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…
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…
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…
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…
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
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…
Interview:Nathaniel Ho What is your outlook for Papua New Guinea’s retail sector in the coming 12 months? NATHANIEL HO: Global markets will remain volatile in the latter half of 2019 and likely beyond. We have not seen certainty since the US triggered a trade war with China, which has dealt a blow to consumer confidence. The situation is hurting both manufacturers and retailers, and is causing…
The future of Wafi-Golpu, a major gold and copper mine in Morobe Province to be developed by South Africa-headquartered Harmony Gold and Australian-owned Newcrest, appears uncertain after the government of Papua New Guinea told investors it intends to seek further benefits. Sam Basil, the then-treasurer, announced in June 2019 that the negotiation with the two firms was on hold until the national government…
The imposition of import tariffs in Papua New Guinea in recent years has had a broadly positive effect on local industry, both in terms of encouraging capital investment by manufacturing companies and ensuring the survival of existing industrial firms. However, the policy has also caused some supply-side constraints and raised questions about the country’s attractiveness to international investors.…
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…