Analysis

How is Covid-19 affecting the flow of global remittances?
OBG
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The onset of a Covid-19-induced global recession has affected both labour markets and financial flows around the world. At the confluence of these two are remittances, which have increasingly been among the top contributors to GDP in many emerging markets over recent decades. The issue is particularly pertinent for the countries located in the so-called yellow slice of the global economic pie…

Analysis

Will entrepreneurship boost employment in Papua New Guinea?
OBG
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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Papua New Guinea currently generate 0.8% of exports and account for 6% of GDP. However, policymakers see substantial opportunities in providing these smaller companies with enhanced institutional and financial support. Indeed, the government estimates that SMEs have the potential to generate more than half of formal sector employment and contribute…

Analysis

Will mobile insurance boost inclusion in Papua New Guinea?
OBG
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Since Prime Minister James Marape took office in May 2019, the government has continued to implement a number of strategies aimed at increasing the accessibility of financial services. The National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2016-20 seeks to promote digital services and more inclusive insurance, while the Financial Sector Development Strategy 2018-30 advocates the use of financial technology…

Analysis

How Papua New Guinea is benefitting from LNG projects
OBG
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Papua New Guinea first started producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) in April 2014 when the flagship $19bn PNG LNG project came on-line months ahead of schedule. With the project exceeding export expectations, the focus has now shifted to two new projects, which would more than double the country’s LNG production capacity if they come to fruition. However, as the government is determined…

Analysis

What is Papua New Guinea doing to reform land ownership?
OBG
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Accelerating land reform has been a key priority in enabling socio-economic progress in Papua New Guinea, and several development programmes have been put in place to this end. Since being elected in 2019, Prime Minister James Marape and his administration have placed a particular focus on mobilising large areas of customary land for development, while also emphasising the empowerment of customary…

Analysis

How local agriculture products will help Papua New Guinea
OBG
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Towards the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people chose to stockpile groceries, raising questions about food security in the event of prolonged disruption to supply chains. As of June 2020 restrictions included suspension of domestic and incoming international flights; a ban on movement between provinces except for approved cargo, medical supplies and security forces; and home quarantine…

Overview

What are the tax laws and incentives in Papua New Guinea?
OBG
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As of 2020 Papua New Guinea is in the process of significant tax reform following recent amendments to the country’s tax code. Among the most recent changes are those related to the taxation of extractive industries, while proposed reforms include the introduction of a capital gains tax and the rewriting of the Income Tax Act. National Budget The 2020 budget was the first to be issued by…

Overview

How Papua New Guinea is developing its tourism sector
OBG
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Successive governments have long identified tourism as a promising avenue for Papua New Guinea to diversify its economy away from a reliance on extractive industries. PNG’s topography, biodiversity and rich cultural traditions offer a range of outdoor tourism opportunities that stand to be unlocked by improved infrastructure, enhanced safety measures and effective marketing strategies. Moreover,…

Overview

Papua New Guinea's strategy to navigate the global crisis
OBG
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The economic downturn resulting from lower global commodity prices and the completion of the PNG LNG project has led to some criticism of the national administration; thus, the future for Papua New Guinea must be navigated with care. Peter O’Neill, who secured a fourth term as prime minister in the mid-2017 elections, faced the threat of a vote of no confidence in mid-2019. He resigned in…

Overview

How diversity and resources have shaped Papua New Guinea
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Papua New Guinea is a vast archipelago, of which the main island – shared with Indonesia – forms the largest tropical island on Earth. Known for its unique flora and fauna, the country is famous for its environmental variety. However, with more than 850 languages spoken within its borders, it is also considered one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. Enjoying heterogeneous…