During May, forums were run in Port Moresby, Lae, Mt Hagen and Kokopo to solicit public responses to the Papua New Guinea government’s new land bill. The intent of the new bill is to protect the rights of customary landowners, by extinguishing any State leases, mortgages or sub-leases held by non-citizens. But the consequences for PNG industry and the economy could be dire, some observers are saying.
Warnings that proposed changes to Papua New Guinea’s Land Act could harm economy
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15 Jun 2016 by 7 Comments
In brief: Call for Papua New Guinea government and industry to weather low commodity prices, and other business stories
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24 Feb 2016 by Leave a Comment
Oil Search leader says PNG ‘well placed’ to manage low commodity price regime, Ok Tedi expected to be profitable, and BSP reports 5 per cent profit increase. Your weekly digest of the latest business news. PNG is well placed to weather the current low world oil price environment, but the Government and industry need to […]
Papua New Guinea’s forestry sector confronts China weakness
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16 Feb 2016 by Leave a Comment
The Chief Executive of the Papua New Guinea Forest Industries Association, Bob Tate, claims that PNG’s forestry sector is coming under increasing pressure. He points to a drop in demand from China, lower foreign capital investment and moves by the PNG government to lift industry turnover taxes.
In brief: Papua New Guinea’s rating outlook falls to negative with Moody’s downgrade, and other business stories
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20 May 2015 by
Moody’s lowers Papua New Guinea rating outlook, Australians banned from Bougainville, and PNG to commence free trade talks with China. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.
In brief: Funding freeze on Pacific Marine Industrial Zone lifted, and other business stories
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17 Sep 2014 by
China lifts freeze on funding for Pacific Marine Industrial Zone, only five SABL leases handed back and Malaysian company to build satellite township in Central province. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.
In brief: Papua New Guinea Treasurer says banks’ kina trading range too high and other stories
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25 Jun 2014 by
Banks trading ‘well and above’ preferred kina rate, minister wants business contracts under K10 million to be reserved for Papua New Guineans, and Bakani says reserves will last seven months. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.
In brief: O’Neill to outlaw Special Agricultural Business Leases and other business stories
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29 May 2014 by Leave a Comment
Cabinet to ban SABLs, Telikom prepares for transition to becoming a retailer, and a possible eight-year delay in upgrading Lae airport. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.
SABL reports reveal corruption and mismanagement
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25 Sep 2013 by
After a two-year investigation into the controversial Special Agricultural Business Leases (SABL) system, reports presented by two of the commissioners have found that only four of the 42 leases they examined had obtained landowner consent.
Around the world: Australian TV corruption allegations and other international stories
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29 Aug 2013 by
PM rebuffs Australian TV corruption allegations, criticism of Kokoda aid, and where Economist Intelligence Unit ranks Port Moresby.
Up to one-third of Papua New Guinea log exports may not be authorised by landowners, says INA
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19 Jun 2013 by
Just over one third of Papua New Guinea’s logging exports in 2012 came from Special Agricultural and Business Leases, the majority of which may not have received approval from customary landowners, according to analysis by Paul Barker, Director of the Institute of National Affairs.
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