The latest business news from Papua New Guinea and the region
Following the successful launch of Papua New Guinea’s first sovereign bond, the International Finance Corporation is intending to issue a AAA bond as part of its efforts to deepen the financial markets in Papua New Guinea. John Vivian, IFC’s Resident Representative for Papua New Guinea, tells Business Advantage PNG that it can also assist corporate funding.
In a little over three weeks, Papua New Guinea will host the annual APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, when 21 world leaders and 10,000 delegates including 2,000 media organisations arrive in Port Moresby. The Director-General of the APEC 2018 Coordinating Authority, Sir Charles Lepani, tells Business Advantage PNG he is confident of a lasting legacy.
The Papua New Guinea government is planning to sharply increase its economic stimulus, according to the Medium Term Development Plan III. It envisions a ‘strategic shift’ in Budget allocations.
Papua New Guinea has significant opportunities for employment and foreign exchange from its fisheries, but only if it can develop the necessary policies and infrastructure. That was the conclusion from meetings of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).
Visa suspensions to hit tourism, rice imports slammed, and a coal power plant proposed for Lae. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.
The forestry sector is keeping a close eye on the US-China trade war, which has created uncertainty in the market, according to Bob Tate, Executive Director of the Papua New Guinea Forestry Industry Association. He told Business Advantage PNG China remains PNG’s dominant export market.
Abel on economic integration, renewable energy transition by 2050 and a K2m commitment to revive Goilala coffee. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.
Lae businesspeople have told a Customs Department forum they are deeply concerned about some importers abusing the system by under-reporting the value of their imports, or simply not declaring them. Lae Chamber of Commerce Executive member Keith Kingston says another issue highlighted was trade in counterfeit goods.
Preparations for the APEC Leaders Week are going well, according to Alan Bollard, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat. He tells Business Advantage PNG that the policy work is paying off and the logistical preparations are sound, but there are some tensions over trade.
The US$500 million sovereign bond raising will improve foreign exchange cash flows, according to Robin Fleming, Chief Executive of Bank South Pacific. He tells Business Advantage PNG that it represents an ‘important milestone’ for Papua New Guinea’s financial system.