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…
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…
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…
As globalisation has increased, the world’s supply chains have become substantially more interconnected, and goods often have more stages to pass through before reaching the end consumer. From national lockdowns to closed airspace and borders, Covid-19 has resulted in unprecedented disruption to the mechanics of most economies, regardless of their size or stage of development. In particular,…
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…
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…
The government of Papua New Guinea faces some challenges in 2020, with the electorate calling for improvements to social and economic infrastructure, and greater efforts to combat both real and perceived corruption. Despite these difficulties, PNG’s resource wealth and strategic location between the industrial centres of north-east Asia, the rising economies of the Association of South-east Asia
The Guide contains selected listings of hotels in Port Moresby and Lae, as well as information for business and leisure travellers covering visa requirements, health and safety considerations, and local language and culture. This chapter contains an interview with Materua Tamarua, CEO, Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council.…
This chapter explores Papua New Guinea’s legal system across the national, local and provincial levels, including the laws that may impact a foreign enterprise in its business dealings in PNG; the taxes and import duties imposed on individuals and business organisations; the rules regarding the use of customary land; and the conditions under which citizens of the country can be employed. The chapter…
