Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum

Lae is PNG’s commercial capital, home of its largest port, and the gateway connecting PNG’s island regions and the highlands, where the majority of Papua New Guineans live.

Lae is integral to Australia’s $19 billion investment in PNG. The Consulate-General will strengthen Australia’s presence in PNG’s commercial capital and bolster the growing trade and investment relationship between the two countries.

In a statement the Australian government says Lae, as PNG's commercial capital, is integral to Australia's US$13.7 billion investment in the country.

Australia also provides PNG with US$393 million dollars in annual aid support.

It said the consulate-general will boost Australia's presence and bolster the growing trade and investment relationship.

The announcement came during the annual Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum in Canberra.