Comparative Advantage for Economic Growth and Development
Western Highlands Province (WHP) in Papua New Guinea has an economy primarily based on agriculture. It is known for producing crops like coffee, tea, fresh produce, and rice, as well as livestock. With improved connectivity through roads and airports, WHP plays a significant role in distributing fresh fruits and vegetables, including potatoes.
The province has untapped potential in agriculture, particularly in the Baiyer and Ruti Valleys, which can become agricultural hubs with the right support. Investment opportunities in WHP include rehabilitating coffee plantations, strengthening the fruit and vegetable sector’s supply chain, and developing the Baiyer and Ruti Valley Special Economic Zone (SEZ). By capitalizing on these opportunities, WHP can boost its agricultural production, create jobs, and drive economic growth.
Under the Planning and Service Delivery Frameworks, WHP will develop their five-year Provincial and District Development Plans in alignment to the MTDP IV, and incorporate all the District minimum service needs (Table C1.2) and strategic economic investment opportunities (Table C2.7.2).
Strategic Economic Priorities
| Comparative Advantage | Specific Areas | Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Agriculture & Livestock Development | Coffee Smallholders/Plantations | Increase production and downstream processing |
| Rice Farming | ||
| Fresh Produce | ||
| Poultry Development | ||
| Cattle | ||
| Palm oil | ||
| Forestry Development | Forest Products Development | 100% Downstream Processing |
| Climate Change | ||
| MSME & District Growth Centres Development | Provincial and District Market Development | MSME development |
| District Growth Centres and MSME Incubation Hub | ||
| Financial Inclusion | ||
| Downstream Processing | Coffee Mill Processing | Produce value-adding |
| Rice Milling and Packaging | Job creation | |
| Fresh Produce Value Chain Development | ||
| Poultry and Cattle Processing | ||
| Trade and Investment | Baiyer-Ruti SEZ | Promote SEZ and Industrial Hubs |
| Tourism Niche Product Development | Mt. Hagen Cultural Show | Promote local and International tourism |
| Tourism Niche Product Development | ||
| Land Development | Customary Land Registration (ILGs) | Bankable land |
| Unlocking Land for Development |