Interview:James Rice Where do opportunities exist in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment? JAMES RICE: The greatest opportunities in FMCG lie outside the big cities of Port Moresby and Lae. The highest potential for demand is on the islands and in the countryside, especially in western areas. Some 80% of the country’s population is centred around Mount Hagen, yet our current sales…
As has been the case worldwide, in the first half of 2020 Papua New Guinea’s retail sector had to contend with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In early February the government began imposing measures to limit the spread of the virus, while simultaneously introducing significant macroeconomic initiatives to support the economy and cushion business owners from challenges resulting from…
The economy of Papua New Guinea is dominated by its large, labour-intensive agriculture sector and extractive industries, which are mainly focused on oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and various mining activities, including gold copper and silver. The manufacturing sector remains small, generally contributing around less than 2% of GDP, and is largely made up of food, soft drinks, beer and…
Interview:Alfred Yau Which regions hold the most growth potential for the retail sector, and what are the main challenges to expansion across the country? ALFRED YAU: Port Moresby, as the capital city, will continue to see a growing retail sector – so long as extractive sectors continue to expand. Outside of Port Moresby, Sepik Provinces have the most growth potential. The region has an abundance…
With the Covid-19 pandemic set to significantly slow economic growth worldwide in 2020, Papua New Guinea’s industrial sector can expect some headwinds; however, growth is forecast to return in 2021. The authorities hope the industrial sector can benefit from the rebound and help to improve national self-sufficiency in areas such as food production, while boosting export revenues in the process. Plans…
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
Already major contributors to the nation’s revenue base, Papua New Guinea’s industry and manufacturing sectors hold significant potential for future investment and development. As such, the administration of Prime Minister James Marape remains devoted to a course that will encourage and protect businesses while working towards a reduction in the national import bill. This policy serves to both…
With a mood of cautious optimism, Papua New Guinea’s retail sector is recovering from a period of uncertainty caused by the devastating earthquake in Hela Province in early 2018. That same year was marked by sluggish growth before the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November 2018 triggered an upturn in the hospitality and general retail sectors, and encouraged businesses to invest with more confidence.…
Already major contributors to the nation’s revenue base, Papua New Guinea’s industry and manufacturing sectors hold significant potential for future investment and development. As such, the administration of Prime Minister James Marape remains devoted to a course that will encourage and protect businesses while working towards a reduction in the national import bill. This policy serves to both…
The mining industry is one of the main pillars of economic growth in Papua New Guinea. In 2017 the sector accounted for 29% of GDP and generated 86% of export revenue. Gold and copper account for the majority of mining export revenue, respectively comprising 76.8% and 13% of total sector exports in the first five months of 2019. The mining industry also remains an important source of job creation,…