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03/08/2024

TRAVEL SERIES: Have You Been to Tufi Resort Papua New Guinea

Tufi Resort is a boutique resort located in Oro Province, Papua New Guinea, renowned for its stunning fjord setting and panoramic views of the sea and mountains.

Situated 250 miles east of Port Moresby and close to the Kokoda Trail, the resort has been operational for over 30 years and is recognized as a premier destination for scuba diving enthusiasts.

Visit their website tufiresort.com for more details

Photo Credit: Tufi Resort Papua New Guinea

03/05/2024

Papua New Guinea faces a "human capital crisis" that threatens to stifle economic growth, the World Bank warned.

In its annual economic update, the World Bank attributed PNG's sluggish 2.7% growth to factors like resource sector delays, but placed a strong emphasis on education as a key to future prosperity.

The report revealed alarming statistics: nearly half of PNG's children suffer from stunted growth impacting brain development, and 70% of grade 5 students struggle with reading due to late enrollment. Schools lack basic resources, with many students attending hungry.

The World Bank urged the government to significantly invest in education, including providing essential supplies and improving teacher training. Building a strong educational foundation is seen as critical for PNG's future economic and social well-being.

Adding to the urgency, the report highlighted a rapidly growing young adult population. The number of individuals aged 20-24 is projected to balloon from 830,000 to 1.2 million by 2050. The World Bank warned that this "youth bulge" could exacerbate social issues if these young people lack education and job opportunities.

Education, the World Bank concluded, is vital for building peaceful and prosperous societies. Increased resource allocation towards education is seen as crucial to prevent future development from being jeopardized.

02/05/2024

Reagan said it best: The greatest leader gets the people to do the greatest things. Do you inspire your team to achieve their potential?

02/05/2024

Jeremiah Manele has been elected as the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.

Manele served as the foreign minister under former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, a political stalwart in Solomon Islands and a polarizing figure in the Pacific geopolitics.

Sogavare switched diplomatic ties from Taiwan to Beijing and struck a secret security pact that has raised fears of the Chinese navy gaining a foothold in the region. He did not seek re-election to the top political office but his party backed Manele.

Manele's OUR party, which has pledged to build more infrastructure, won 15 seats, and gained four seats under a renewed coalition with two micro parties. It needed support from independents to reach 26 seats for a majority in the 50-seat parliament. A total of 49 votes were cast with one lawmaker absent.

In his first national address on the steps of Parliament, Manele congratulated the people of Solomon Islands on a successful election and called for peace.

"Past prime ministers' elections have been met with the act of violence and destruction. Our economy and livelihoods have suffered because of this violence. However, today we show the world that we are better than that," he said.

"We must uphold and respect the democratic process of electing our prime minister and set and example for our children and their children."

He further highlighted a number of legislations that are ready to be tabled before Parliament. The bills include the value added tax bill, special economics zone bill, the mineral resources bill, the forestry bill and others and affirmed that the cabinet will meet to decide on the priority legislative and policy programs for 2024 which includes whether his government need to revise the 2024 budget or not.

Sogavare is out. What changes? Meg Keen, the director of the Pacific Islands program for Lowy Institute, a Sydney-based international policy think tank gives some hint.

Manale will be a “less fiery and combative leader for the West to manage but he will continue to pursue close relations with China", Keen says.

“As the former foreign minister he helped broker the security deal with China that panicked the West. But he is also a seasoned diplomat with experience at the UN and in western countries -he’s no stranger to western engagement,” Keen adds.

Manele entered parliament in 2014, becoming the opposition leader during the country's 10th Parliament. He later served as the minister for development planning and aid coordination during the 11th Parliament.

Before his parliamentary career, Manele held roles as a dedicated public servant and diplomat.

He represented the country as the Charge de Affairs of the Solomon Islands Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Papua New Guinea and a Certificate in Foreign Service and International Relations from Oxford University.

