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).
Features
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.
Managing Director of manufacturing and construction company Rhodes, Emanuel Papas, tells Business Advantage PNG that operating a business in Papua New Guinea requires a distinct set of managerial skills. He lists seven things his business has done to ensure success.
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.
In the second half of his exclusive conversation with Business Advantage PNG’s Andrew Wilkins, the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says the policies developed at the APEC Leaders meeting will have a lasting impact on the country. He says APEC marks a unique opportunity to market PNG as an investment destination.
The Regional Director of Digicel Pacific, Paul Statham, says the company has ‘aggressive’ plans to expand its offerings when the submarine fibre cable from Australia to Papua New Guinea is built. He says these innovations will especially benefit business.
In an interview with Business Advantage PNG’s Andrew Wilkins, the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says he is looking for deals in LNG and mining projects that will benefit all parties. In the first of a two part series, O’Neill says his government is investing to diversify the economy.
The Asian Development Bank will start redeveloping the entire Highlands Highway simultaneously rather than doing it in sections, according to David Hill, Country Director for the ADB. He outlined the ADB’s focus on improving both physical and digital connectivity in Papua New Guinea.
To get investment into Papua New Guinea businesses, sound governance is essential. That was the view expressed by super fund managers, bankers and advisers at Business Advantage’s Investment conference in Brisbane.
A recent salary survey has identified the need for investment in local talent to support better outcomes for the country’s professionals and organisations. The 2018/19 Papua New Guinea Salary Survey Report by human resources consultancy Peopleconnexion PNG surveyed professionals across the country about salaries and attitudes at work.