RESERVED ACTIVITIES LIST REVIEW PUBLIC CONSULTATION PAPER

The public is invited to provide comment on the proposed Reserved Activities List (RAL) consultation paper, available here: Consultation Paper Review Of Reserved Activities List.

Purpose of the review

The IPA reviews the RAL periodically to ensure that it is appropriate to the Papua New Guinea’s economic conditions and development priorities.

The Investment Promotion Act 1992 (IP Act) was amended in 2023 to provide a better process for reviewing the list. Reviews of the RAL must be undertaken at least every 3 years. This is the first review undertaken under the new requirements.

The new process emphasises transparency, accountability, and a closer relationship between the RAL and Government sectoral regulatory and policy settings. The IP Act provides that business activities that meet defined criteria may not be considered for the RAL and specifies additional review principles for eligible activities.

Overview of reserved activities

Foreign enterprises carrying on business in Papua New Guinea require a Foreign Enterprise Certificate (FEC) issued by the IPA. Obtaining a FEC does not exempt a foreign enterprise from compliance with other requirements such as obtaining a trading licence, sectoral licences (where applicable), and other registrations.

The IP Act provides for defined economic activities to be “reserved” for citizens. An activity being reserved means that the Registrar of Foreign Investment must decline to issue a FEC to a foreign enterprise that applies to carry on business in an activity reserved for citizen enterprises. Inclusion in the RAL means that there can be no non-citizen ownership of a business undertaking a reserved activity, including through local-foreign joint ventures.

Reserving activities through the RAL is one tool that the Government has to promote and manage economic growth in the best interests of PNG. Other tools include investment promotion and facilitation, direct financial and development assistance being provided to businesses in identified sectors, sectoral regulation, and immigration controls. In many cases, a combination of policy tools will be the most effective way to achieve a stated policy outcome.

Please note that the RAL is different to occupations reserved for citizens under the Employment of Non-Citizens Act 2007 (often referred to as the “Reserved Occupations List”). This review only considers the RAL.

Providing your feedback

The IPA welcomes your views on the consultation paper. Written comments should be sent to RALReview@ipa.gov.pg by 5 September 2025.