01/05/2024

New Zealand exports more to Papua New Guinea (PNG) but imports less and the trade imbalance worries PNG.

The outspoken PNG Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru didn't hold back last year when he bluntly called out Australia for a large trade imbalance between PNG and Australia.

He is not stopping soon. Minister Maru is now calling for more balanced trade between PNG and New Zealand.

A recent report by The National newspaper cites a significant decline in PNG's exports to New Zealand. The report, based on data from Papua New Guinea's Ministry of International Trade and Investment headed by Minister Maru, reveals a concerning trend.

Over the past 27 years (1995-2022), PNG's exports to New Zealand have fallen at an annual rate of 4.24%, dropping from NZ$45 million (around K101.91 million) to NZ$14 million (around K31.71 million) in 2022. This decline clearly highlights a growing imbalance, with New Zealand exporting significantly more to PNG.

New Zealand's exports to PNG have however increased steadily over the same period. In 2022, New Zealand exported NZ$132 million (about K510 million) worth of goods to PNG. The main products exported included broadcasting equipment, aluminum cans, and poultry meat. Data shows these exports have grown at an annualized rate of 3.64% since 1995.

Minister Maru is calling for a more balanced trade relationship with New Zealand saying that the current trade heavily favors New Zealand, with a ratio of 1:10 in terms of trade volume.

Minister Maru says "We want equal engagement with NZ as obligations must be shared equally between the countries in relation to partnerships"

Minister Maru, despite the trade imbalance acknowledges PNG's position as New Zealand's second-largest market for goods export and suggests exploring the possibility of exporting PNG's agricultural products, like taro, to New Zealand markets in return.

Earlier this month Minister Maru visited New Zealand meeting with 'Wantok Produce' Managing Director, Dr. Pulotu Lautofa McCarthy who is calling on the Government of PNG to seriously give priority to direct flights between PNG and New Zealand.

Wantok Produce in partnership with the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) Enterprise Limited exported first 13 tons of frozen taro to New Zealand last month.

“This is the first time that PNG has exported its taro into the New Zealand market after 50 years of trying,” Minister Maru said in a statement released.

Dr. McCarthy further stated: “Our taro taste better than taros from anywhere in the world. We can also export yams, sweet potatoes, cassavas, bananas, coffee, and other products targeting the 400, 000 Pacific Islanders living in New Zealand.

"I am calling on the PNG Government to seriously give priority to direct flights between PNG and New Zealand because this will enable us to export more of our products into New Zealand market.”

30/04/2024

Air Niugini's refurbished Boeing 767s return to service on the popular Brisbane and Singapore routes

Papua New Guinea's national airline, Air Niugini has contributed immensely over the years to the nation's economic growth despite facing many challenges operating in an unforgiving landscape and business environment.

Its network of international and domestic flights connects businesses, enabling import/export and fostering partnerships through frequent flights for meetings and conferences. This strengthens Papua New Guinea's economy.

Air Niugini also boosts tourism. More flights make Papua New Guinea more accessible, attracting visitors and benefiting local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Air Niugini recently announced the return of its Boeing 767 aircraft serving Brisbane and Singapore. Both P2-PXV and P2-PXW underwent C-checks, a major maintenance program, over the past six months.

These checks included a complete cabin and lavatory refurbishment for a refreshed travel experience. Passengers can now enjoy the upgrades with Air Niugini's crew.

During maintenance, Air Niugini partnered with Omni Air International to operate Brisbane and Singapore flights.

The return of the refurbished 767s coincides with the airline's resumption of Tuesday flights to Singapore on May 7th, increasing the total frequency to five weekly services. Additionally, a fourth weekly service to Hong Kong begins on July 1st according to a statement released by Air Niugini

30/04/2024

Property investment in the Asia Pacific region defied global trends, experiencing a robust 13% year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2024.

"Asia Pacific is the only region in the world that will experience growth in commercial real estate investment in the first quarter of 2024," said Stuart Crow, CEO of Asia Pacific Capital Markets at JLL. Investment volume has reached US$30.5 billion.

