Ihu Special Economic Zone On a Roll from SEZ II Summit to CHINA & to GULF Province
Ihu Special Economic Zone (ISEZ) Project Office has been on a roll with jam packed schedules and activities that the Project Office had been engaged in. Making the months of August - September a very hectic time for the Project Office Team.
It all Started with the Second Papua New Guinea Special Economic Zone Summit.
The Second Papua New Guinea Special Economic Zone (SEZ II) Summit was a landmark event held at Hilton Hotel and APEC Haus with the theme “Reflecting on Our Past 50 Years and Charting the next 50 Years.”
With excitement high and investors coming in from a far, the Summit sure provided a platform and opportunity to gain recognition, partnership or even securing a SEZ license.
Key Highlights of the SEZ II Summit
· Minister Richard Maru launched the summit, calling it “the most useful and productive in our nation’s history”.
· The summit aimed to critically assess PNG’s economic journey since independence and re-strategize for future growth.
· Prime Minister James Marape emphasized infrastructure connectivity and economic diversification, noting PNG’s GDP growth from K79 billion in 2019 to K132 billion in 2025.
· Four SEZs were officially licensed: Paga Hill, Pacific Cement Lime, Sea Park, and Caution Bay.
· Over 26 Chinese investors from 18 multibillion-dollar firms attended, exploring opportunities in hospitality and infrastructure.
The Core Messages of the SEZ II Summit:
· PNG’s economic underperformance was candidly addressed, with comparisons to nations like Singapore and Japan.
· SEZs were positioned as the engine for import replacement, manufacturing, and job creation.
· The summit also launched the PNG SEZ Foundation Policy, setting the tone for long-term reform.
Managing Director, Peter Kengemar was a central figure at the summit, representing the Ihu Special Economic Zone (ISEZ) – one of PNG’s flagship SEZ projects.
Peter Kengemar ISEZ’s Managing Director was given time to do a presentation in which was focused on:
· ISEZ’s progress and milestones, including infrastructure development, community engagement, and investors interest.
· Strategic vision for Gulf Province, emphasizing its geographic advantages and resource potential.
· ISEZ’s role in national transformation, aligning with the summit’s theme of charting PNG’s next 50 years.
Strategic Impact
ISEZ’s presence at the summit reinforced its status as a model SEZ – moving beyond theory into tangible development. The project’s momentum and leadership under Peter Kengemar were seen as a beacon for other SEZs across PNG. Ending it on a high note from closing dinner to beach party and to top it off, the magnificent display of fireworks at the water front of Ela Beach. But, the icing on the cake was being the only company to receive an invitation to attend The 10th Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong on September 10th – 11th, 2025.
Right after the SEZ II Summit Ihu Special Economic Zone (ISEZ) sent three teams. Team 1 the China Team and Teams 2 & 3 the Gulf Teams.
Team 1 to attend The 10th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong. Team 2 & 3 to travel to Gulf with gifts, prizes and money for the PNG 50th Independence Celebration & Activities in the Project Area. Team 2 & 3 also attended the Miss Gulf Pageant Crowning Night in support of Miss ISEZ in Kerema on the 14th of September 2025.
Team 1 traveled to Hong Kong on 7th September 2025 to attend The 10th Belt and Road Summit event, which brought together 6,000+ participants from more than 70+ countries and regions.
This opportunity is a major win for ISEZ strategically and symbolically. Being invited to the 10th Belt and Road Summit positions the Ihu Special Economic Zone not just as a national initiative, but as a regional player with global relevance.
Strategic Visibility on a Global Stage:
· The summit drew 6,200 participants from over 70 countries, including top-tier investors, government officials, and infrastructure developers.
· ISEZ’s presence signals that Papua New Guinea’s industrial ambitions are being recognized within the Belt and Road framework – an ecosystem that’s reshaping global trade corridors.
Investment Matchmaking & MoU Opportunities
· Over 800 one-to-one project matching meetings and 45 MoUs were signed during the summit.
· ISEZ could tap into Building-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) or EPC+F models for its Critical Capital Infrastructure Projects – Roads, Ports, Power Grids, Townships, Airstrip, Water Sanitation, and Telecoms by connecting with Belt and Road financiers.
Infrastructure Synergy
· The Belt and Road Initiative prioritizes connectivity, logistics, and industrial zones – exactly what ISEZ is building in Kikori District.
· Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector “means ISEZ can leverage technical expertise, funding models, and policy frameworks from mature SEZs across Asia.
SME & Community Development Boost
· ISEZ’s SME program aims to empower local entrepreneurs. Exposure to summit partners could bring agri-tech, fintech, and vocational training collaborations that uplift Gulf Province communities.
Long-Term Diplomacy & Trade Positioning
· Attending the summit helps ISEZ forge bilateral ties with ASEAN, Middle Eastern, and African economies – many of which are Belt and Road participants.
