A court hearing this week (17 May) in Port Moresby will help determine if there is a judicial review of the Bougainville government’s decision to refuse the extension of an exploration licence for the Panguna copper mine. Also that day, a federal court hearing will be asked to rule on the release of documents showing the relationship between dissident landowners and a Perth-based company seeking exploration rights to Panguna.
Managing volatility in the price of fish is R D Tuna Canners’ biggest manufacturing challenge, according to General Manager Erwin Ortiz. He tells Business Advantage PNG that the company intends to increase its storage capacity as part of its strategy to deal with price fluctuations.
A proposed timber processing facility near Lae is positioned to fill a niche and play an important role in the forestry industry’s future, according to Tony Bartlett, forestry research program manager at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
The PNG microfinance industry has the lowest loans-to-deposit ratio in the Pacific, according to Dek Joe Sum at the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre. He argues the government needs to develop a more comprehensive policy to address the lack of lending.
Retailer and wholesaler TE (PNG) is a diversified and adaptable company, says new Managing Director Robbie Huxley. He tells Business Advantage PNG he decided earlier this year to buy the 60-year-old company because he sees a positive future for PNG
Kina Bank is working with the Australian government and other donors to set up a credit fund for small and medium sized business. CEO Greg Pawson has told business leaders in Port Moresby the scheme is part of the bank’s corporate responsibility.
Hausples.com.pg has released its Real Estate Survey 2018, which shows that the biggest challenge for the market is supply side factors such as land titles, infrastructure and private sector investment. But it says these issues ‘are slowly being addressed’ and that there is ‘unequivocal market demand for housing at various price points.
Paint company Akzo Nobel is taking a new strategic direction in Papua New Guinea, according to Chief Executive Officer, Navin Raju. He tells Business Advantage PNG that the prospects for growth are sound.
Diversified corporate and retail enterprise Brian Bell Group is celebrating its 60th year in 2018. Chairman Ian Clough tells Business Advantage PNG the company is investing in people, infrastructure, and new retail strategies in preparation for its next phase of growth.
Accessing finance to develop land in Papua New Guinea is the biggest stumbling block to creating wealth, jobs and an economic base for future generations. In New Zealand, Maori economic development is forging ahead, with the active support of banks and investors. In the second of a two-part series, Kevin McQuillan examines NZ banks’ lending criteria.