This marks the second consecutive quarter of growth for the region after a seven-quarter downturn.

"The increase in investment volume occurred amidst large-scale acquisitions by global investors, while institutional investors continued to invest," explained Crow.

The North Asia region emerged as the growth leader, with Japan taking the top spot in Asia Pacific. Japan's property market saw a significant rise, with an investment volume of US$11.5 billion, reflecting a 29% year-on-year increase.
Domestic buyers continue to be a strong force in the Japanese market.

However, large-scale acquisitions in the office, logistics, and industrial sectors by foreign investors have also fueled growth. Favorable financial conditions, positive yield differentials, and a weak yen are seen as key drivers of this foreign interest.

South Korea also witnessed impressive growth, with investments reaching US$4.3 billion, a 73% year-on-year increase. The office sector dominated investment activity due to its stable foundation, low vacancy rates, and strong rental demand.

Singapore followed suit with US$2.2 billion in investments, marking a 14% year-on-year rise. Capital allocation toward retail assets with positive rental prospects and strong investment returns is credited for this growth.

"The first quarter reflects continued investor interest amidst Asia Pacific's strong economic foundations and attractive pricing opportunities across diverse markets and asset classes," commented Crow. "We are seeing increased interest from both local and overseas investors across a range of risk profiles."

Despite a slight 1% year-on-year decline to US$12.6 billion, the office sector remained the most active property category across the Asia Pacific region.
The logistics and industrial sectors, along with retail, also demonstrated growth. Logistics and industrial investments reached US$7.8 billion, reflecting a 36% year-on-year increase, while the retail sector grew by 8% to US$5.7 billion.

Cross-border investment in sectors like logistics, industry, retail, and residential also saw some growth. However, price uncertainty dampened activity to some extent, keeping growth figures moderate.

Investment volumes in some other major Asia Pacific countries, including Australia, China, and Hong Kong, declined compared to the previous year. Australia and China experienced a 19% year-on-year decline, while Hong Kong saw a steeper drop of 54% year-on-year.

Interest rate uncertainty continues to influence investment activity across the region. However, experts anticipates a recovery in 2024.

29/04/2024

There are certain things money can't buy. However, money does influence critical decisions.

This is particularly true for PNG, who finds itself at a crossroads between China and Australia.

A recent article on the National Tribune website by Ian Kemish, an adjunct professor at the University of Queensland's School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, titled "China's Money Only Goes So Far – Kokoda Shows Why History Binds PNG and Australia in a Far Deeper Way" makes one ask 'can the Chinese money buy loyalty?

The US, Australia, and Japan were the key players who fought on PNG soil. Australia eventually colonized PNG, and a long and lasting bilateral relationship has developed ever since.

One can agree with Kemish that some things, like the camaraderie and rich relationship between two countries, cannot be bought with money.

"There can be no more powerful symbol of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea than the prime ministers of these neighboring countries walking together on the challenging Kokoda Track toward Isurava, high in PNG's rugged Owen Stanley mountains," says Kemish, referring to the historical walk by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and PNG Prime Minister James Marape to commemorate ANZAC Day.

Setting aside historical ties for a moment, given PNG's recent economic and geopolitical challenges, the real question is: Does the historical relationship with Australia still hold significant weight when it comes to key economic decisions?

The answer to that question has had mix reaction over the years. For instance, trade between Australia and PNG has been skewed in Australia's favor for decades, according to International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru.

PNG's exports to Australia in 2022 stood at AU$1.6 billion (about K4.1 billion), with more than 98% being gold and other precious metals. Australia's exports to PNG stood at AU$95.9 million (K246.7 million).

As widely reported by international and local media, there is a lot going on between PNG and both Australia and China.

This clearly refutes Kemish's claim of an underlying lack of enthusiasm in PNG about expanding its ties with China to include defense or policing ties.

