Running a manufacturing business in Papua New Guinea is like being a farmer, Managing Director of SP Brewery, Stan Joyce, tells Business Advantage PNG. There are good years and there are difficult years.
Interviews
Economic conditions in Papua New Guinea may be challenging but Michael Kingston, Chief Executive of diversified manufacturer K K Kingston, tells Business Advantage PNG that the company’s diversified operations give it some strategic options. He also says a weaker exchange rate may also open up opportunities.
Difficult economic conditions can be a time for committed companies to expand market share and establish themselves for the long term. Mikael Ruben, Managing Director of paint manufacturer AkzoNobel tells Business Advantage PNG his company sees the need to remain aggressive in Papua New Guinea.
Financial institution Moni Plus is preparing to list on the Singapore Stock Exchange. Managing Director David Kelso tells Business Advantage PNG that the company intends to expand its shareholder base and move into new markets.
Moody’s recently downgraded its sovereign rating on Papua New Guinea to B2 from B1. But Christian de Guzman, a Senior Analyst in the Sovereign Risk Group for Moody’s Singapore tells Business Advantage PNG that the agency is ‘quite confident’ about the overall economy’s prospects over the medium-term.
The downturn in the Papua New Guinea economy has presented challenges for Avenell Engineering Systems (AES). But Managing Director Dominic Avenell tells Business Advantage PNG that the company has adapted well. AES is, he says, strengthening its capabilities and preparing for the next upturn.
The relationship between Japan and Papua New Guinea has developed to the point where this year—thanks to liquefied natural gas—Japan is expected to be PNG’s largest export destination this year. Business Advantage PNG asks Katsuo Yamashita, the Chairman of the Japan PNG Association, about the growing links between the two countries.
With the PNG LNG project now in production, all eyes are on Papua New Guinea’s next likely gas project: Papua LNG. InterOil Corporation has been with the project, based on the Elk-Antelope gas fields in Gulf Province, since its inception. Chief Executive Officer Michael Hession tells Business Advantage PNG why the project is still promising, even in a time of low global gas prices.
Trade, Commerce and Industry Minister Richard Maru says he is compiling a reserve list of businesses that may only be owned and operated by PNG nationals. While Maru has given no timeline for the reintroduction of the Reserve List, he says existing businesses will be bought out at the current value.
Papua New Guinea’s approach to mining and resources legislation, currently under review, will be critical to positioning the country for the next upswing in prices, claims Greg Anderson, executive director of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum.