In brief: Pacific Marine Industrial Zone gets the go ahead, and other business stories

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Government tells Chinese company to start building Madang’s Pacific Marine Industrial Zone, new Tourism Minister unimpressed with Tourism Promotion Authority and second LNG ship is named Kumul. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.

In brief: Treasurer says Papua New Guinea government showing responsible fiscal management, and other business stories

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Treasurer Patrick Pruaitch denies Budget blowout, Kumul Petroleum to evaluate methanol plant and small rise in inbound tourism. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.

Business and employment travel outperforms leisure travel to Papua New Guinea

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Business and employment travel into Papua New Guinea has more than tripled in the last 15 years, outperforming leisure travel, which has see marginal growth over the last five years. Robert Upe report

Tourism potential in Kokopo and Rabaul ‘huge’ – if infrastructure improves

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Tourism operators have welcomed the government’s plan to develop Kokopo and Rabaul in East New Britain province as the country’s tourism hub. But they warn poor infrastructure and the country’s bad image overseas could prevent PNG reaping the benefits of ‘huge’ tourism potential.

In brief: National Development Bank under-funded and other local and international stories

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National Development Bank under-funded, Indochine Mining makes loss and PM flags constitutional reform and more stories in brief.

Lukim PNG Nau brings tourism buyers to Papua New Guinea

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Lukim PNG Nau 2013, a Papua New Guinea tourism promotion event designed to attract national and international operators and agents, has been a huge success, according to both the PNG Tourism Industry Association and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.

In brief: new Petroleum Minister, Oil Search bond buyback and other stories

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PNG’s new Petroleum Minister, officials in Abu Dhabi to negotiate Oil Search bond buyback, and the cost of Manus Detention Centre detailed. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.

Papua New Guinea tourism receives some attention

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Several new developments – the creation of a tourism hub at Kokopo (and new direct international flights to service it) and the start of cruise liners visiting remote Milne Bay – indicate progress is being made to develop Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry.

Cautious reaction to proposed ban on visas on arrival

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Business groups have reacted cautiously to the O’Neill government’s plans to scrap visas on arrival for Australian citizens.

Upturn forecast in Papua New Guinea domestic tourism

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The Australia/New Zealand representative for PNG’s Tourism Promotion Authority predicts strong growth in domestic tourism, anticipating a drop in travel costs and increased marketing of PNG’s natural scenic spots. Sonja Heydemann reports.