Cocoa Downstream Push: PNG inaugurated Paradise Foods’ upgraded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, lifting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes a month after a K18.6m (EU-STREIT PNG/FAO plus company) upgrade—aimed at keeping more value in-country and boosting farmer incomes. Energy & Jobs: The Pasca A Gas Project cleared its National Content Plan, with the Petroleum Minister approving training, employment and procurement targets for PNG businesses and workers. Engineering Standards: Works and Highways launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges to improve earthquake resilience and public safety, updating guidance last set in 1985. Mining Expansion: Great Pacific Gold expanded known gold mineralisation at its Wild Dog Project (Elamaraka and Kargalio vein systems) after new mapping and channel sampling. Construction & Materials: Pacific Lime and Cement is eyeing PNG’s first domestic quicklime operation to cut reliance on imported lime/cement. Aviation Disruption: Air Niugini adjusted routes and aircraft types at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga due to runway rehabilitation, with changes expected to ease by September/December. Finance for Farmers: Nasfund, MiBank and NBPOL began rolling out mobile superannuation onboarding for oil palm growers and smallholders in West New Britain. Local Industry & Awards: PNGIA revived the Dulux Design Excellence Awards after an eight-year gap, with the event set for October 17 at Hilton Port Moresby. Security Diplomacy: Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is set to fly to Australia, with talks touching on defence cooperation and the Mogami frigate project.