On the other hand, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's statement that "China supports PNG's common development without any geopolitical selfish interests" isn't entirely true given China's growing geopolitical influence in the Pacific.

PNG Prime Minister Marape's response to President Biden's uncle's alleged cannibalism experience in PNG during WWII may offer some clues. He stated, "It is not my people's doing. They were dragged into a war that is not their doing."

Kemish, being Australian, and his article titled towards Australia, along with Minister Wang's claim, might be colored by national interests. Ultimately, PNG stands at a crossroads.

Can China's economic clout outweigh the long and deep historical relationship with Australia? Only time will tell.

28/04/2024

Australian industrial sand mining company Mayur Resources has secured $155 million in funding to complete its Central Lime Project (CLP) in Papua New Guinea.

NS Energy reported that funding structure combines $115 million in debt financing from Appian Capital Advisory with a $40 million equity investment from Vision Blue Resources.

Appian's contribution includes a $70 million senior secured loan and royalty financing arrangement specifically designated to help the CLP achieve its base production capacity of 400,000 tonnes of quicklime annually.

Additionally, a $22.2 million over-run facility and another $22.2 million allocated for potential expansion beyond base capacity provide flexibility for the project's future.

Mayur's Managing Director, Paul Mulder stated “Today marks the key funding milestone in delivering the CLP, which will be a transformative development for Papua New Guinea’s landowners, central province, and the broader manufacturing sector.

“Hundreds of new jobs, support service businesses, electricity, roads, education/health facilities are all part of the benefits that will be created for landowners, whom to date, have lacked such basic services and have been negatively impacted by isolation.

Beyond its economic impact, the CLP is positioned to play a crucial role in the clean energy transition by supplying a key input for processing energy transition metals in the region.

Construction of the CLP began in mid-2023, with a focus on wharf infrastructure. This early start allows for optimized logistics and a potentially shortened development schedule.

Mayur also anticipates generating early revenue through the sale of raw limestone aggregate during construction.

Appian Capital Advisory CEO and founder Michael Scherb said: “Appian is excited to partner with Mayur and Vision Blue on the Central Lime Project in Papua New Guinea.

“CLP is a leading asset, set to produce low-cost lime products for metal processing, strategically located close to end markets in Australia and Asia.
“The project will also play a pivotal role in highlighting foreign direct investment in png, supporting the country’s growing industrial sector.

“This collaboration showcases the ongoing success of Appian’s dedicated credit and royalties offering, highlighting the significant value our team brings to the delivery of mining assets globally.”

25/04/2024

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) anticipates generating K30 billion in social benefits over the next 27 years. But can this be achieved without irreversible environmental damage?

Opened in 1984, OTML is the longest-running open-pit copper, gold, and silver mine in Papua New Guinea (PNG)

Originally focused on gold, it shifted to copper production in 1987. Under former Prime Minister Peter O'Neil, a bill was passed to allow PNG Government to take complete ownership of the mine.

The new legislation removed BHP Billiton’s immunity from legal action for environmental damage caused by the mine’s operations. Today, PNG holds the majority share through the PNG Sustainable Development Program Limited.

The mine has contributed immensely to PNG's economy over the years by generating a substantial portion of national exports and employs big number of locals.

However, the mines' story isn't without controversy. Mine waste disposal has been linked to damage in the Ok Tedi River, impacting downstream communities.

During the 1980s and 1990s, the mine dumped an estimated 80,000 tonnes of limestone sludge, containing chemicals and minerals, into the upper Tedi River, the damages which 'The Conversation' reports are irreversible.

Social unrest due to landowner disputes and compensation issues has also plagued the mine's history. Transparency concerns regarding benefit distribution to impacted communities have been raised.

The mine has started the year on a high note by securing 20-year extension to its Special Mining Lease (SML) 1(0), allowing operations to continue until 2042.

According to OTML website, the initial SML 1 (0) lease, granted in 1981 expired in May 2002 and was extended for another 20 years until its expiration in 2022.

