The European Union (EU) and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have strengthened ties with the launch of significant port and water infrastructure projects.
These initiatives align with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and aim to modernise the Rabaul port and enhance access to safe water, thereby boosting trade, climate resilience, biodiversity, public health and job creation.
The announcement followed a high-level visit by European representatives to PNG from 8 to 10 July, where both sides discussed the next steps in implementing these transformative projects.
“From transforming the Rabaul port into Papua New Guinea’s first green port to improving access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, the partnership between the European Union and Papua New Guinea is delivering real impact,” said the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela.
The Rabaul port modernisation project, supported by the European Investment Bank and the French Development Agency, focuses on upgrading this key commercial hub into a climate-resilient, green port. The project will improve safety, security and environmental standards by integrating renewable energy, enhancing water quality, improving waste management systems and generating new income for the region.
PNG and the EU also signed a €3 million financing agreement to strengthen Water PNG Limited’s capacity to provide reliable, safe water services in four district towns.
