Development Plans

The West Sepik Province in Papua New Guinea holds significant economic potential in various sectors. Agriculture, including rice, cocoa, spices, livestock, rubber, oil palm, and forestry, presents opportunities for increased productivity and development. The province also has potential in mining, tourism, aquaculture, and fisheries. Notably, it will host the Vanimo Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which can further stimulate economic growth and attract investment. 

The headwaters of the Sepik River are located within the province’s borders, offering valuable resources for economic utilization. The province aims to harness the river system’s potential by increasing agricultural and forestry productivity, generating electricity, and utilizing it as a transportation route to support communities along the waterway. 

Strategically positioned near the border with Indonesia, West Sepik Province has opportunities to tap into cross-border economic ventures and leverage the lower cost of doing business in Indonesia. There are plans to extend the Connect PNG initiative, which focuses on infrastructure development, to connect with Indonesia. This includes linking the existing electricity grid from Wutung to Vanimo. The vision is to develop Vanimo as a thriving destination for surfing and tourism, aiming to emulate the success and popularity of Bali in Indonesia. 

Overall, West Sepik Province is poised for economic growth through various sectors, taking advantage of its natural resources, strategic location, and potential for cross-border collaboration. The development plans emphasize sustainable economic development, increased connectivity, and the promotion of tourism to enhance the province’s economic prosperity. 

Under the Planning and Service Delivery Frameworks, West Sepik Province will develop their five-year Provincial and District Development Plans in alignment to the MTDP IV, and incorporate all the District minimum service needs and strategic economic investment opportunities.