As Trade Commissioner for Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) China, I see countless investment projects across our Blue Pacific region. Some show promise, others deliver returns, but few resonate on a truly human level like the Edevu Hydro Power Project in Papua New Guinea. Visiting the site recently wasn’t just a professional duty; it became a powerful example of why this work matters. This project has rewritten the story of an entire community – and in doing so, reminded me of why I chose this work.
When we at PTI China first supported the Edevu Hydro Power Project under our Impact Support Program, the scale of ambition of the project (on paper) struck me. The 54MW renewable energy project is backed by K650 million (A$231 million) in private Chinese investment, but beyond the investment returns and the feat of engineering that is the geomembrane-faced dam and the 132kV transmission lines, lies something more profound.
During my recent visit to PNG, the project management team drove us along the rugged roads into Edevu Valley located in the Hiri Koiari District of Central Province, around 45 minutes from the capital Port Moresby. Entering the village corridor and witnessing the transformation firsthand was humbling for me. A health clinic now stands where none existed before, staffed by locals trained to serve the village. Laughing children were making their way home from school. Upon arriving at the Edevu site, I realised the magnitude of the project – it’s massive. It was heartening to meet young PNG technicians, once with limited prospects, now proudly explaining how the project’s hydraulic systems and turbines work.
Then came the moment that turned professional pride into something more personal for me. During an onsite technical briefing by the project team, I learned that the hydraulic systems and cylinders powering this life-changing project were supplied by the Changzhou Hydraulic Complete Equipment Co., Ltd. The name struck a chord. Changzhou Hydraulic, in China’s Jiangsu Province, is owned and managed by two very close Chinese friends from my university days in New Zealand. The company is a family-owned business with over 30 years’ experience in producing complete sets of hydraulic cylinders and control systems.
This discovery transformed Edevu from an exemplary project into something very special and personal. I felt so grateful for the opportunity to facilitate work that has such a profound impact, and proud of the success of my friends whose ingenuity and efforts were helping change lives in a remote PNG village. The impact of Edevu was undeniable. Seeing this tangible uplift in health, education and economic opportunity was gratifying. The real success of this project is reflected in the lives of the people of Edevu. This is what responsible investment should look like: dignity, opportunity and hope for our communities. It crystallised the essence of our mission at PTI China: facilitating investments that aren’t just transactional but truly transformative, fostering sustainable development and improving Pacific livelihoods.
Edevu Hydro Power Project demonstrates the power of responsible investment to deliver clean energy, build vital infrastructure, transfer crucial skills, and uplift communities. For me, personally, it became a powerful symbol of the interconnectedness of our world – where professional dedication, cherished friendships and the shared aspirations of Pacific communities can converge to create something truly meaningful. It’s a reminder that our work at PTI China – forging these vital connections between investors and Pacific potential – has impacts that extend far beyond the balance sheet. That is the ultimate reward. This is the Pacific way: investment that respects our soil, uplifts our people, and plants seeds for the next generation.
As our Pacific nations navigate climate threats and economic transitions, Edevu offers a clear model for investing in projects that support local communities and respect our cultural roots. This isn’t just about generating megawatts and revenue; it’s about improving lives.
