SUN ENGINEERING CALLS FOR INCREASE IN LOCAL MANUFACTURING

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

PAPUA New Guinea must increase local manufacturing and local content to create more jobs and strengthen the economy.

During the morning session of 2026 PNG Resources Week 2026 in Port Moresby today, Sun Engineering Chief Executive Officer Mark McMonagle said too many materials and components used in major mining and construction projects are imported, resulting in jobs and wealth being sent overseas instead of benefiting Papua New Guineans.

He said expanding local manufacturing would create employment, develop skills, increase tax revenue and support long-term economic growth, while also reducing crime through greater job opportunities.

Mr McMonagle pointed to projects such as the Hilton Hotel and Convention Centre as an example where steel fabrication and construction work was carried out locally, saying Papua New Guinea has the capacity to do much more if local businesses are given greater opportunities.

He also noted that Papua New Guinea has a competitive labour cost advantage over many countries, arguing there is no reason why more steel fabrication and manufacturing cannot be done locally.

He urged government and industry to prioritise local businesses and workers so more value from major resource projects remains in the country.

Meantime, PNG CORE President Anthony Smaré in welcoming Prime Minister James Marape to the opening of PNG Resources Week, commended the government’s strong institutional reforms for the 2025–2026 period.

Mr. Smaré said PNG Resources Week is expected to bring together about 1,100 delegates and speakers, 83 exhibitors supported by approximately 250 exhibition staff, 32 sponsors and 80 dinner tables for the Gala Dinner.

“PNG CORE stands ready to work with government, landowners, communities, education institutions and investors so that the next fifty years of resource development build trust, capability, shared opportunity and national dignity,’ says Mr. Smaré.