Modelling Development Goals for Papua New Guinea

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) are applying macroeconomic modelling tools to generate evidence that guides policies and investments in PNG, recognising the need for future development pathways that lead to economic growth, employment and improved livelihoods.

One of these applications is the fourth Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP IV, 2023–2027), which prioritises diversified growth and aims to expand the benefits of development to all Papua New Guineans. Success of the MTDP IV will depend heavily on strengthening data and evidence for policy formulation, investment planning, and ex ante and ex post evaluations. PNG needs forward-looking analysis to evaluate investment impacts and prioritise actions under the MTDP IV and related plans.

This seminar will provide a detailed analysis of the impact of current MTDP IV investments on economic growth, focusing on key sectors such as transport, energy, communications, and agriculture. The analysis is based on an economywide Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model developed by IFPRI in collaboration with the Government of PNG, using the 2019 Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) as its database.

Funding for this work was provided by the Papua New Guinea Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Policy Support Program (PNG-AFNP). The PNG-AFNP is supported by the Australian Government and implemented by IFPRI.

This a hybrid seminar held at ANU, UPNG's School of Business and Public Policy MBA Suite and online via Zoom.

Seminar time: 12.30 - 1.30pm PGT / 1:30 - 2:30pm AEST.