EU and Papua New Guinea Deepen Partnership on Global Gateway Investments

Strategic Insights -

The European Union and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have strengthened their partnership, advancing new investment projects in port and water infrastructure under the EU's Global Gateway strategy. The partnership aims to modernize the Rabaul port, expand access to safe water, and create jobs, while also promoting trade, climate resilience, biodiversity, and public health. The EU has committed to driving sustainable economic growth and improving lives for local communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU and PNG are advancing new investment projects in port and water infrastructure under the EU's Global Gateway strategy, with a focus on modernizing the Rabaul port and expanding access to safe water.
  • The partnership includes a EUR3 million project to provide capacity building and support to Water PNG Limited to improve access to safe, reliable water and reduce water loss for communities.
  • The EU has committed EUR39.7 million to a cooperation package with PNG and the EIB, which includes the water project and a wider cooperation package.
  • The projects aim to strengthen trade flows, climate resilience, biodiversity, public health, and create jobs, and reflect the EU's Global Gateway investment strategy in action.
  • European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela stated that the partnership delivers real impact, boosting trade, jobs, health, and climate resilience.
  • The modernization of the Rabaul port will address environmental challenges, improve security and safety measures, and transition towards greener port operations, with the aim of bolstering the port's resilience against climate change and natural disasters.

Statistics:

  • EUR3 million: The budget for the new project to provide capacity building and support to Water PNG Limited to improve access to safe, reliable water.
  • EUR39.7 million: The total budget for the cooperation package between PNG, the EU, and the EIB.
  • 4 district towns: The target locations for the new water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) project to deliver safe, affordable, and sustainable water services.
  • 10-20%: The reduction in non-revenue water expected through the WASH project.
  • July 8-10: The dates of the high-level European representatives' visit to PNG to discuss next steps in upgrading and greening the Rabaul port.
  • September: The expected month of Jozef Sikela's visit to the Pacific region to strengthen mutual cooperation.

Sources:

  • News Release: European Union External Action Service