12/02/2026
Great feature by PNG SUN with Co-Founder and Director Alfred Hess sharing his insights - a quick name check though before we confuse the aunties, Allen Export Pty Ltd = Ailan Exports 😅🤎
By Miriam Mandibi |PNG SUN|
Port Moresby this week hosted a historic event as the Papua New Guinea Diaspora Business Council of Australia (PNGDBCA) Delegation convened its first annual conference in Port Moresby.
The three-day programme, hosted and facilitated by the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) at the Hilton Hotel, aimed to create real business pathways for Papua New Guinean entrepreneurs based in Australia to engage, invest, and partner within PNG’s business space.
The PNGDBCA represents Papua New Guinean–Australians with businesses, skills, capital, and networks who are seeking to trade, invest, and collaborate with PNG SMEs through people-to-people connections.
As a diaspora-led initiative, the Council has mobilised the PNG community in Australia to reconnect economically with home in a structured and purposeful way.
The delegation’s visit was not merely ceremonial.
Members travelled to PNG with the clear intention of forming partnerships, closing deals, and doing business with their own people.
Key government agencies present included the IPA, Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), Australian High Commission to Papua New Guinea, National Fisheries Authority, Trade Commission Office, PNG Business Council, and other regulatory bodies and dignitaries.
The PNGDBCA Mission Team comprised a wide range of Papua New Guinean-owned businesses in Australia, including:
Allen Export Pty Ltd,
Winter Recruitment & Visa Services,
Amyblu Island Essential,
Strategise PNG Limited,
Orange Guide,
Impact Media PNG,
Aviation Labour Group Talent,
Franchise Ecosystem PNG, Ruthz Management Solutions,
Malana (Aust) Pty Ltd (Trustee for the Malana Family Trust),
Supa Insulation/Stream Properties,
Realcrete Australia Pty Ltd,
ASL Downunder,
Yarap,
TommyWaiherTrans Co.,
Wantok Solution Pty Limited,
Ephana Enterprise Ltd,
Wantok Travel Services,
Maureen Sause (Certified Coach),
Bopy’s Clothing & Beige Petroleum Ltd,
CU@N8Ss,
333 Solutions,
BushMahn 4WD,
Strike Group Australia Pty Ltd,
JOJEM RESOURCES Pty Ltd,
Midire & Co,
Australia Sepik Foundation Limited,
Onstech Pty Ltd,
Kalakai Collective, and AIATSIS.
The conference provided an opportunity for government regulators to liaise, present, and collaborate directly with diaspora business owners on how they can participate in PNG’s development agenda.
During his presentation, IPA representative Mr Peter Daroa identified key challenges affecting the business environment, including law and order issues, unemployment, inflation, and accessibility constraints.
However, he stressed that these challenges also present priority investment areas-particularly in security and surveillance solutions, labour mobility programmes to address unemployment, and export expansion to increase foreign currency inflows and ease inflationary pressure.
These sectors, he noted, present clear opportunities for PNGDBCA members.
In special remarks, PNG Business Council President Ms Susil Nelson emphasised the importance of the PNG Australia Diaspora Business Council as a platform for trade, skills transfer, and service development.
“The PNG Business Council is pleased to incubate and support the PNGDBCA through shared partnership and commitment to PNG’s future,” she said.
She further described the initiative as an avenue for “brain gain,” highlighting Papua New Guineans in Australia who are genuinely willing to contribute to PNG’s growth across skills development, social services, health, education, business, and trade.
Delegate Mr Alfred Hess shared insights into his coffee export business in Australia, supplying roasted beans to the retail industry. Beyond business, he is also a certified soccer trainer passionate about developing young sporting talent.
Mr Hess outlined challenges he faces when engaging with PNG, particularly visa restrictions and shipping logistics, which affect production levels. Despite this, he expressed a strong desire to contribute.
“As a Papua New Guinean, I would like to be involved in sports development and training for our youth in PNG, not only focusing on my business opportunities. Despite the challenges, I hope for meaningful participation in PNG’s development as a proud Papua New Guinean,” he said.
Also present was Australia-based Papua New Guinean podcaster known as “The Unkle,” who attended to cover and promote PNG’s evolving business landscape.
The conference signals a growing commitment by the PNG diaspora community in Australia to reconnect economically with home — not only through dialogue, but through structured partnerships, investment, and action.