Analysis of test results from a potentially new LNG find at the Barikewa-3 well in the Papua New Guinea Forelands is underway but it’s too early to say how that gas will be commercialised, according to well operator, Oil Search. Meanwhile, the signing of a long-term contract for gas from PNG with China confirms demand for gas from China will continue well into the 2020s.
The Government’s Mid-year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) statement has indicated that it is in the ‘advanced stages’ of negotiating the country’s first sovereign bond later this year. The strategy is being adopted to solve the nation’s foreign exchange shortages, but it does carry risks.
The two days before the APEC Leaders meeting have been declared national holidays in the National Capital District in Port Moresby, according to Chris Hawkins, the Chief Executive Officer of APEC Papua New Guinea. He told an APEC summit briefing that Papua New Guinea has advantages when it comes to hosting the big event.
Papua New Guinea has opportunities in the emerging methods of capturing carbon, climate change expert Professor Tim Flannery told the Business Advantage Papua New Guinea Investment Conference in Brisbane. He pointed to forests, soil, marine and biomass as potential commercial areas.
The Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, speaking at Business Advantage Papua New Guinea Investment Conference in Brisbane, said the mid-year assessment of the economy was better than anticipated. He said the growing investment interest in the Pacific from China, Australia and the United States is ‘healthy’.
Demand from the Asian region for natural gas will ensure that Papua New Guinea’s LNG industry remains robust in the medium term, David Lennox, xxz tells Business Advantage PNG. He says growing tensions about trade barriers may be beneficial for the country.
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.
New energy projects in the Asia Pacific are creating workforce challenges according to Calum Smith, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific at HR consultancy, Airswift. In terms of roles, he says no other area in energy is growing as fast as renewables.
Neighbouring Solomon Islands has strong business ties with Papua New Guinea. Jay Bartlett, Chairman of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, tells Business Advantage PNG that the country has some positive prospects, especially with its new undersea telecommunications cable.
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.