An application for the renewal of the SML 1 (0) and associated leases for mining purposes in compliance with the Mining Act 1992 provisions was lodged with the Mineral Resources Authority on Monday December 20th, 2021 resulting in the current extension grant.

The SML 1 (0) lease renewal includes renewal of 22 Lease for Mining Purposes (LMP) and two (2) Mining Easement which are tied to the term of SML 1 (0). The 24 ancillary leases hosts supporting infrastructure for the mining operations while the SML 1(0) lease is the host area for active mining and milling operations.

”OTML remains committed to fulfilling our environmental, legal, and social obligations, maintaining positive relationships with the communities impacted by our operations, and securing the social license to operate, which is vital for our ongoing success,” OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit stated during the presentation.

OTML has strategic growth projects aligned with its current plan. These projects are expected to generate K30 billion in social benefits over the next 27 years.

But can this be achieved without irreversible environmental damage? The ambitious goal remains a key question to be addressed.

23/04/2024

"China will become the most trustworthy partner for Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the latter's development process", visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Port Moresby on Sunday.

That was about the same time US President Joe Biden made a false claim about his uncle being eaten by cannibals in PNG during WWII stirring up intense debate leading to PNG Prime Minister James Marape's blunt response to President Biden.

Wang's visit to PNG couldn't have come at a better time, especially in light of what critics described as a culturally insensitive and irresponsible statement by Joe Biden, the leader of the free world.

US has been criticized for 'all talks and no action' in the Pacific with other questioning its real motive in wooing Pacific Island leaders.

Wang was last in PNG in 2022, during a regional visit where China unsuccessfully sought a regional security and trade deal.

"The mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries has been expanding and deepening, providing a steady stream of impetus for their respective development and revitalization... and in the process of PNG's development, China will be your most reliable partner," Wang told Prime Minister Marape on Sunday.

Wang said that PNG was the first Pacific island country to sign the memorandum of understanding and cooperation plan on Belt and Road cooperation, and has become China's largest trading partner, investment destination and project contracting market in the region.

With the joint efforts of both sides, important progress has been achieved in implementing the outcomes of Prime Minister James Marape's visit to China in October last year.

"The bilateral relations between PNG and China have taken deep roots, covered broad areas, and yielded fruitful results.

"The Chinese government, people, and enterprises have contributed to Papua New Guinea's economic and social development and improved people's well-being" Prime Minister Marape stated.

Following the bilateral meeting, China and PNG signed several agreements, relating to the export of PNG cocoa and coffee, cooperation on information communication technology and $1.7 million in disaster relief.

PNG's foreign affairs minister Justine Tkatchenko said both countries reached "very positive understandings" on a number of issues.

"I want to reassure the foreign minister of the importance PNG places on its bilateral relationship with China," he said.

"A friendship that has been built up on trust, PNG values China as an important bilateral partner."

Wang also used the occasion to criticize the AUKUS partnership, claiming it created "division" that isn't "in line with the urgent needs of Pacific Island countries".

AUKUS, established in September 2021, is a security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States that is focused on the Indo-Pacific region with aim to bolster regional security and collaborative defense efforts amongst these longstanding allies.

22/04/2024

The incumbent Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare has retained his seat but failed to master the absolute majority according to media reports.

The four-time Prime Minister clinched his seventh parliamentary election with a margin of 1,808 votes, beating his closest competitor, David Qurusu of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, by 259 votes.

With only four more seats in the 50-member parliament yet to be officially declared, there is no outright winner according to Radio New Zealand.

The Solomon Islands have become a focal point of growing competition between the US and China for influence in the Pacific.

If Sogavare, who is known to support China, forms the next government, it could pose more challenges for the United States and Australia. As such, US and Australia are anxiously monitoring formation of new government in Solomon Islands.

US has been close partner to Solomon Islands over the years. But the alliance has shifted to China under the leadership of Sogavare. The signing of a security agreement with China in 2022, has raised concerns amongst the US and its allies about a potential Chinese military presence near their doorstep.

