Domestic credit in Papua New Guinea sound, say finance executives

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Businesses in Papua New Guinea may be finding it hard to get foreign exchange, but credit quality within the domestic economy remains relatively healthy. Finance executives and analysts tell Business Advantage PNG that there has been only a slight deterioration of kina-denominated credit, despite the weak economy.

In brief: Total to build separate LNG pipeline, and other business stories

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Competition concerns prompt Total to build separate LNG pipeline, NICTA chief admits PNG has no cyber attack defence mechanisms, and BCL to step up community engagement. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.

In brief: Fiji lifts ban on import of Papua New Guinea food products, and other business stories

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Fiji’s trade Minister lifts ban on PNG food products, K65 million sought to contain coffee berry borer, and O’Neill warns of crackdown on companies not paying taxes. Your weekly digest of the latest business news

Saving key to improving credit to Papua New Guinea business, say top bankers

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The greatest challenge facing Papua New Guinea’s financial system and businesses is to establish saving in the country’s mostly unbanked population. That is the message from three of the country’s top bankers.

Business Advantage Boardroom, Episode 1: Papua New Guinea’s top bankers discuss the financial services sector

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Papua New Guinea’s top bankers discuss the kina, foreign exchange shortages, finance for business and the future of banking services.

In brief: Petroleum Minister says Bougainville President should ‘carefully consider’ offer of free equity in BCL, and other business stories

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John Momis told to ‘carefully consider’ equity offer from Rio Tinto, ExxonMobil declines to confirm or deny InterOil bid, and Supreme Court orders parliamentary vote on no confidence motion. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.

Existing SMEs on new Reserve List of Papua New Guinea businesses will be bought out at current market value, says Minister

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Trade, Commerce and Industry Minister Richard Maru says he is compiling a reserve list of businesses that may only be owned and operated by PNG nationals. While Maru has given no timeline for the reintroduction of the Reserve List, he says existing businesses will be bought out at the current value.

SME policy launch reflects growing realisation that Papua New Guinea cannot rely solely on the resources sector

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The launch of the country’s first master plan to develop the Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) sector reflects a growing acknowledgment by Cabinet ministers that they need to grow sectors other than mining.

In brief: New Public Enterprises Minister to review state-owned enterprises prior to privatisation, and other business stories

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Duma to review SOEs before privatisation process, Santos reported to be selling PNG LNG stake, KCH receives study on proposed 1800MW hydro dam. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.

Papua New Guinea lenders welcome registry of personal assets

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The creation of a registry of personal assets to be used as loan security will boost the small business sector, according to Moses Liu, the Managing Director of the National Development Bank.