Bamboo pipes and swaying grass skirts in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea

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Olga Fontanellaz travels to the little-known Reeds Festival in Papua New Guinea’s Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

People Moves: Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Lae Chamber of Commerce

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People Moves: Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Lae Chamber of Commerce

In Brief: Bougainville referendum postponed until October and other business stories

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Bougainville’s independence referendum deferral, Papua New Guinea ranked 109 out of 190 in the World Bank’s 2019 Ease of Doing Business Report and possible changes to the Foreign Investment Regulatory Bill. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.

Autonomous Region of Bougainville: Papua New Guinea Business Guide

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Two islands make up most of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARB): the larger main island for which the region is named, as well as Buka, separated by the Buka Passage, one of the fastest-running currents in the world. Since 2000, ARB has had a unique status among PNG’s provinces, possessing a greater degree of autonomy. The region encompasses smaller atoll chains with rich fishing waters. Bougainville has its own time zone: it is one hour ahead of elsewhere in PNG.

In brief: Cost of running APEC close to K1 billion, and other business stories

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Treasurer Charles Abel puts APEC cost between K900-K1 billion, feasibility plans for five ports, export licences for bech-de-mer likely to be slashed. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.

Sankamap Exports founder believes Bougainville business has a bright future

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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.

Perth exploration company Kalia Ltd wins first gold and copper exploration licence under new Bougainville Mining Act

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Perth-based explorer Kalia Ltd has begun geological surveys on its two licence areas, after winning exploration licences under the new Bougainville Mining Act. Managing Director Terry Larkan tells Business Advantage PNG that, while the licence areas’ resources are unknown, the licences have ‘the right address’.

In brief: Newcrest sells Hidden Valley stake to Harmony and other business news

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Newcrest Mining sells its Hidden Valley stake to Harmony Gold, group marketing of coffee exports to South Korea and an agreement to ban harmful fisheries subsidies. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.