The Autonomous Region of Bougainville successfully hosted its inaugural chocolate festival, opening up opportunities to grow the local cocoa industry and improve the lives of communities.

The festival brought together cocoa farmers, industry partners and international experts as part of efforts by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) to revive growth in the region.

The two day festival included an internationally-judged competition on chocolate made from cocoa grown in Bougainville. A seminar was also held to provide feedback to local cocoa farmers about the quality of their produce and how it can be improved.

The festival made clear that local farmers and the industry stood to benefit from increased cocoa prices and growing global demand, but stakeholders agreed that there is was a need for improved technical assistance and training, infrastructure and government policies.

Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor Rod Hilton said the festival aimed to encourage good farming and processing practices while raising awareness about programs available for farmer and communities who wanted to develop the industry and link to new markets.

"Importantly, for the farmers, a well-managed plot can yield up to 8000 kina ($4000 AUD) per hectare or more per harvest.

That is money that will allow people to invest in better health and education outcomes, and create other economic opportunities for the community," Mr Hilton said.

The Australia aid program has a strong focus on economic development to help bolster security and livelihoods across Bougainville. The program works in partnership with Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to strengthen primary industry production, investment and trade.