Papua New Guinea is getting its house in order as it anticipates a period of stronger economic growth, driven in part by significant new investment in mineral production and infrastructure. In the first of a two-part series, Andrew Wilkins discusses its economy with business leaders and assesses where it is most likely to head.
Papua New Guinea’s APEC year has started, with the first Senior Officials Meeting now under way in Port Moresby. Recent experience shows the year will be successful, according to the country’s APEC Ambassador, Ivan Pomaleu. David Toua, chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) says it is necessary to support globalisation.
Vanuatu tourism officials want a joint approach with Papua New Guinea and Fiji to develop the lucrative inbound Chinese tourism market. As Vanuatu recovers from the effects of Cyclone Pam in 2013, Business Advantage PNG asked Vanuatu’s Tourism Promotion’s George Lapson and Bryan Death how Vanuatu is preparing to capture the China market.
Control of foreign fishing vessels in international waters is the biggest threat to the South Pacific tuna industry, according to James Movick, Director-General, Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency. He tells Business Advantage PNG that plans to increase aerial surveillance will help detect illegal fishing.
House prices still remain out of reach for most Port Moresby residents, according to a report by the National Research Institute. It says that changing the approach to customary land has become necessary because state land is running out.
Business Advantage PNG’s PNG 100 CEO Survey of chief executives in Papua New Guinea’s biggest companies has found that profit expectations were only partly met last year, but there are signs of growing confidence in 2018.
Access to land is preventing New Britain Palm Oil from expanding its beef and palm oil production businesses. PNG Country Manager Robert Nilkare tells Business Advantage PNG, there is a need to develop more agriculture leases in Papua New Guinea.
A well-managed economy and a 20-year vision are two reasons Credit Corp has set up shop in Timor-Leste. Country Manager, Chris Durman, outlines his own vision to Business Advantage PNG.
Super fund Nambawan Super is one of the largest sources of investment capital in Papua New Guinea. Paul Sayer was appointed CEO last August; he talks Business Advantage PNG about the fund’s approach to investments.
Papua New Guinea technology company Datec is developing a ‘winning’ culture, according to Chief Executive Stanley Ng Plyler. He tells Business Advantage PNG that the company is looking to achieve both tangible and intangible improvements.