Opportunities for business in reopened Fiji and Solomon Islands

Welcome,

With key Pacific economies such as Fiji and the Solomon Islands now opened up after COVID, what opportunities do they offer Papua New Guinea-based businesses, and what are the keys to success? Some experts provide their insights.

To build or not to build: multibillion dollar Chinese project highlights Western Province’s dilemmas

Welcome,

Reports that a Chinese company has put forward a multibillion dollar plan to develop several areas in Western Province have highlighted the lack of investment in one of Papua New Guinea’s most neglected provinces.

Boardroom briefing: possible downsides of Zoom, new working rules and reopening after the pandemic

Welcome,

Are online meetings effective for negotiations, China a ‘laboratory’ for new work rules and how to reopen your business after lockdown. Readings from around the world on business, leadership and management.

Prime Minister Marape’s ambitious vision for agriculture in Papua New Guinea

Welcome,

Prime Minister James Marape has said that he doesn’t want Papua New Guinea to be known as an oil and gas county and has outlined his aim is to make PNG the ‘food basket of Asia.’ What opportunities does this create for business?

Rise of China creating opportunities and risks, says Treasurer Abel

Welcome,

Treasurer Charles Abel said the rise of China is creating opportunities for Papua New Guinea. But he also pointed to potential risks and a need to develop PNG’s relationship with Australia.

Undersea cable linking Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Australia to be completed late 2019

Welcome,

An K331 million undersea cable linking Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Australia is expected to be up and running by the end of 2019. It follows concerns by Australian officials that if China’s Huawei telco built the project, it could access Australia’s telecommunications infrastructure, creating national security concerns.

Opinion: Chinese aid and influence in Pacific is here to stay

Welcome,

Tess Newton Cain, Anna Powles and Jose Sousa-Santos explain that China is increasing its aid and influence in the Pacific. They say a disciplined approach to co-operation is needed.

Australian government commits to building an undersea telco cable to Port Moresby

Welcome,

The Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Peter O’Neill have announced they will be working together to lay a new undersea high speed telecommunications cable from Australia to Port Moresby. The move is expected to contribute to closer economic integration between the two neighbouring countries.

Opinion: Improving Pacific island worker access to Australia is better than foreign aid

Welcome,

Permitting easier labour movement between Australia and the Pacific Islands would have a more beneficial effect that foreign aid, claim Lowy Institute researchers Leon Berkelman and Jonathan Pryke. They consider two models for how it might work.

In brief: Maru wants Papua New Guinea-Fiji trade dispute resolved by October, and other business stories

Welcome,

Trade Minister Richard Maru wants trade issues with Fiji resolved this month, UBS buys into Kina Securities, and ANZ offers debit cards in PNG.