Positioning Cairns as a Transactional Hub for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific
Tracks
Meeting 9
| Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |
| 4:05 PM - 4:25 PM |
| Meeting Room 9 |
Overview
Tony Sheehan, Tradelinked Cairns PNG Pacific
Speaker
Tony Sheehan
President
Tradelinked Cairns Png Pacific
Positioning Cairns as a Transactional Hub for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific
Presentation Overview
Cairns is the natural gateway to Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Pacific, serving as a hub for trade, investment, and collaboration. With deep historical, cultural, and economic ties to the region, Northern Australia is uniquely positioned to support and drive sustainable economic growth. At the forefront of this engagement is Tradelinked, a business-driven initiative fostering cross-border relationships that translate into real investment opportunities.
Tradelinked plays a vital role in strengthening economic connectivity through regular networking events in Cairns and Port Moresby, leading trade delegations into PNG, and hosting inbound business and government delegations. These initiatives build trust and credibility, laying the foundation for partnerships that drive industry development.
The impact of Tradelinked is evident across multiple sectors. For example, our facilitation of connections between the PNG Minister for Coffee and a Tablelands coffee grower has led to the introduction of new agricultural techniques aimed at revitalizing small-scale village farming. Similarly, the potential for Pacific tourism investment is growing—Cairns-based operators are well-placed to support skill development, providing Pacific entrepreneurs with hands-on training and expertise that can be applied back home.
The importance of regional collaboration is further reinforced through Tradelinked’s work alongside Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North in developing a Pacific Engagement Strategy. This strategy aims to strengthen economic and trade links, enhance workforce mobility, and explore joint infrastructure opportunities that benefit both Northern Australia and the Pacific. With the PALM workforce returning home with capital and new skills, the potential for long-term economic transformation is immense.
By accelerating business relationships and fostering sustainable investment, Tradelinked—through strategic collaboration with RDA Tropical North and other partners like Cairns Regional Council and TIQ—is helping to shape the future of Northern Australia’s engagement with PNG and the Pacific.
Tradelinked plays a vital role in strengthening economic connectivity through regular networking events in Cairns and Port Moresby, leading trade delegations into PNG, and hosting inbound business and government delegations. These initiatives build trust and credibility, laying the foundation for partnerships that drive industry development.
The impact of Tradelinked is evident across multiple sectors. For example, our facilitation of connections between the PNG Minister for Coffee and a Tablelands coffee grower has led to the introduction of new agricultural techniques aimed at revitalizing small-scale village farming. Similarly, the potential for Pacific tourism investment is growing—Cairns-based operators are well-placed to support skill development, providing Pacific entrepreneurs with hands-on training and expertise that can be applied back home.
The importance of regional collaboration is further reinforced through Tradelinked’s work alongside Regional Development Australia (RDA) Tropical North in developing a Pacific Engagement Strategy. This strategy aims to strengthen economic and trade links, enhance workforce mobility, and explore joint infrastructure opportunities that benefit both Northern Australia and the Pacific. With the PALM workforce returning home with capital and new skills, the potential for long-term economic transformation is immense.
By accelerating business relationships and fostering sustainable investment, Tradelinked—through strategic collaboration with RDA Tropical North and other partners like Cairns Regional Council and TIQ—is helping to shape the future of Northern Australia’s engagement with PNG and the Pacific.
Biography
Tony Sheehan has lived in Cairns for 35 years, and has been doing business with Papua New Guinea for over 25 years. A founding member and now President of Tradelinked Cairns PNG Pacific, Tony is a passionate advocate for doing the sort of business where both sides win. Tradelinked understands the crucial importance of building relationships into Pacific communities and economies, and is well placed to assist and advise businesses looking over our horizon.
