Works Minister Says Connect PNG Is Unlocking West Sepik's Gateway to Asia

Minister for Works and Highways Hon. Peter Tsimalili Jnr described Vanimo as Papua New Guinea's gateway to Asia, saying the province is strategically positioned to unlock new trade and economic opportunities through improved road connectivity under the Government's Connect PNG Program.

Speaking during the launching and commissioning of several major transport infrastructure projects in Vanimo, the Minister said Papua New Guinea is the only Pacific island nation connected to Asia by land through its border with Indonesia, making Vanimo the country's gateway to the Asian market.

He said despite West Sepik Province's rich natural resources, cultural heritage and human potential, poor road infrastructure had isolated many communities from basic government services and economic opportunities.

The Minister said communities cannot fully participate in development without reliable road access, stressing that roads are the foundation for service delivery, trade and economic growth.

He described the launching and commissioning of the major transport infrastructure projects as a historic milestone, particularly as Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister thanked the Marape-Rosso Government for its continued commitment to delivering transformational infrastructure through the Connect PNG Program, saying the initiative demonstrates the Government's determination to ensure every province, district and community benefits from national development.

He said the construction of the Wara Sikau–Lumi section of the Sepik Highway represents far more than a road project, describing it as a strategic development corridor that will improve the movement of people, goods and services while providing better access to education, healthcare, law and order services, agriculture, public administration and emergency responses.

The Minister said the project will significantly benefit inland communities that have waited many years for reliable road access, bringing government services closer to the people while creating new opportunities for farmers, small businesses and rural economic development.

He said improved connectivity will give remote communities renewed hope and confidence that development is finally reaching areas that have long been left behind.

The Minister also welcomed the commencement of the Vanimo–Green River Road Project, describing it as one of the province's most strategically significant transport infrastructure investments.

He said Vanimo serves as Papua New Guinea's provincial border capital and gateway to Asia, placing the province in a unique position to expand regional trade and strengthen economic ties with neighbouring Indonesia.

The Minister acknowledged the continued support of the Indonesian Consulate General in Vanimo and expressed the Government's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and progressively developing Vanimo into a fully operational cross-border trade hub.

He said upgrading the Vanimo–Green River Road will improve connectivity between coastal and inland communities while creating opportunities for agriculture, tourism, public service delivery, border development and national security along Papua New Guinea's international frontier.

The Minister added that the projects complement other major infrastructure developments currently underway under the Greater Sepik and Momase Transport Corridor, including road sealing works, bridge construction and new access roads.

He commended the Department of Works and Highways, its engineers, technical officers, contractors and project teams for their dedication in planning and delivering quality infrastructure that will continue to benefit future generations.

The Minister also thanked customary landowners and surrounding communities for their cooperation, acknowledging that successful infrastructure delivery depends on strong partnerships between government and local communities.

He urged landowners and residents to continue supporting the projects by protecting public infrastructure, construction equipment and workers throughout the construction period.

Addressing young people, the Minister encouraged them to seize the opportunities created by improved road connectivity through education, agriculture, tourism, small business development and employment.

He said roads alone cannot transform communities unless people take advantage of the opportunities they create and actively participate in the development of their province.

The Minister also acknowledged the important role of women, noting that improved road access will reduce the daily burden many mothers face travelling long distances to reach markets, health facilities and other essential services.

He said safer and more reliable roads will improve the quality of life for families while creating greater opportunities for women to participate in economic activities.

The Minister further challenged public servants to improve service delivery as transport infrastructure continues to improve across the province.

He said better roads must translate into better government services, with schools, health facilities, law and order agencies and agricultural officers reaching rural communities more efficiently.

The Minister said the Connect PNG Program is ultimately about ensuring government services reach every Papua New Guinean, regardless of where they live, while creating opportunities for inclusive economic growth and long-term national development.