Posts by Paul Barker

Paul Barker, Executive Director of industry think-tank the Papua New Guinea Institute of National Affairs, provides his personal take on PNG’s economic journey since independence.

Papua New Guinea relies heavily on a limited number of taxpayers. Paul Barker, Executive Director of industry-funded think tank, the Institute of National Affairs, considers the implications for government expenditure and PNG’s foreign exchange situation.

Papua New Guinea’s former Prime Minister, Sir Mekere Morauta, passed away last month after a long illness. Paul Barker considers the lasting legacy of PNG’s ‘main reformist prime minister’.

Regulatory uncertainty has the potential to deter investors just when Papua New Guinea needs them most, argues Paul Barker, Executive Director of the Institute of National Affairs.

The Executive Director of Institute of National Affairs, Paul Barker, considers the repercussions from the Papua New Guinea government’s decision not to renew the special mining lease on the Porgera gold mine.

As negotiations between Papua New Guinea’s State Negotiating Team and the developers of the P’nyang gas project draw to a head this week, the Institute of National Affairs’ Paul Barker reflects on the challenge of reaching an agreement that ensures the country’s gas resources deliver tangible benefits.

The Papua New Guinea Institute of National Affairs celebrates 40 years this year as the country’s leading ‘think tank’, research and public policy advisory service for government and business on key economic issues. Executive Director, Paul Barker, reflects on its history and achievements.

The proposed amendments to Papua New Guinea’s Land Act are a cause for concern, argues the Institute of National Affairs’s Paul Barker. He says, if implemented, the legislation would scare off foreign investors at a time when the Government is looking for capital to encourage economic diversification.

Progress in fostering economic and social development is threatened by the recent drop in global energy prices. Paul Barker provides practical ways to minimise the impact of the downturn.

Papua New Guinea’s proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund was intended to stabilise the kina and secure assets for the future. But, as Paul Barker from the Institute of National Affairs argues, the government’s borrowing plan for Oil Search shares may jeopardise the fund’s effectiveness.