There is a growing call for greater protection of Papua New Guinea industry to respond to allegedly unfair international competition. A number of manufacturers tell Business Advantage PNG that most countries have used protectionism to foster their domestic industries and it is time for PNG to do the same.
The Papua New Guinea government faces challenges in managing its cash flow, according to Yurendra Basnett, PNG Country Economist for the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB’s Outlook 2016 paper on the Asian region says PNG’s debt servicing costs are likely to rise.
Papua New Guinea’s manufacturers experienced difficult conditions in 2015 and many are concerned that things will get worse before they get better. David James talks to some of the key figures from the sector to find out how they are coping with the tough market conditions.
During May, forums were run in Port Moresby, Lae, Mt Hagen and Kokopo to solicit public responses to the Papua New Guinea government’s new land bill. The intent of the new bill is to protect the rights of customary landowners, by extinguishing any State leases, mortgages or sub-leases held by non-citizens. But the consequences for PNG industry and the economy could be dire, some observers are saying.
Traditionally a producer of beverages, spirits, liquors, juices and coffee, Vitis Industries is now producing its own range of beers. Already two are on the market, with another five about to go on sale.
With Papua New Guinea’s soon-to-be-completed National Transmission Network likely to bring improved internet speeds and reliability by the end of the year more PNG companies are expected to explore the possibility of selling goods and services online. Andrew Wilkins looks at the potential for ecommerce.
The search for new business avenues sees Port Moresby’s Collins Shipping teaming up with Chinese maritime researchers to do a voyage to the bottom of the sea. And there’s the prospect of a new adventure tourism activity. Kevin McQuillan reports
The key to boosting the use of mobile phone banking services in the Pacific is ‘trust’ in the system, particularly as mobile phone providers themselves begin providing financial services, according to a new report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
From self-service to bringing buyers and sellers together, software developer Shadrach Jaungere’s smartphone apps are making it easier for Papua New Guineans to do business. And there are more to come, reports Kevin McQuillan.
A burgeoning middle class, an increase in expatriate workers and some entrepreneurial initiative is transforming the local cuisine. One of the more progressive developments is Pacific Palms Property’s Harbourside precinct, which will host up to six restaurants. Business Advantage PNG speaks to the General Manager, Andrew Potter, and Travers Chue, who runs one of the tenants—Duffy café.