Papua New Guinea has untapped leisure tourism potential, according to Marc Ehler, recently appointed Group General Manager of Coral Sea Hotels. After a busy APEC year, he tells Business Advantage PNG he is expecting greater competition in 2019.
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Bonapas Onguglo has been working as a trade analyst at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) since 1984, advising African governments how to expand their economies. He sees new opportunities in agribusiness and the ‘ocean economy’.
Papua New Guinea’s mandated debt levels are fiercely debated but, according to David James, Managing Editor of Business Advantage PNG, most countries are far less prudent. Could concentrating on the national debt distract from another problem—the lack of an international market for the country’s financial assets?
The Chief Executive of copper and gold producer Ok Tedi Mining, Peter Graham, believes the Papua New Guinean company will enjoy a ‘sweet spot’ in the next few years. He says efficiency gains have substantially improved the mine’s competitiveness.
The Chairman and founder of telecommunications company Digicel, Denis O’Brien, describes Papua New Guinea as a vibrant country that is a ‘fantastic location’ for investors. But he says the physical terrain also made it his company’s most challenging market.
Offshore investment by Papua New Guinea companies remains comparatively small, but there are opportunities. One banking executive suggests it as an important way local financial institutions can diversify.
Neighbouring Solomon Islands has strong business ties with Papua New Guinea. Jay Bartlett, Chairman of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, tells Business Advantage PNG that the country has some positive prospects, especially with its new undersea telecommunications cable.
Tess Newton Cain, Anna Powles and Jose Sousa-Santos explain that China is increasing its aid and influence in the Pacific. They say a disciplined approach to co-operation is needed.
Establishing a business on a Papua New Guinea island is a difficult challenge. But Robert Critchley, owner of cocoa and copra supplier, Sankamap Exports, describes how it can be done.
Papua Mining has been drilling in Papua New Guinea for six years and has some exciting prospects, according to Chief Executive David Price. He says the company is looking to grow aggressively—possibly in partnership with a larger player.