The man who has the potential to form the next government, has been raising anxieties in Canberra and Washington over his continued public support towards China.

Last year (2023), Sogavare, publicly snubbed meeting with US president and in doing so praised China's 'global security initiative' in UN speech.

"They must respect Pacific leaders and change their strategies of meeting with Pacific leaders,” Sogavare said after returning to the Solomon Islands from New York, where he spoke at the annual United Nations General Assembly.

Sogavare singled out China in his speech, praising the country for its work as a development partner and highlighting the "comprehensive strategic framework" he developed with China's President Xi Jinping.

China continues to ramp up its presence in the Solomon Islands, funding a new national stadium and infrastructure projects.

Australia on the other side, while being the Solomon Islands' biggest aid donor and has been leading development projects in the country for decades, has to face the challenge of China getting much attention being the country's largest trade partner.

All eyes are now on Sogavare who has to master the numbers to form the next government in Solomon Islands.

21/04/2024

Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape may be trying to defuse the situation between the US and PNG following US President Joe Biden's false claim that his uncle was eaten by cannibals in PNG during World War II (WWII).

But Marape's response is blunt and carries a lot of weight in the context of the geopolitical tussle between the US and China in the Pacific.

Prime Minister Marape said in a statement, "President Biden's remarks may have been a slip of the tongue. However, my country doesn't deserve to be labeled as such."

"World War II was not the doing of my people. However, they were needlessly dragged into a conflict that was not of their making," he continued.

"The remains of World War II lie scattered all over PNG, including the plane that carried President Biden's uncle, Ambrose Finnegan," Marape noted.

"Perhaps, given President Biden's comment and the strong reaction from PNG and other parts of the world, it is time for the USA to find as many remains of World War II in PNG as possible, including those of servicemen who lost their lives like Ambrose Finnegan."

"The theaters of war in PNG and the Solomon Islands are many and littered with remains of World War II, including human remains, plane wrecks, shipwrecks, tunnels, and bombs. Our people live daily with the fear of being killed by detonated bombs from World War II."

Prime Minister Marape's statement drives the point deeper into the US struggle to win back the hearts of the Pacific despite being a major player in WWII.

Several media sources have criticized the US for being all talk and no action in the Pacific, while China steadily expands its influence in the social, economic, and political fabric of Pacific island nations.

This isn't the first such situation involving a US sitting President, a situation which China takes advantage of with open arms.

In 2028, US President Donald Trump skipped the APEC summit in PNG, sending Vice President Mike Pence in his place.

In 2023, PNG declared a national holiday in honor of Biden's visit, which would have been the first-ever visit from a sitting US president. However, Biden canceled the trip to deal with domestic issues.

"We are disappointed that this historic visit has been canceled as we have prepared well, spent a lot of time, effort, and energy towards the visit, and we were all looking forward to the visit," Powes Parkop, the governor of the National Capital District stated.

The US has hosted and participated in high-level meetings with Pacific leaders, signaling a renewed focus on the region. However, commentators view this as merely a power play, with concerns about ulterior motives underlying these engagements.

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19/04/2024

US President Joe Biden claims that his uncle, 2nd Lieutenant Ambrose J Finnegan was eaten by 'cannibals' in Papua New Guinea (PNG) during World War 2.

MSNBC reported that Mr. Biden made the statement during a campaign stop in Pittsburgh, making a clear distinction between his family's military service and Donald Trump's reported criticisms of military members, as detailed in The Atlantic in 2020.

The statement has sparked debate about the appropriateness of using the word "cannibal" and its potential impact on U.S. reputation in the Pacific region, especially amid efforts to strengthen relationships with Pacific island economies amidst rising Chinese influence in geopolitics.

According to The Telegraph, Mr. Biden stated;

“He flew single-engine planes, reconnaissance flights over New Guinea,” Mr. Biden said of his maternal uncle, 2nd Lieutenant Ambrose J Finnegan.

