25/05/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ค๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐
Wewak - May 25, 2026:
Papua New Guineaโs cocoa industry has reached a new milestone with the successful shipment of 14 tonnes of premium cocoa beans from Maprik District, East Sepik Province, to New Zealand for trial production.
The shipment, coordinated by the Bumbita Community Development Association and New Zealand importer Rautini Limited, will be tested by three chocolate makers in Wellington. Following the evaluation, Bumbita has been invited to sign a Memorandum of Understanding later this week, establishing a long-term commercial framework for cocoa trade.
Rautini Limited intends to distribute Bumbita cocoa beans to approximately 40 processors across New Zealand. Officials say the initiative strengthens PNGโNew Zealand trade relations and contributes to achieving key priorities of PNGโs Medium Term Development Plan IV:
- Achieving a K200 billion economy by 2030
- Creating one million additional jobs
- Improving the quality of life for PNG citizens
Meanwhile, Hon. Libert Kapris, Member for Maprik, officially farewelled the delegation led by BCDA President Joseph Kapis over the weekend. The team departed for New Zealand to take part in the MoU signing and partnership talks.
The people of West Maprik have remained resilient cocoa farmers for many years, contributing significantly to the local agricultural economy. This yearโs East Sepik Cocoa Expo showcased the quality and potential of Maprik cocoa to international buyers, particularly in New Zealand.
In support of the initiative, Hon. Kapris allocated an estimated K120,000 through the District Services Improvement Program and Maprik District Development Authority funding to facilitate the delegationโs travel and engagement.
This breakthrough reflects a dual commitment: advancing PNGโs international trade diplomacy while creating economic opportunities for local cocoa farmers.
End//