Lae, Morobe Province | Friday, April 11, 2025 – At a pivotal moment in Papua New Guinea’s agricultural transformation, one of the country’s oldest and most enduring corporate citizens, WR Carpenters, has announced a bold expansion strategy to reinvigorate the agriculture sector and strengthen local industry — all delivered in the presence of Prime Minister Hon. James Marape at the National Agriculture Industry Public-Private Sector Partnership Conference in Lae.
Group Manager Boe Daera, representing the company, delivered a powerful and inspiring address on the final day of the week-long summit, attended by senior government leaders, industry stakeholders, investors, and rural producers.
“WR Carpenters has been here since 1919. We are still here. We have walked with this country through its toughest and proudest moments. And we will continue to do so,” Daera declared. “But we can’t do it alone — let’s work together to build this nation.”
From Plantations to Ports: Building the Entire Supply Chain
WR Carpenters currently operates in cocoa, coffee, tea, copra, balsa, and most recently rubber, with a strong footprint across rural PNG. In a move that signals a shift toward vertical integration, Daera announced that the company is now investing in shipping and clean vessels — an initiative designed to solve chronic logistical delays that hinder PNG’s commodity exports.
“Our products are not getting to where they should go quickly enough. That is why we are moving into shipping. We are closing the gap from plantations to ports — ensuring our crops reach the world markets without delay.”
The strategy aligns with the Government’s vision for agricultural transformation under the National Agriculture Sector Plan (NASP) 2024–2033, with Daera pledging full support to Prime Minister Marape’s call for self-reliance and domestic value creation.
Strategic Expansion: Rubber Investment and Local Refining
Daera also confirmed a new interest in rubber, following discussions held during the conference itself.
“As of yesterday, we were approached by a major stakeholder about investing in rubber. We’re now heading to Central Province to explore how WR Carpenters can support rubber development there.”
In a major announcement, Daera revealed that the company had just completed construction of its first copra oil refinery in Malaysia, but is now actively pursuing the establishment of a similar refinery in Papua New Guinea.
“If all is in order, I’ll be approaching Minister Hon. John Boito for support to bring refinery operations back to PNG. We want to move from exporting raw materials to processing them here — creating jobs, building skills, and retaining value in-country.”
A Call to All Stakeholders
In a heartfelt message that echoed the collaborative spirit of the conference, Daera urged other private sector players to step up and declare their readiness to partner with government and rural communities.
“I came here hoping to see people get up and say: ‘This is who we are. This is what we do. Who wants to partner with us?’ That’s the spirit we need. WR Carpenters is ready — and we invite others to walk with us.”
Speaking directly to Prime Minister Marape and the national leadership present, Daera reaffirmed WR Carpenters’ long-standing commitment to PNG’s future:
“We are proud to stand with you, Honourable Prime Minister, your Ministers, and your Government. Let’s rebuild Papua New Guinea together.”
Legacy of Endurance and Future of Opportunity
As the nation celebrates its 50th year of independence, WR Carpenters’ message was not just corporate — it was deeply patriotic. With more than a century of service to Papua New Guinea, the company is now positioning itself for the next century — one that builds prosperity from the land, by the people, and for the people.
“We’ve been here since 1919. We’ve never left. And we’re not just investing in crops — we’re investing in Papua New Guinea’s future.”
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