PNG is a key hub for international development programs funded by foreign governments, multilateral agencies, development banks, NGOs, and private contractors.
Our International Development, Aid & NGO Advisory practice provides comprehensive regulatory and operational support to organisations designing and delivering aid, humanitarian, and development programs across PNG.
We assist clients in navigating complex legal, tax, compliance, and governance frameworks to ensure projects are structured for transparency, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
Core Capabilities
Establishment & Regulatory Compliance
We provide end-to-end support for the establishment and regulatory compliance of foreign aid entities in PNG, including structuring and registration under the Companies Act and Investment Promotion Act, applications for designated aid status, and advice on privileges, immunities, the application of the Vienna Conventions and support from diplomatic missions. Our team also assists clients to build robust governance and compliance frameworks that support transparency, accountability and efficient program delivery in PNG’s regulatory environment.
Taxation, Customs & Financial Structuring
We advise on the full range of tax, customs and financial structuring issues that arise in donor-funded and development programs, including income tax, GST and withholding tax compliance, taxation arrangements for expatriate and locally engaged personnel, and the availability of duty and excise exemptions. We also support clients with foreign currency transfers, Central Bank approvals, banking arrangements and financial frameworks that enable programs to operate efficiently while maintaining strong compliance and accountability standards.
Employment, Immigration & Workforce Management
We assist international development organisations, NGOs and contractors to manage their workforce obligations in PNG, including work permits, visas, expatriate arrangements, employment law compliance and staffing frameworks. Our team also prepares and advises on contractor agreements, workforce governance, workplace health and safety, and disciplinary processes, helping clients maintain compliant, practical and resilient workforce arrangements across diverse project environments.
Procurement, Logistics & Operations
We support clients through the procurement, logistics and operational arrangements required to deliver development programs in PNG, including government procurement and tendering obligations, supply, infrastructure and logistics agreements, and funding or grant distribution frameworks. We also advise on security, travel and operational risk management so that programs can be implemented with clear contractual foundations, sound governance and practical responsiveness to local conditions.
Governance, Risk & Accountability
We help clients embed strong governance, risk and accountability practices across their PNG operations, with advice covering anti-bribery, anti-corruption and ESG compliance, risk assessments, data protection and reporting obligations. Our team also supports investigations, audits, dispute resolution, regulatory engagement and government liaison, enabling organisations to respond effectively to complex issues while maintaining transparency, integrity and stakeholder confidence.
Why Clients Choose Us
Clients choose us for our extensive experience advising development agencies, NGOs and donors across PNG, and for our deep understanding of the governance, land, stakeholder and operational dynamics that shape successful development work. Our integrated cross-practice capability spans employment, tax, projects and ESG, allowing us to provide practical, locally informed advice that is commercially focused, legally robust and grounded in the realities of delivering programs in PNG.
