Country Profile
From The Report: Papua New Guinea 2018
View in Online Reader

Although external forces contributed to challenging economic conditions in recent times, PNG should benefit from the stability brought about by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s 2017 election victory, which solidifies the public agenda and provides more investor certainty. Hosting international events such as APEC 2018 should positively influence international perceptions and highlight opportunities available in the country, while planned investments in the extractive industries are positioned to boost the wider economy. This chapter contains an interview with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Diverse and dispersed: With a variety of cultures and landscapes, the population remains spread throughout rural regions
OBG
plus

Papua New Guinea is a vast archipelago, with the eastern half of New Guinea, the largest tropical island on Earth, and hundreds of smaller adjacent islands. Known for its unique flora and fauna, the country is famous for its environmental variety. However, with more than 850 languages spoken within its borders, it can also be considered one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world. While it enjoys heterogeneous landscapes and cultures, PNG is seen as a frontier country in economic terms.…

Interview

Full engagement: Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, on how the nation is leveraging improved economic conditions and regional opportunities
OBG
plus

Interview :Prime Minister Peter O’Neill How do you assess Papua New Guinea’s economic outlook for 2018 and 2019? PETER O’NEILL: The economic outlook for 2018-19 and beyond stands to be very positive if the recent improvements in global economic conditions, especially the recovery of commodity prices, are maintained. PNG was particularly badly hit by low commodity prices in 2015 and 2016. Since 2017 we have also suffered from drought and devastating earthquakes, resulting in the loss…

Overview

Onwards and upwards: Following elections in 2017, self-sufficiency and diversification are prioritised as the country hosts APEC for the first time
OBG
plus

The future remains somewhat uncertain for Papua New Guinea. The economic downturn resulting from lower global commodity prices and the completion of the PNG LNG project have led to some in criticism of the current administration, with accusations of mismanagement. Despite this, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill secured a fourth term in the mid-2017 elections, winning 78% of the votes cast in his district. Some key challenges face political decision-makers, with the electorate calling for improvements…

Analysis

On the road: China’s Belt and Road Initiative is reshaping infrastructure in various Eurasian, Pacific and African nations
OBG
plus

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) promises to radically transform a vast swathe of trade and transport infrastructure throughout Eurasia and Africa, which will have significant effects on how Asia does business with the world and vice versa. Historical Precedent While it is a relatively new idea, the BRI also harks back to medieval times, when the Silk Road – serving as a series of trade routes criss-crossing the Asian landmass – flowed between East and West. Its more famous travellers included…