Articles by Paul Barker

Opinion: How exposed is Papua New Guinea’s economy to a tiny cluster of companies?

Welcome,

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.

Sir Mekere Morauta: the man and his legacy in Papua New Guinea [opinion]

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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’.

Papua New Guinea needs to remain investor-friendly [opinion]

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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.

More dialogue and an amicable outcome needed on Porgera mine [opinion]

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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.

The clock is ticking on P’nyang negotiations in Papua New Guinea [Opinion]

Welcome,

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.

Opinion: The Institute of National Affairs reaches a milestone as the voice of reason in Papua New Guinea

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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.

Opinion: Proposed Papua New Guinea Land Act changes would harm investment, says Barker

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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.

Opinion: How Papua New Guinea can lessen the impact of falling energy prices

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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.

Opinion: Oil Search loan deal will affect Papua New Guinea’s Sovereign Wealth Fund

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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.

Opinion: Sovereign Wealth Fund key to the fall or rise of the kina

Welcome,

The ANZ Bank last month predicted the kina will fall by up to 10% in value by the end of 2014, in anticipation of income from the LNG project. Paul Barker from the Institute of National Affairs, looks ahead several years to when that income begins to have ‘a substantial impact’.