Claims by the international media, and one outlet in particular, about the conditions and communities along the Kokoda Track have threatened the reputation of the tourism and trekking industry in PNG, writes Genevieve Nelson, the CEO of the Kokoda Track Foundation.
Industry sectors
Malaysia’s diversified Rimbunan Hijab Group is a major investor in Papua New Guinea. Managing Director James Lau talks to Business Advantage PNG about the company’s current construction projects, how its retail, agribusiness and forestry subsidiaries are performing, and the economic outlook for 2016.
An analysis of Papua New Guinea’s three main power grids has revealed that inadequate maintenance of plants and the transmission lines is the primary cause of frequent power outages, according to a review conducting by London-based consultants, Economic Consulting Associates. The review also comes with some recommendations.
A new ‘Bougainville Bar’ has gone on sale in New Zealand this month, marking an increased awareness by international chocolate makers of Papua New Guinea’s high quality cocoa. As Business Advantage PNG discovers, the project was made possible through a very modern form of capital raising: crowdfunding.
The Ramu 2 Hydro Power Project is expected to increase total electricity generation capacity in Papua New Guinea by 36%, according to the Managing Director of Kumul Consolidated Holdings, Garry Hersey. It’s one of five new energy projects launched recently.
Hopes are high that an action plan to resolve the problems facing Papua New Guinea’s three main power grids will be endorsed at a key stakeholders’ meeting in Port Moresby this week, according to Gavin Murray, the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Country Manager for the Pacific region.
PNG’s state-owned mine is undergoing a radical restructuring which will result in a 25% workforce cut and see the company move to a Fly-In, Fly-Out operation, says Managing Director and CEO, Peter Graham.
There is some relief ahead for businesses struggling to access foreign exchange, according to the CEO of the country’s biggest bank, BSP. Robin Fleming says investment in the mining and petroleum sector and a new Sovereign Bond are the keys to boosting foreign exchange inflows.
Niugini Organics, an expanding exporter of organic coconut products made in PNG, is showcasing a business model which benefits smallholder groups in East New Britain. Business Advantage PNG spoke with director Dennis Hill to find out more.
Papua New Guinea’s state-owned National Development Bank is preparing to apply for a full commercial banking licence by early 2017, according to Managing Director, Moses Liu.