The PTI China representatives, which included Trade Commissioner, Mona Mato; Head of Exports, Yolanda Jiang; and Marketing and Communications Manager, Nicole Yan, were accompanied by three Chinese coffee importers and distributors. Together, they conducted a series of on-site inspections at PNG coffee plantations, a processing factory and export departments, gaining insights into the coffee bean planting, harvesting, washing and drying processes; shelling and selection procedures, and green bean exporting. Cupping sessions during the visit helped the Chinese importers develop a comprehensive understanding of the flavours and unique qualities of PNG coffee.
One of the aims of this visit was to grow the trade relationship between China and PNG, particularly in the coffee sector. PNG’s successful coffee display at the HOTELEX 2025 expo helped generate significant interest. PTI China’s goal was to continue that momentum through direct engagement between Chinese buyers and local coffee exporters, expanding PNG’s market share in China. Not only will this benefit PNG exporters, but it will also ensure greater product choice for Chinese consumers – a win-win situation for both countries.
Brazil, one of the world’s major coffee-producing regions, has faced a decline in coffee bean production this year due to climate impacts. This has opened up opportunities for PNG’s coffee industry, as Chinese importers adjust their procurement strategies to adapt to green bean production and pricing.
To better understand and communicate PNG’s coffee pricing structure to the Chinese market, PTI China sought support from relevant authorities such as the Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd (CIC). PTI China was specifically eager to learn more about export procedures, pricing guidelines, permits and licences, and regulations at each stage.
Trade Commissioner Mato is buoyed by the current state of coffee trade between China and PNG, and advised PNG’s Minister for Coffee, William Bando, to “encourage coffee producers to be flexible in customising their offering to meet customer needs”.
While in PNG, the PTI China team also held meetings with senior officials from various PNG government ministries and departments, including International Trade and Investment; Agriculture and Livestock; and Foreign Affairs and Immigration; the Investment Promotion Authority, and a courtesy visit to meet the Chinese Ambassador at the Chinese Embassy in Port Moresby. In terms of industry bodies, PTI China met with the Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd, the National Fisheries Authority of Papua New Guinea, the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea, and Kokonas Indastri Koporesen. It was a chance to exchange information, share updates and review any challenges relating to PTI China’s trade and investment work in PNG. These discussions also helped lay the foundations for promoting long-term, sustainable trade and investment relations, and ensure alignment of both China and PNG’s goals and strategies.
During PTI China’s talks with the PNG Ministry of Agriculture, Acting Director of the Science and Technology Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Elias Taia, highlighted the size of the opportunity in China. “China’s appetite is huge, and quantity is the primary issue we should address,” he noted. “The Chinese market is a new frontier, where we need to target niche products”.
While in PNG, PTI China’s team also took the opportunity to visit the Edevu Hydro Power Project in Central Province, which PTI China supported during its construction as part of its investment support package. One year after its completion, this hydropower project continues to supply reliable electricity to the capital, Port Moresby, bringing tangible improvements to the livelihoods of the city’s inhabitants and building the technical capacity of young Papua New Guineans working in the industry.
Yolanda Jiang, PTI China’s Head of Exports, remarked on the relationship-building benefits of the project. “It’s not only a technological marvel but also a vivid testament to the deep friendship between China and Papua New Guinea,” she said.
PTI China contracted local Papua New Guinean professional camera crew, Roan Paul Photography & Arts, to document the journey of PNG coffee during the visit. We will use these materials in future promotional campaigns to promote Papua New Guinea and its coffee.
For more information, please contact Yolanda Jiang, Head of Exports, Pacific Trade Invest China at yolanda.jiang@pacifictradeinvest.org.cn
