Tonga, Samoa struggle with hosting upcoming major events
As Tonga and Samoa gear up to host two major inter-governmental events this year, the Pacific Islands Forum in late August and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October, both countries are grappling with a shortage of accommodation for attending...
Tourism, Kava boom highlights of Vanuatu’s economic recovery
The Vanuatu Private Sector Economic update for 2023 highlights several positive trends in Vanuatu’s economy despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Most businesses successfully weathered the crisis, limiting permanent closures and unemployment. Since the...
Starlink approved in Samoa but restrictions apply
The Samoan Cabinet has given the green light for Space X’s Starlink satellite services to operate within Samoa, albeit with restrictions specifically targeting educational and healthcare facilities. The official approval from the Cabinet, as clarified by the...
PTI Australia announces support to region’s first green hydrogen plant
In a step towards sustainable energy development in the Pacific, Pacific Trade Invest Australia has announced its support to Hydrogen Power Fiji, a subsidiary of HDF Energy, to support the development of the first green hydrogen power plant project in the region. The...
Islands’ challenging correspondent banking relationships discussed
Pacific Island Countries grapple with mounting obstacles in Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBR), as highlighted in the recent high-level event convened in Sydney. Policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders congregated to confront the complex issues...
Premier and rugby legend to headline 39th APNG Business Forum
Two distinguished figures, former Tasmania Premier The Hon Peter Gutwein GAICD, and rugby league icon Malcolm Norman Meninga AM, are set to grace the 39th Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum on the Gold Coast from May 13 to 15. Their attendance promises a...
Thumbs down to PACER Plus again
Papua New Guinea’s Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, affirmed his country’s stance of the last decade to abstain from joining PACER Plus during his initial meeting with the new Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, John Feakes....
New gold bill threatens economic sovereignty, chamber fears
Papua New Guinea’s National Gold Corporation Bill 2022 is stirring significant concern within the country’s mining sector and the larger economy, as it threatens to establish a gold monopoly that could have disastrous consequences, warns the PNG Chamber of Resources...
Australia Awards propel Papua New Guineans towards aviation excellence
In a concerted effort to uplift the skills and expertise within Papua New Guinea’s aviation sector, Australia Awards has been instrumental in empowering over 1,400 Papua New Guineans since 2011 to pursue extensive studies in Australia. Among these beneficiaries is...
Economist identifies key challenges for economic growth in PNG, Pacific
In a recent business meeting in Lae, Papua New Guinea, Westpac economist Justin Smirk highlighted six key challenges hampering Papua New Guinea’s economy and businesses. These issues include a shortage of expertise and skills, foreign exchange concerns, security...
Fiji, Papua New Guinea bolster economic ties
Fiji and Papua New Guinea convened a pivotal meeting during the 2024 Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Budget Foreign Ministers Meeting in Port Vila, Vanuatu recently, in a move toward bolstering economic cooperation,. The meeting, attended by Papua New Guinea’s...
APNGBC Business Forum is the gateway to growth in PNG
The 39th Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo is set to bring together senior business and government representatives in an atmosphere away from the usual grind of daily business. Registrations are open for the event, which is to be held on Mon...