The Papua New Guinea State, through Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH), is set to acquire a strategic shareholding in Ramu Agri Industries Limited (RAI). The landmark transaction will see the State partner with two private-sector co-investors to drive commercial growth and agricultural expansion.

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, confirmed that the State’s independent valuation of RAI is nearing completion, paving the way for the joint venture (JV) to officially proceed.

RAI is a key subsidiary of the New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL) Group, which is wholly owned by the Malaysian agribusiness giant, SD Guthrie. As the nation’s largest private-sector player and employer in the agricultural industry, the NBPOL Group manages over 92,000 hectares of planted oil palm across five provinces, directly employs more than 20,000 Papua New Guineans, and supports thousands of smallholder farmers and supply chain operators.

A primary objective of the new Joint Venture is to use RAI as a vehicle to expand operations into the Sepik Plains. Operating under a new subsidiary, the initial phase of the expansion will focus on cattle and palm oil development at Urimo.

To support this major economic corridor, the National Government has allocated K10 million for the immediate upgrade of the Kusaun to Urimo Road. The infrastructure project is scheduled for an official launch on Monday, June 15, 2026.

While the expansion promises substantial economic returns, NBPOL management has highlighted a critical logistical challenge: the current Wewak wharf is too shallow to handle the larger commercial vessels required for future export capacity.

Addressing this port limitation will be vital for KCH, the State, and its partners to fully unlock the commercial potential and long-term viability of the Urimo development corridor.