The kina is more than 20 per cent overvalued, according to Marcel Schroder, a lecturer in economics at the Development Policy Centre in the Australian National University (ANU), speaking to a joint University of Papua New Guinea/ANU event in Port Moresby. One option is to introduce a dual exchange rate for a limited time.
The difficulty in finding authentic Papua New Guinea-made gifts for friends and colleagues overseas prompted Annette Sete to create her own fashion jewellery line. Two years on, she tells Business Advantage PNG her Lavagirl brand is looking to expand overseas.
Oil prices have weakened, but copper has had an upwards run. Business Advantage PNG’s monthly review of Papua New Guinea commodity and financial markets.
Forestry and timber company PNG Forest Products is expanding its diversification program as it prepares to build a fourth hydro power station. CEO Tony Honey tells Business Advantage PNG that its plan to build timber bridges and decking for export and domestic clients is also starting to get traction.
The Chief Executive and Founder of real estate portal Hausples, Matthew Care, explains to Business Advantage PNG that the company is set to take advantage of higher rates of internet usage in Papua New Guinea. He expects rates of urbanisation to increase.
A Sydney-based company is looking to provide a ‘better deal’ for Papua New Guinea coffee farmers, and hopes to develop markets in Australia, the US and China. But to do that, says Principal Pana Wiya, he needs a capital backer.
The European Investment Bank has received a mandate from the European Union to invest in infrastructure projects in the Pacific, including in Papua New Guinea. Head of the EIB’s Pacific Regional Office, Adam Bruun explains to Business Advantage PNG some of the priorities and operational practices of the Bank.
While it is adapting to increased competition and quieter market conditions at home, PNG’s largest finance company, Credit Corporation, is not standing still. Chief Executive Tor Bowen tells Business Advantage PNG that the company will open its first South East Asian operation, in neighbouring Timor Leste.
A new development on the Papua New Guinea University of Technology’s campus in Lae will give PNG’s second city its first shopping mall. Vice-Chancellor Dr Albert Schram tells Business Advantage PNG the plan includes housing, shops, banks and business offices.
Kennedy Wemin, the Chief Executive of Melanesian Trustee Services limited (MTSL), Trustee and Interim Manager of Papua New Guinea’s unit trust fund, Pacific Balanced Fund (PBF) tells Business Advantage PNG that the difficult economic conditions create opportunities as well as challenges. He outlines some of the fund’s future options.