“He had volunteered because someone couldn’t make it. He got shot down in an area where there were a lot of cannibals in New Guinea at the time.

“They never recovered his body. But the government went back, when I went down there, and they checked and found some parts of the plane and the like.”

But The Telegraph again revealed that official war records dispute all of Mr. Biden’s assertions about his uncle’s fate during the flight on May 14, 1944. Lt Finnegan was not flying the plane, nor was it shot down.

Firstly, it's crucial to note that Mr. Biden's comment was made in the context of a personal story about his family history. But Mr. Biden is well known for telling exaggerated stories. He once said his house got burnt down and that he got arrested trying to see Nelson Mandela in jail.

However, the use of the term "cannibal" carries historical and cultural weight, particularly in PNG and other Pacific islands.

Historically, Western explorers and colonizers often depicted indigenous peoples as "savages" or "cannibals," perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to the marginalization of these communities.

The Pacific island economies have diverse cultural backgrounds and histories, and they value respect and sensitivity in diplomatic interactions.

The use of a term like "cannibal" by a U.S. President, even in a personal anecdote, can be perceived as culturally insensitive and may undermine efforts to build trust and positive relations.

Moreover, the timing of such statements is critical. As the US seeks to strengthen its engagement with Pacific island nations in the face of increasing Chinese influence, every word and action is scrutinized.

China has been actively expanding its presence in the region through infrastructure projects, economic partnerships, and diplomatic initiatives. In contrast, the U.S. has been working to reassert its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Pacific islands, as part of its strategic efforts to maintain a balance of power.

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Canconex 2023 Video Highlight from PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum. Have a sneak preview of the first of its kind and largest land owner event help in Lae Morobe Province starting yesterday and continues today.

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Zero to Hero

"There is no way you will succeed in business" they told him. He proved them wrong .. He didnt give up. For 13 years, he operated his business, Kairu and Sons Limited in his small home office. So if you operating at home and you worried about it, stop here and take courage and inspiration from someone who has done yards in a home office. Today Ronald has his own office and employs 30 people. But it wasnt a walk in the park as Mr Kairu recalls. "When I started, people said I would never succeed, but I kept working hard and today they eat they own words. I forgave them because I have a good heart" Ronald told #thepngbusiness Many business owners give up their business dreams because they listen to the opinion of others, which often times are negative. The truth is other peoples' opinion is not your reality unless you believe it and act on it then it becomes you reality. They told Ronald, you are not going to make it. They where right because it was their opinion and not Ronald's reality. His reality was, I am going to stick to my business come rain and sun and after 13 years, he his still going strong with 30 employees. How wonderful is that? Ronald and other SMEs in Lae Lae are fortunate to have experts from Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) deliver a very comprehensive training for them, thanks to BSP through the BSP / ABV ‘Your Enterprise Scheme’ (YES) Program. Kairu & Sons offers services in Steel Fabrication & Welding, Pressure Welding, Trailer Fabrication & Rebuild, Fuel Terminal Engineering, Fuel System Maintenance, Mechanical Engineering Maintenance & Building Maintenance. If you inspired by Ronald's story, do share. Let's get wisdom go viral

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Business Magazine For Entrepreneurs

The PNG Business is an innovative technology and business news media company, founded in 2020 around a simple idea: enable PNG entrepreneurs to tell their own stories. We are one of the fastest growing digital platform serving the multifaceted startups and established businesses through original content, video and unique digital experiences.

The platform has grown into a market leader in digital space, reaching over a million highly targeted entrepreneurial and the business community every month.

Our team consist of passionate, high-energy, and focused rock-star creative professional from branding, marketing, sales, growth hacking and business management. Our team executes with our values at the forefront of mind: Love of Community, Transparency and Communication, Collective Responsibility, and Fail Fast.

THE PNG BUSINESS, is continuously looking for new team members to help us continue to scale, cultivate our community, and advance our strategic direction.