This MTDP III was formulated through a rigorous process involving wide stakeholder consultations at international, regional, national, provincial and sectoral levels over a period of nine months. The Department of National Planning and Monitoring conducted a detailed review of our socio-economic performance over the past 10 years and in past development plans (MTDP I and MTDP II). The success and failures of these plans gave us invaluable lessons as the basis to formulate the MTDP III.

The PNG Development Strategic Plan (PNG DSP) embodies the principles of the Constitution of PNG and reinforces the fundamental directives required to advance PNG into a middle-income country by 2030.

PNG Government's Platform for Action for the first 18 months in office in 2012 and beyond.

The Vision 2050 aimed at positioning PNG to be among the top 50 countries on Human Development Index by 2050, while the Development Strategic Plan is aimed at achieving the status of a prosperous middle income country by 2030.

It is apparent that except for Vision 2050 and DSP 2010-2030, all the strategies and plans were focussed on achieving short-term growth and development. But, as directed by the national constitution, we need to focus on long term development for achieving growth, equity and sustainability for the benefit of our present and future generations.