The fate of some major projects will be critical for the future of the Papua New Guinea economy over the next decade. In the second of a two-part series, Andrew Wilkins discusses the implications.
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Last month’s earthquake in Papua New Guinea will have a ‘huge impact’ on the economy, says Prime Minister Peter O’Neill. The death toll is rising, the extent of the destruction and disruption to services and businesses is still being assessed, and the damage to the PNG LNG project is expected to affect government revenues.
The Bank of Papua New Guinea’s latest Quarterly Economic Bulletin points to a ‘slight improvement’ in economic activity in the September quarter driven by higher government expenditure and a marginal increase in private sector lending. It records an improvement in exports and commodity prices and a slowing in the increase of inflation, but lower employment levels.
The operators of the Papua project are expected to make a financial investment decision on the project in 2019. But now that Papua New Guinea has ‘proven itself’ as a good manager of major global projects, it should be able to negotiate less generous terms with the operators of the second LNG plant, say economists and investment analysts.
‘First past the post’ voting system to return, expansion of Milne Bay airport, and rugby league now a K15m a year business. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.
A new City Manager for the NCD, a new General Manager for Hilton, and CPL MD returns
Private-public partnerships are the best way for Papua New Guinea to deal with its health needs, Sandeep Shaligram, Chief Executive of Pacific International Hospital tells Business Advantage PNG. He says the hospital is looking to train locals and start a nursing college.
ExxonMobil, Oil Search close LNG production facilites after quake, analysts expect kina to fall ‘over the near-term’, and agreement being finalised to allow Philippines farmers to grow rice in PNG. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.
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.
Oil prices are up and copper is also strong, but LNG has weakened. Business Advantage PNG’s monthly review of Papua New Guinea commodity and financial markets.