Granting more land titles over plantation smallholdings and National Housing Corporation housing stock, and freeing up land locked up in over 20,000 unresolved deceased estates could provide a real boost to Papua New Guinea’s small and medium enterprise (SME) sector. Dr Charles Yala, Principal & Director of Niugini Land and Properties, is calling for the more effective transfer of outstanding titles.
Papua New Guinea has some ambitious plans to expand its population’s access to electricity. However, boosting electricity supply across the country requires ‘some very clever thinking,’ say energy analysts.
The Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea, Loi Bakani, has told an APEC conference on improving financial literacy that the use of mobile phones for financial services is increasing sharply. But he said there is a need to strengthen consumer digital financial literacy and awareness in the country.
The 2016 Paris Agreement, to which Papua New Guinea is a signatory, has committed governments across the globe to a low carbon future. What does that mean for business? Renowned climate expert Professor Tim Flannery tells Business Advantage PNG there will be enormous opportunities.
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.
According to the Asian Development Bank’s May 2018 update, contracts for the US$800 million (K2.5 billion) multi-tranche funding to rehabilitate Papua New Guinea’s 430km highlands highway will be awarded between August and September.
Improved access to finance could the rapid development of solar power, according to Jon Pittar, Managing Director of solar provider, Solar Solutions PNG. If the government is to achieve its energy goal of giving access to power to 70 per cent of the population by 2030, he believes solar-powered systems must be provided to rural communities.
Berry Mini, President of the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce, told Business Advantage PNG last Friday that there is an increased security presence in Mendi, particularly in front of key commercial and government buildings. The state of emergency is also affecting earthquake recovery supplies.
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Roberto Azavedo, has described world trade rules as being tilted towards the interests of more powerful countries. Speaking in Port Moresby recently, he said it is up to the private sector to lobby governments to act on its behalf.
Horticulture is one of Papua New Guinea’s most prospective industries. Nalau Bingeding reports on a grassroots enterprise that has the potential to grow in PNG.