Papua New Guinea’s construction and infrastructure sector will take centre stage next week as the Department of Works and Highways prepares to host the country’s first-ever Construction and Contractors Conference.
The two-day event, scheduled for April 8–9 at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, is being organised in partnership with the Institution of Engineers Papua New Guinea Incorporated.
Held under the theme “Building the Nation through Innovation, Collaboration and Sustainable Infrastructure,” the conference is expected to bring together key stakeholders involved in the country’s growing infrastructure agenda.
Works Secretary Gibson Holemba said the inaugural conference marks an important step toward strengthening coordination across the sector.
“This conference is a timely initiative as Papua New Guinea continues to roll out major infrastructure projects under key national programs. It provides an avenue for stakeholders to come together, share knowledge, and align efforts towards delivering quality and sustainable infrastructure,” Mr Holemba said.
He added that collaboration between government, industry and development partners remains critical to achieving long-term infrastructure goals.
“We must continue to embrace innovation and partnerships to ensure that our infrastructure development is not only efficient but also resilient and beneficial to our people,” he said.
The inaugural gathering will provide a platform for industry players to discuss challenges, explore investment opportunities and strengthen partnerships critical to delivering major national projects.
Day one of the event will focus on exhibitions and expositions, where companies, investors and stakeholders will showcase products, services and innovations shaping the construction sector.
The second day will feature conference sessions addressing key issues in infrastructure development, followed by a formal networking dinner.
Participants are expected from across the sector, including contractors under the Connect PNG program, engineers, suppliers, manufacturers, consultants, government agencies and private companies.
Organisers say the conference comes at a critical time as Papua New Guinea continues to invest heavily in road networks and national infrastructure to boost economic growth and connectivity.
They emphasised that the event will not only promote collaboration but also encourage knowledge sharing and innovation to ensure sustainable and quality infrastructure development across the country.
The conference is also expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and support the long-term vision of building resilient infrastructure systems nationwide.
