Oil and gas prices are rising but cocoa and silver are weaker. Business Advantage PNG’s monthly review of Papua New Guinea commodities and financial markets.
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The proposed Wafi Golpu mine will contribute to the diversification of Papua New Guinea’s economy, according to Craig Jones, Executive General Manager Wafi Golpu at Newcrest Mining. He told the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum in Brisbane that, if the project gets the go-ahead, it will help local agriculture.
The Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum Holdings (KPH), Wapu Sonk, believes a ‘step change’ is needed in the electrification of Papua New Guinea. He argues that some gas production should be reserved for domestic production.
Papua New Guinea offers some unique tourism options, according to Bob Bates, owner of Trans Niugini Tours. But he says it has some distinct challenges as well.
Papua New Guinea agribusiness Mainland Holdings is launching into new agricultural sectors to reduce its reliance on imports. Chief Executive David Alcock told the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum that the company intends to grow sorghum and soya beans to use as stockfeed in partnership with local farmers.
Vertical integration is the key to growth in Papua New Guinea, according to Hornibrook NGI Managing Director Matthew Lewis. He tells Business Advantage PNG the steel fabrication and construction company is leveraging its in-house capacity to diversify into property and hospitality.
Pacific Islands need to look for Pacific solutions to global warming, according to Meg Taylor DBE, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. The aim should be resilience.
A court hearing this week (17 May) in Port Moresby will help determine if there is a judicial review of the Bougainville government’s decision to refuse the extension of an exploration licence for the Panguna copper mine. Also that day, a federal court hearing will be asked to rule on the release of documents showing the relationship between dissident landowners and a Perth-based company seeking exploration rights to Panguna.
Managing volatility in the price of fish is R D Tuna Canners’ biggest manufacturing challenge, according to General Manager Erwin Ortiz. He tells Business Advantage PNG that the company intends to increase its storage capacity as part of its strategy to deal with price fluctuations.
A proposed timber processing facility near Lae is positioned to fill a niche and play an important role in the forestry industry’s future, according to Tony Bartlett, forestry research program manager at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).