PTI Europe recently attended the fourth Papua New Guinea-Europe Investment Conference in Port Moresby, exploring opportunities for increased trade with Europe. The conference attendees had the opportunity to connect with trade partners, and businesses from Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Europe as well as listen to speakers on a range of topics addressing both challenges and opportunities for developing stronger economic ties between the two regions.
The conference worked to further PTI Europe’s mission of supporting Pacific-based industries and businesses in forging pathways into the European market. The conference highlighted that while mining and large corporations remain key contributors to PNG’s economy, a growing interest in agricultural trade is evolving. Products such as virgin coconut oil, galip nut, skincare essentials and bilum present vast opportunities for growth within the European market.
Similarly, current food trends in Europe are giving rise to increased trade opportunities in PNG’s production of specialty coffee, specialty cocoa, and vanilla. These agricultural pathways were the central focus of a number of sessions and discussions, demonstrating their scope to achieve vital returns for local farmers and, ultimately, to offer important avenues of economic diversification within PNG and the Pacific.
PTI Europe was fortunate to connect with Kamapim, a sustainable agricultural venture working with remote landowners in PNG to develop quality, organically grown, and fairly traded vanilla. The social enterprise is committed to maintaining high ethical standards, working directly with local farmers in small villages, paying fair wages, and ensuring that PNG’s ancient rainforests and cultures are protected.
Following the event, PTI Europe has commenced working with Kamapim to find markets in the United Kingdom and Germany.
PTI Europe Trade Commissioner, Jodie Stewart, emphasised the commitment between the European Union and PNG to empower the local PNG-based businesses, such as those that shone at the conference.
“PNG is the biggest Pacific exporter to Europe and it was the first country to sign an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The event highlighted for me that PNG is reinforcing its message to Europe that it is open for increased trade and investment opportunities.
“When the local businesses took the stage, it was impossible to not be affected by their passion for their people and products. It’s important their challenges are listened to, but equally it’s important to be part of the solution, and to get excited about supporting these grassroots businesses to establish themselves as mainstays in a range of European industries and markets.”
For more insights into Pacific products in the European market, reach out to PTI Europe Trade Commissioner, Jodie Stewart, at jodie@pacifictradeinvest.com.
