By the time of the APEC Summit in 2018, Port Moresby could have as many as 2590 high-end hotel rooms, and conference capacity for many thousands. Hoteliers tell Business Advantage PNG that the increase in scale and quality means the capital could become a world-class regional conference venue.
Infrastructure
In an environment of plummeting interest rates, long term infrastructure investment is a sound option for both investors and governments. Financial and business commentator Michael Pascoe, speaking in Port Moresby last week, noted that the difficult global financial environment throws up opportunities for countries like Papua New Guinea.
The downturn in the Papua New Guinea economy has presented challenges for Avenell Engineering Systems (AES). But Managing Director Dominic Avenell tells Business Advantage PNG that the company has adapted well. AES is, he says, strengthening its capabilities and preparing for the next upturn.
Waste conversion company Landfill Energies is proposing to construct a plant in Port Moresby to turn municipal solid waste into electricity and diesel fuel. The company says it has a contract with PNG Power to provide electricity and intends to commence in early 2017.
Work on Lae’s Huon Industrial Park has been accelerated while stage two of the Lae Port development is on track to start by mid-2016, says Stanley Alphonse, the CEO of PNG Ports Corporation.
An analysis of Papua New Guinea’s three main power grids has revealed that inadequate maintenance of plants and the transmission lines is the primary cause of frequent power outages, according to a review conducting by London-based consultants, Economic Consulting Associates. The review also comes with some recommendations.
The Ramu 2 Hydro Power Project is expected to increase total electricity generation capacity in Papua New Guinea by 36%, according to the Managing Director of Kumul Consolidated Holdings, Garry Hersey. It’s one of five new energy projects launched recently.
Hopes are high that an action plan to resolve the problems facing Papua New Guinea’s three main power grids will be endorsed at a key stakeholders’ meeting in Port Moresby this week, according to Gavin Murray, the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Country Manager for the Pacific region.
Papua New Guinea business sees light at the end of the tunnel
In spite of the talk about an economic slowdown in 2016, Papua New Guinea’s capital, Port Moresby, is a city where plenty is still happening as 2015 comes to a close. Business Advantage International’s Andrew Wilkins reflects on recent discussions with Papua New Guinea business leaders.
The ongoing restructure of Airlines PNG Ltd has provided the company with an opportunity to refresh its brand, starting significantly with a change of its name to PNG Air. Chairman Murray Woo tells Business Advantage PNG more about the rebranding.