The National Central District has launched an urban development program, which will run into the middle of next year. Governor of Port Moresby, Powes Parkop, said he will be looking to upgrade Port Moresby’s settlements and explore ways to offer residents title.
A shift in the resources industry is expected, with demand for more “exotic” minerals increasing. But Justin Smirk, Senior Economist at Westpac Institutional Bank tells Business Advantage PNG that industry players must apply a long-term and holistic approach to reap the benefits.
The General Manager of Port Moresby’s Airways Hotel, Sushil Gordon, tells Business Advantage PNG that increased competition will be a boost to Papua New Guinea’s whole hospitality sector. He says next year’s APEC meeting represents a great opportunity.
Two key events before year’s end are likely to decide the timeline for the rebuilding of the Panguna copper mine on Bougainville Island. The Chairman of Bougainville Copper Limited, Rob Burns also tells Business Advantage PNG two board appointments last month (Oct) is part of the company’s strategic development.
There are compelling reasons to boost Papua New Guinea’s agriculture sector, according to two executives in Innovative Agro Industry. It can reduce reliance on imports and provide jobs to a country full of dedicated farmers.
Papua New Guinea has the opportunity to take the lead in blockchain technologies, says the former Chief Information Officer at Kina Securities, Aaron Bird. The technology, he says, can be used for much more than cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin.
Home building in Papua New Guinea is set to accelerate sharply, according to Matthew Care, Chief Executive and founder of the real estate website Hausples.com.pg, which has an expo in Port Moresby this weekend. He tells Business Advantage PNG that the growth is being driven by pent-up demand.
The Asian Development Bank has begun its decade-long US$1 billion investment in the Highlands Highway, according to David Hill, the bank’s Country Director for PNG. He says the ADB is also planning significant investment in the health and civil aviation sectors.
The government-owned Port Moresby water treatment company Eda Ranu is looking to bring more of its operations in-house. Chairperson Mary Karo tells Business Advantage PNG that preparations are also being made for APEC 2018.
As Horizon Oil awaits government and regulatory approval for their mid-sized Western LNG project, CEO Brent Emmett says it is considering using Kumul Petroleum’s alternative pipeline proposal, but wants assurances the pipeline is viable before committing.