Access to land is preventing New Britain Palm Oil from expanding its beef and palm oil production businesses. PNG Country Manager Robert Nilkare tells Business Advantage PNG, there is a need to develop more agriculture leases in Papua New Guinea.
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With the focus on major resources projects, Papua New Guinea is missing the opportunity to develop a thriving agri-tourism sector, Papua New Guinea Women in Agricultural Development Foundation (PNGWiADF) President, Maria Linibi tells Business Advantage PNG.
It may not have involved rocket science, but Hargy Oil Palms Ltd has experienced significant success in boosting palm oil yields in West New Britain. But Chief Executive Graham King believes the success of agriculture in PNG will ultimately depend on secure land tenure and foreign investment.
While tourism is the mainstay of the Fiji economy, policymakers want to broaden the country’s income sources. Fiji’s Consul-General and Trade Commissioner to Australia, Zarak Khan says opportunities lie with business services, agriculture, forestry, textiles and renewables.
Conducting stevedoring transactions in US dollars instead of kina is an opportunity to get in much-needed foreign exchange, according to Ted Muttiah, Director, Asia Pacific, for ICTSI South Pacific. He tells Business Advantage PNG the company, which has been appointed to manage new ports at Motukea and Lae, is aiming high.
The Solomon Islands economy has experienced steady growth over the last two years. Derek Aihari, Director of InvestSolomons tells Business Advantage PNG that the country is looking to develop its already close links to Papua New Guinea.
Looking to invest successfully in the Pacific? There’s no substitute for understanding your market and its people, and for being on the ground. Three successful regional investors also outlined to the Business Investment PNG Conference which sectors have the most potential.
A shift in the resources industry is expected, with demand for more “exotic” minerals increasing. But Justin Smirk, Senior Economist at Westpac Institutional Bank tells Business Advantage PNG that industry players must apply a long-term and holistic approach to reap the benefits.
There are compelling reasons to boost Papua New Guinea’s agriculture sector, according to two executives in Innovative Agro Industry. It can reduce reliance on imports and provide jobs to a country full of dedicated farmers.
With its longstanding dispute with Australia over the Timor Sea resolved, neighbouring Timor-Leste looks set to expand its petroleum and mineral industries. Meanwhile, its government is actively seeking investors in agriculture and fisheries, tourism and services, according to Abel Guterres, Timor-Leste Ambassador to Australia.