Mastercard is working with its banking partners to introduce smart card chip technology and contactless payments to Papua New Guinea (PNG). Craig Kirkland, Director of Pacific Islands for Mastercard talks to Business Advantage PNG about this technology and why PNG is an important market for the company.
The Solomon Islands economy has experienced steady growth over the last two years. Derek Aihari, Director of InvestSolomons tells Business Advantage PNG that the country is looking to develop its already close links to Papua New Guinea.
With letter volumes plunging, Post PNG is focusing on parcels and leveraging its strong national retail presence. Chief Executive Officer Peter Tepure tells Business Advantage PNG that the company’s new business strategy is built upon playing to its strengths.
Papua New Guinea’s Cocoa Board has launched a new farmers’ company to move small farmers from subsistence farming to running a small profitable business. The long-term aim of the new PNG Agriculture Company is to boost output, quality and farmer incomes, as Cocoa Board CEO Boto Gaupu explains.
Papua New Guinea is a ‘low risk’ country for foreign investors, according to John Leahy, President of the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce and Industry. But he tells Business Advantage PNG that it is important to prepare thoroughly in order to be a successful investor.
The Solomon Islands’ economy has a rich resource base but faces many obstacles, according to Vsevolod (Seva) Payevskiy, Country Resident Representative for the International Finance Corporation. He tells Business Advantage PNG the best options for growth are agriculture, fisheries, mining and tourism.
Syd Yates, Chief Executive of Kina Securities, has announced that he will relinquish the role next month after 20 years with the company, with Westpac’s Greg Pawson joining the company. Yates tells Business Advantage PNG he believes it is time for new blood.
Papua New Guinea needs greater flexibility in the exchange rate, Rohan Fox, Lecturer and Research Fellow at the University of Papua New Guinea’s Division of Economics, explains to Business Advantage PNG. He believes APEC will be a boost to the economy but not enough to spark a general recovery.
Papua New Guinea’s agricultural sector is the backbone of the economy and a substantial contributor to national income, Steve Woodhouse, host of EMTV’s ‘Farming PNG’ program, tells Business Advantage PNG. He calls for changes to the regulatory bodies.
Papua New Guinea’s largest retailer is still only servicing about 30 per cent of Papua New Guineans, according to Chairman of CPL Group, Mahesh Patel. While it has product and store expansion plans, Patel says CPL is waiting on a general economic recovery before moving forward.