Australia Funds PNG Port Upgrade Amid Race for Influence

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (R) shakes hands with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape at a press conference in Sydney, Australia, on Dec. 12, 2024. AP Photo/Mark Baker

Work will soon begin on port upgrades in Papua New Guinea financed by Australia, amid competition for influence in the Pacific region.

Australia is loaning $95 million towards the upgrade of Port Kimbe in the country’s New Britain Provence to boost freight services and protect the area from climate change.