Pacific countries like Papua New Guinea are increasingly becoming critical grounds for geopolitical competition, leading to higher investment from international partners, particularly in infrastructure, according to the Lowy Institute’s Dr Meg Keen and colleagues.
With key Pacific economies such as Fiji and the Solomon Islands now opened up after COVID, what opportunities do they offer Papua New Guinea-based businesses, and what are the keys to success? Some experts provide their insights.
Reports that a Chinese company has put forward a multibillion dollar plan to develop several areas in Western Province have highlighted the lack of investment in one of Papua New Guinea’s most neglected provinces.
Are online meetings effective for negotiations, China a ‘laboratory’ for new work rules and how to reopen your business after lockdown. Readings from around the world on business, leadership and management.
Prime Minister James Marape has said that he doesn’t want Papua New Guinea to be known as an oil and gas county and has outlined his aim is to make PNG the ‘food basket of Asia.’ What opportunities does this create for business?
Treasurer Charles Abel said the rise of China is creating opportunities for Papua New Guinea. But he also pointed to potential risks and a need to develop PNG’s relationship with Australia.
An K331 million undersea cable linking Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Australia is expected to be up and running by the end of 2019. It follows concerns by Australian officials that if China’s Huawei telco built the project, it could access Australia’s telecommunications infrastructure, creating national security concerns.
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.
The Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull and the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Peter O’Neill have announced they will be working together to lay a new undersea high speed telecommunications cable from Australia to Port Moresby. The move is expected to contribute to closer economic integration between the two neighbouring countries.
Permitting easier labour movement between Australia and the Pacific Islands would have a more beneficial effect that foreign aid, claim Lowy Institute researchers Leon Berkelman and Jonathan Pryke. They consider two models for how it might work.