· It also strengthens ISEZ’s case for state guarantees and PPPs, aligning with GoPNG’s development vision.
This isn’t just a networking event – it’s a signal of strategic maturity. ISEZ is stepping into a space where vision meets execution
The Gulf Teams (2 & 3) Traveled to Kerema on the 10th of September 2025.
The two teams brought with them boxes of uniforms, sporting gifts; from basketball, rugby and volleyball equipment to the project areas. ISEZ has 14 Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) throughout the Kikori District with boxes of equipment going out to each respective location/s that the CLOs cover. From:
1. Inland Popo – Paevera Village
2. Inland Popo – Avavu Village
3. Coastal Popo – Harevavo Village
4. Coastal Popo – Marea Village
5. Coastal Popo – Kavava Village
6. Coastal Popo – Oru Village
7. Ihu Station
8. Lower Ahia – Mairava Village
9. Upper Ahia – Lohiki Village
10. K4 – Opuloriah Village
11. East Vailala – Vialala East 1 Uaripi & Vailala East 2 Marake
12. Koialahau Village
13. Bluff – Akapiru Village
14. Baimuru LLG – Apiope Village
Teams 2 & 3 carried out their 50th Independence Celebrations in their respective locations Ihu Station and Harevavo with the CLOs covering their respective areas and traveled back to Kerema on the 12th of September 2025 to attend and support Miss ISEZ at the Crowning of Gulfs First Miss Bird of Paradise Beauty Pageant Ceremony in the heart of Kerema Town.
Kerema Shines as Gulf Crowns Its First Miss Bird of Paradise.
In a dazzling display of culture, courage, and community spirit, Kerema town came alive on the evening of September 14th as twelve radiant young women took center stage for inaugural Miss Bird of Paradise Gulf Pageant.
The event, held at the Gulf Provincial Auditorium, marked a historic moment for the province – not just in celebration of beauty, but in the elevation of purpose, pride, and empowerment.
The pageant, timed to coincide with the start of Independence Week celebrations, drew hundreds of spectators from across the province. Families, dignitaries, and supporters filled the area with cheers and traditional chants, waving banners and bilas in support of their hometown heroines. Each contestant represented a distinct district or community, bringing with her a unique story, traditional attire, and a platform of advocacy.
From eloquent speeches on disability inclusion to vibrant cultural performances, the evening was a tapestry of Gulf identity inclusion to vibrant cultural performances, the evening was a tapestry of Gulf identity. The judges – a panel of community leaders, artists, and former pageant queens – had the unenviable task of selecting winners from a pool of equally inspiring candidates.
And the Crowning Goes To...
After a suspenseful final round of interviews and talent showcases, the crown was awarded to Miss Laila Karoa of Ihu District, whose poise, advocacy for education access, and heartfelt tribute to her late grandmother moved both judges and audience alike. She now holds the title of Miss Bird of Paradise Gulf 2025, becoming the province’s first-ever Culture and Tourism Ambassador under the national Miss Bird of Paradise PNG movement.
Runners-up included:
1. Miss Roselyn Tabea (Kikori) – First Runner-Up, recognized for her environmental awareness campaign.
2. Miss Elita Mave (Kerema Urban) – Second Runner-Up, celebrated for her work with your mental health.
Beyond Beauty: A Platform for Change
The pageant’s organizing committee, led by Chairlady Anna Bais and Deputy Rubie Kerepa emphasized that this was more than a contest – it was a movement. “We are building a network of empowered women, inclusive communities, and cultural pride,” Bais said in her closing remarks. “Tonight, Gulf Province has shown the nation what unity and vision look like.”
The event also featured performance by local dance troupes, a tribute to PNG’s 50th Independence anniversary, and a fundraising segment to support women and children with disabilities.
Looking ahead; Miss Laila Karoa will now prepare to represent Gulf Province at the National Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Pageant later this year, joining other provincial queens in a celebration of identity, service, and leadership. Her journey – from village girl to cultural ambassador – is already inspiring a new generation of Gulf women to dream boldly and walk proudly.
Miss ISEZ Contestant Brings Tech and Tradition to the Miss Bird of Paradise Stage
Among the twelve radiant contestants who graced the stage at the inaugural Miss Bird of Paradise Gulf Pageant, one stood out not just for her elegance, but for the powerful fusion of innovation and identity she represented. Miss ISEZ, the official delegate from the Ihu Special Economic Zone, brought a refreshing blend of modern ambition and cultural pride to the spotlight — and left a lasting impression on both judges and spectators.
A Queen of Connectivity
Representing one of Papua New Guinea’s most ambitious development corridors, Miss ISEZ embodied the spirit of transformation. Her platform focused on digital inclusion and youth empowerment, advocating for ICT access in rural communities and the role of women in tech leadership. With a background in systems administration and community outreach, she spoke passionately about bridging the digital divide and creating pathways for young Gulf women to thrive in the tech economy.
