Articles by David James

Oil up, gas down and palm oil surging: a monthly review of commodity prices and financial markets

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Palm oil was the biggest mover in the month, while gold, coffee and oil prices remain strong. Gas prices, however, continue to be weak and in the currency markets, the kina continues its slide against the yen. Business Advantage PNG’s monthly overview of commodity and financial markets.

Industry diversification a must, say ADB and Manufacturers Council

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The economic and financial stresses being experienced in the PNG economy are in part due to the narrowness of the industry base, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank. There is a compelling argument for industry diversification; Chey Scovell of the Manufacturers Council says the focus should be on creating stable employment.

Wantok Clothing: the Papua New Guinea-owned company that made the Olympic uniforms

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For the first time the uniforms of Papua New Guinea’s Olympic athletes have been fully made locally by a PNG-owned company. That company is Wantok Clothing and founder Genevieve Igara tells Business Advantage PNG that it has shown what is possible.

US$200 million in finance for private sector climate change projects

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Climate change is the ‘single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific’, according to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS). But the region is showing leadership and there are opportunities for Papua New Guinea to gain access to climate finance.

InterOil shareholders still to decide on takeover by ExxonMobil

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The board of InterOil has accepted that the ExxonMobil bid is ‘superior’ to the bid by Oil Search. But the deal will not be completely finalised until a proposed shareholders’ meeting in September. And there are some legal obstacles that have to be dealt with.

Papua New Guinea’s mid-year economic report paints gloomy picture, with some positives

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The Papua New Guinea government has released its Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook Report. GDP growth is expected to be weak, tax revenue is lower than expected and public debt is rising above the legislated limit.

A weaker kina may make sovereign bond raising less risky, says economist

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The Papua New Guinea authorities should allow the currency to fall to its market level to make foreign bond raisings less risky says economist Rohan Fox. He tells Business Advantage PNG that domestic banks are reaching the limits of their capacity to take on government debt, which is increasing the pressure to raise capital internationally.

Signs of recovery: a monthly review of commodity prices and financial markets

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Despite short-term weaknesses, oil and gold prices are up over the year so far. Gas prices, although only half their 2014 peak, may be finding a floor while coffee prices are strong. Meanwhile, domestic equities have moved sideways, while some Australian miners have surged. Business Advantage PNG’s monthly overview of commodity and financial markets.

In brief: Petroleum Minister says Bougainville President should ‘carefully consider’ offer of free equity in BCL, and other business stories

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John Momis told to ‘carefully consider’ equity offer from Rio Tinto, ExxonMobil declines to confirm or deny InterOil bid, and Supreme Court orders parliamentary vote on no confidence motion. Your weekly digest of the latest business news.

Survival of Papua New Guinea industry threatened unless greater protection, say business figures

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There is a growing call for greater protection of Papua New Guinea industry to respond to allegedly unfair international competition. A number of manufacturers tell Business Advantage PNG that most countries have used protectionism to foster their domestic industries and it is time for PNG to do the same.