A study by the International Finance Corporation has found that for the first six months of the year, there were 34,600 tourist visitors to Papua New Guinea. They spent a total of US$78 million (K260 million), which was an average of US$2262 (K7529) per trip.
The success of Papua New Guinea’s first US$500 million bond issue will depend on the government’s spending focus, according to Paul Barker, Director of PNG’s economics research think tank, the Institute of National Affairs. He tells Business Advantage PNG that the private sector has to get access to foreign exchange because of extended delays.
The Regional Director of Digicel Pacific, Paul Statham, says the company has ‘aggressive’ plans to expand its offerings when the submarine fibre cable from Australia to Papua New Guinea is built. He says these innovations will especially benefit business.
In an interview with Business Advantage PNG’s Andrew Wilkins, the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says he is looking for deals in LNG and mining projects that will benefit all parties. In the first of a two part series, O’Neill says his government is investing to diversify the economy.
The Asian Development Bank will start redeveloping the entire Highlands Highway simultaneously rather than doing it in sections, according to David Hill, Country Director for the ADB. He outlined the ADB’s focus on improving both physical and digital connectivity in Papua New Guinea.
A report by consultancy McKinsey & Co. says activity in mining is strengthening globally. But it identifies nine mistakes in the downturn that should be avoided.
Dame Meg Taylor Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat argues that the Pacific region is at a critical juncture in its history. She argues that because of political ‘jousting’ there ‘has never been a more important nor opportune time’ to act as one Blue Pacific continent.
Port Moresby-based retailer/wholesaler Supreme Group found itself needing products and services it couldn’t source in Papua New Guinea, so it decided to create them. Group Managing Director Sanjay Shah, tells Business Advantage PNG that the group has grown quickly and is anticipating more diversification.
The Papua New Guinea government has begun spruiking its sovereign bond issue with a series of meetings with investors in Singapore, Hong Kong, London and the US, led by Treasurer Charles Abel. However, while Standard and Poor’s has given the issue a ‘B’ stable rating, others say the government may have to offer a premium to attract investors.
Analysis of test results from a potentially new LNG find at the Barikewa-3 well in the Papua New Guinea Forelands is underway but it’s too early to say how that gas will be commercialised, according to well operator, Oil Search. Meanwhile, the signing of a long-term contract for gas from PNG with China confirms demand for gas from China will continue well into the 2020s.