espite COVID challenges, last year was a ‘fairly extraordinary year’ in terms of growth for Papua New Guinea’s Brian Bell Group. Its CEO, Cameron MacKellar, during a Business Advantage webinar, revealed the company’s plan for 2021.
Industry sectors
The Australia government is suspending passenger flights from Papua New Guinea to Cairns, one of a number of measures that will impact business travel between the two countries. Meanwhile, PNG is getting ready for further COVID-19 mitigation measures.
The delaying of negotiations over ExxonMobil’s proposed plan to develop the P’nyang gas field has led analyst Fitch Solutions to downgrade Papua New Guinea’s LNG export projections.
Bank South Pacific has just announced its 2020 financial results amid tough trading conditions. CEO Robin Fleming talks to us about the bank’s plans for 2021, foreign exchange shortages, and the need for greater competition.
Papua New Guinea is ranked as the tenth worst destination for investment in mining, according to the Fraser Institute’s Survey of Mining Companies 2020. Infrastructure and security were nominated as areas of particular concern.
Mayur Resources’ mineral sands project at Orokolo Bay, Gulf Province, is close to commencing according to Managing Director Paul Mulder. He highlights the opportunities to Business Advantage PNG.
Newcrest Mining says it can ‘unlock significant value’ at Lihir, Papua New Guinea’s biggest gold mine. David James takes a closer look at a mine forecast to produce over a million ounces a year.
Papua New Guinea is experiencing similar stresses to other economies in the Pacific region due to the impact of COVID-19. Two reports, by the Asian Development Bank and Pacific Trade Invest, highlight both the impacts and a way to recovery.
Julliane Terry, owner of the consultancy firm Tok Stret Consulting, has launched business incubator hub in Lae to foster innovation in PNG’s second city. ‘When something is happening in Lae, you can rest assured the rest of the country will benefit,’ she tells Business Advantage PNG.
With its domestic services in Papua New Guinea close to pre-COVID levels, national carrier Air Niugini is now looking to increase its international services, as it continues to provide an international economic lifeline for the country.