A ‘cash culture’ in Papua New Guinea is beginning to change and there is more willingness to buy shares, according to Aiabba Minerals Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Moses Mondowa. He tells Business Advantage PNG it is a significant shift for the future success of the country’s resources and business sectors.
With the focus on major resources projects, Papua New Guinea is missing the opportunity to develop a thriving agri-tourism sector, Papua New Guinea Women in Agricultural Development Foundation (PNGWiADF) President, Maria Linibi tells Business Advantage PNG.
The commercial potential of PNG’s galip nut could soon be realised. Helen Wallace, Project Leader at the Transformative Agriculture and Enterprise Development program tells Business Advantage PNG that the strong growth in the nut industry indicates it is the right time to develop the sector.
A shift in the resources industry is expected, with demand for more “exotic” minerals increasing. But Justin Smirk, Senior Economist at Westpac Institutional Bank tells Business Advantage PNG that industry players must apply a long-term and holistic approach to reap the benefits.
The copper price has increased by about a quarter in 2017, although it is still below its 2013 highs. Stephen Howes, Director of the Development Policy Centre at ANU tells Business Advantage PNG that the boost in the copper price is important for Papua New Guinea, in particular, Ok Tedi.
Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) need a more supportive business environment in order to flourish and reach international markets, Millennium Water Managing Director, Achilles Peni tells Business Advantage PNG.
Australian companies are optimistic about investing in Papua New Guinea says Philip Franklin, Head of the PNG branch of the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council (APNGBC). But Peter Taylor, President of the Council, tells Business Advantage PNG that proposed changes to the Investment Reserve List is a concern for foreign investors.
Businesses in Papua New Guinea seeking to establish a presence in the Asian region are increasingly looking at Singapore as a stepping-stone to expand their market reach or increase their shareholder base. There is also growing interest from Singapore-based businesses looking at the PNG market.
Highlands Pacific is expanding its focus from large projects and exploration, to controlling interests in smaller projects offering near term returns. Highlands Pacific Managing Director, Craig Lennon, tells Business Advantage PNG it is a response to market changes.
Mineral deposits are becoming increasingly difficult to develop and the mining industry is looking to the Papua New Guinean Government to deliver flexible policies that will benefit a maturing industry, Nautilus Minerals Chief Executive Officer, Mike Johnston tells Business Advantage PNG.