A new paper by experienced Pacific journalist Sean Dorney argues passionately for a re-think of Australia’s relationship with Papua New Guinea. As its title suggests, The Embarrassed Colonialist paints a portrait of a country that hasn’t quite worked out how to engage with his nearest neighbour.
The launch of the country’s first master plan to develop the Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) sector reflects a growing acknowledgment by Cabinet ministers that they need to grow sectors other than mining.
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.
Papua New Guinea’s largest motor dealer, Ela Motors, is planning further investment in Papua New Guinea as part of moves to bolster its already-strong position in the domestic vehicle market.
Papua New Guinea has participated in its first report to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which is a global effort to improve transparency in resource rich countries to help them avoid the so-called ‘resource curse’.
Businesses in Morobe Province and Papua New Guinea will benefit immensely from the proposed Wafi-Golpu gold and copper mine, according to business leaders in Lae.
The latest feasibility study of the proposed Wafi-Golpu copper and gold project confirms ‘a robust investment case-one which supports proceeding with the project’, says joint venture partner.
The Chief Executive of the Papua New Guinea Forest Industries Association, Bob Tate, claims that PNG’s forestry sector is coming under increasing pressure. He points to a drop in demand from China, lower foreign capital investment and moves by the PNG government to lift industry turnover taxes.
Waste conversion company Landfill Energies is proposing to construct a plant in Port Moresby to turn municipal solid waste into electricity and diesel fuel. The company says it has a contract with PNG Power to provide electricity and intends to commence in early 2017.
The 2016 Budget was one of emergency for PNG. Adjusting to a 20% collapse in revenue caused by plummeting commodity prices and an economic slow-down, the government has implemented harsh expenditure cuts.The Lowy Institute’s Jonathan Pryke examines the budgetary impact of holding the APEC summit in Port Moresby in 2018.