The Pacific Island Forum (PIF) was held last week in Suva. New faces, more journalist and the launch of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent spell the success of this meeting. Dr Tess Newton Cain and journalist Stefan Armbruster analyse the meeting and what it could mean for the future of the region.
The PACER Plus free trade agreement commences on 13 December 2020, revolutionising trade across the Pacific (although not Papua New Guinea yet). Additional countries are set to join the agreement in the coming months.
Porgera mine output is removed from Barrick’s full year guidance, Westpac announces new division for Westpac Pacific and Australia and New Zealand agree on a ‘trans-Tasman COVID-safe’ travel zone. The business news you need to kick-start your week.
Papua New Guinea gets help from the International Monetary Fund, Minister for Petroleum explains P’nyang license and the ‘Whistleblower Act’ passes unanimously. The news you need to kickstart your week.
Total expects new PNG Government to honour gas agreement, SP Brewery signs a MoU to turn brewing waste into fertiliser and Air Niugini may take over one of Cathay Pacific’s routes. Your weekly digest of business news.
Accessing customary land for development in Papua New Guinea continues to be a challenge, while difficulties remain with securing finance against that land. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, Maori landowners are forging ahead with joint ventures, using leases as security and pooling financial resources. Kevin McQuillan investigates how it’s done, in the first of a two-part series.
NASFUND’s new Chairman, Australia appoints Consul-General in Lae, EMTV loses CEO, a new NZ High Commissioner, Japan’s Ambassador leaves, new Port Moresby General Hospital CEO, inaugural chairman of Porgera Chamber of Commerce, new board member at Geopacific Resources.
Ban imported vegetables suspended for three months, Mainland CEO calls for tougher bio security measures, and Oil Search confident, despite low oil prices. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.
Corruption and money laundering claims continue to dominate headlines, as NZ politicians favour immunity for Fiji’s current coup leaders.