Agriculture has been of immense importance and will always remain the backbone of Papua New Guinea sustenance with 80 percent of the population involved in subsistence farming. The moderate tropical climate with high levels of seasonal rainfall is highly favourable for agricultural activities.

The waters around Papua New Guinea contain large stocks of marine resources. Within the 200 mile economic zone are large varieties of fish, including migrating schools of tuna. Besides abundant tuna and other pelagic species, several other commercially important fish, shellfish, and sedentary species are found in Papua New Guinea's waters. More than 10,000 species of fish, molluscs and crustaceans have so far been identified.

The Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA) is the government body responsible for monitoring and controlling the wood and forest-based industries and the management of PNG's forest resources.
 
There are three key arms of the forestry administration of PNG include the National Forest Board, respective Provincial Forest Management Committees and the National Forest Service. The respective Provincial Forest Management Committees contribute to the decisions relating to the management of the forest resource within the provinces. The Papua New Guinea Forest Industry Association Inc. (PNGFIA) promotes and protects the interest of the forest industry.

Papua New Guinea has been a gold exporter since the 1930s and has ranked as the 11th largest gold producer in the world over the last few years. Papua New Guinea also ranks 10th in the world in terms of copper production, and has a very real potential to exceed the present production level. Also, silver is a commercial by-product from most of the mines. Papua New Guinea has extensive reserves of natural gas and oil.

Currently, Papua New Guinea imports almost all processed food, clothing and footwear and most of the inputs to industry and commerce are also imported. However, there are potential investment opportunities in downstream activities.

Papua New Guinea is one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world. Soaring mountain peaks, unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, unique flora and fauna and the cultural richness of the people combine to make Papua New Guinea an increasingly popular destination for tourists.

The Papua New Guinea banking system is made up of the Central Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), four commercial banks and several licensed financial institutions and credit unions (or savings and loan societies). The key financial institutions are supported by overseas-related companies and associates.

Telecommunication in Papua New Guinea is the responsibility of Telikom PNG Limited, a 100% government owned company. This monopoly situation will change in the not too distant future with the imminent privatization of Telikom PNG Ltd and the eventual liberalisation of the telecommunications market.