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.
Papua New Guinea has untapped leisure tourism potential, according to Marc Ehler, recently appointed Group General Manager of Coral Sea Hotels. After a busy APEC year, he tells Business Advantage PNG he is expecting greater competition in 2019.
Bonapas Onguglo has been working as a trade analyst at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) since 1984, advising African governments how to expand their economies. He sees new opportunities in agribusiness and the ‘ocean economy’.
The Chief Executive of copper and gold producer Ok Tedi Mining, Peter Graham, believes the Papua New Guinean company will enjoy a ‘sweet spot’ in the next few years. He says efficiency gains have substantially improved the mine’s competitiveness.
Offshore investment by Papua New Guinea companies remains comparatively small, but there are opportunities. One banking executive suggests it as an important way local financial institutions can diversify.
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.
Establishing a business on a Papua New Guinea island is a difficult challenge. But Robert Critchley, owner of cocoa and copra supplier, Sankamap Exports, describes how it can be done.
Vertical integration is the key to growth in Papua New Guinea, according to Hornibrook NGI Managing Director Matthew Lewis. He tells Business Advantage PNG the steel fabrication and construction company is leveraging its in-house capacity to diversify into property and hospitality.