The operators of the Papua project are expected to make a financial investment decision on the project in 2019. But now that Papua New Guinea has ‘proven itself’ as a good manager of major global projects, it should be able to negotiate less generous terms with the operators of the second LNG plant, say economists and investment analysts.
Private-public partnerships are the best way for Papua New Guinea to deal with its health needs, Sandeep Shaligram, Chief Executive of Pacific International Hospital tells Business Advantage PNG. He says the hospital is looking to train locals and start a nursing college.
A ‘cash culture’ in Papua New Guinea is beginning to change and there is more willingness to buy shares, according to Aiabba Minerals Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Moses Mondowa. He tells Business Advantage PNG it is a significant shift for the future success of the country’s resources and business sectors.
Oil prices are up and copper is also strong, but LNG has weakened. Business Advantage PNG’s monthly review of Papua New Guinea commodity and financial markets.
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.