By Steven Busin
Copyright postcourier
In a significant move to stimulate economic growth, the Bougainville Inward Investment Board (BIIB) has granted approval to INLOC South Pacific Limited to commence shipping and logistics operations in the region.
The decision, finalized during the BIIB’s meeting on August 22, 2025, paves the way for a new direct charter shipping service between Cairns, Australia, and Kieta, Bougainville, set to begin in October 2025.
Board officials highlighted the transformative potential of the service for the local economy.
By opening a direct international trade route, the initiative is expected to provide a major boost for local SMEs and create new business opportunities.
It will facilitate the export of Bougainville commodities—such as cocoa, coconut, marine resources, and sawn timber—to Australian and Asian markets, while also making high-quality Australian products more accessible to Bougainvillean households.
Mr. Alex Kerangpuna, Secretary of the Department of Commerce Trade and Industry, emphasized the timeliness of the venture.
“This is a key opportunity, and we encourage all entrepreneurs in the region to take advantage of the trade that will now flow between Australia and Bougainville,” he stated.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the shipping link, the Department plans to facilitate business matching.
Mr. Raymond Moworu, Director of Trade and Investment, announced that a meeting between Bougainville Business Associations and the Cairns Tradelink team is scheduled for the Chocolate Festival in Buka in late October 2025.
INLOC South Pacific Limited also plans to partner with local companies interested in the shipping sector in the near future.
The BIIB acknowledged the company for its confidence in investing in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
