The Papua New Guinea State has signed the gas agreement for the US$10 billion (K33.7 billion) Papua LNG project with Total, ExxonMobil and Oil Search. The project, which will double PNG’s gas production, represents the second-largest foreign direct investment ever in the country.
The signing of the Papua LNG project deferred, PNG LNG signs Singapore deal, and Minister flags new Mining Act. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.
Papua LNG may be at the forefront of artificial intelligence use in Papua New Guinea, China’s proposed new foreign investment laws mirror PNG’s, premium pay-per-entry airport lounges, and cybercrime. Readings from around the world on business, leadership and management.
French super major Total will look to have a final gas agreement with the Papua New Guinea government for the Papua LNG project by March 2019. If the project gets the final go-ahead, production should start in 2024, according to Jean-Marc Noiray, Managing Director of Total E&P PNG.
The Prime Minister Peter O’Neill gave an upbeat take on the Papua New Guinea economy when opening the APEC CEO Summit. He pointed to the need for consistent trade rules, strong engagement with civil society and the community, and a focus on the opportunities offered by the digital economy.
Kina expected to weaken, Total aims for transparency, and Air Niugini defers planned flights to Shanghai. A weekly digest of the latest business news.
Air Niugini launches new direct route, Total wins contract for Lihir Gold Mine, and a new state-owned-enterprise is formed. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.
Papua New Guinea’s LNG exports will more than double over the next 10 years, as a result of the planned expansion works, according to Fitch Solutions’ Senior Country Risk Analyst, Raphael Mok. But, he tells Business Advantage PNG, the government must address landowners’ backlash against royalty payments.
The Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has criticised external commentators for ‘bias’ when assessing the PNG economy. Speaking at the 34th Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum in Brisbane, he expressed optimism about the proposed Papua LNG project but said the economy has to be diversified to avoid boom and bust cycles.
New Port Moresby power plant to be online during early 2019, US equity firm bids A$13.5 billion for Santos, and PNG Post keen to diversify. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.