor of both PNG LNG and Papua LNG,” he said.
He called on political leaders, landowners and local communities to work together to ensure the project delivers sustainable economic opportunities and lasting benefits for future generations.