Dear Reader,

We are really excited about the program we have put together for our first investment conference in two years, which includes two heavyweight keynote speakers, plus an impressive cross-section of PNG and international business leaders.

The view from the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney – location for September’s PNG Investment Conference

We look forward to meeting many of you at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney on 7 and 8 September for the Business Advantage Papua New Guinea Investment Conference, incorporating the Pacific Investment Seminar.

Our aim is to showcase opportunities across a wide range of industry sectors—throughout Papua New Guinea, not just Port Moresby. As publishers of businessadvantagepng.com and the annual Business Advantage Papua New Guinea Investment Guide, we are uniquely placed to do this.

In fact, many of the topics from the conference are inspired by our most popular business stories.

Highlights

Among the many highlights will be keynote addresses by renowned futurist Mark Pesce and China expert David Thomas.

A prominent innovator and technology entrepreneur, Mark Pesce is well-placed to outline the opportunities for PNG business from improved internet connectivity and greater integration with global finance and trade.

‘Two of the stand-out panel sessions will be ‘PNG’s Energy Future’ (including Oil Search’s Peter Botten) and the intriguing ‘Businesses of the Future.’

Likewise, few are better able than Think Global’s David Thomas to articulate how best to do business with the world’s new economic powerhouse, China.

Among the speakers on PNG’s current investment climate and future outlook are Loi M Bakani (Governor, Bank of PNG), Dr Stephen Nash (Chief Investment Officer, Nambawan Super) and President of the PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry John Leahy.

Meanwhile, infrastructure and transport will be covered off by some impressive presenters, ranging from Asian Development Bank Country Manager, David Hill, Mahesh Patel (Kumul Telecom) and Sir Frederick Reiher (Air Niugini) to former IFC Country Manager and current Special Advisor to Department of Treasury, Carolyn Blacklock.

The conference’s social program includes an exclusive gala dinner and cruise on Sydney Harbour aboard the John Cadman II.

Two of the stand-out panel sessions will be ‘PNG’s Energy Future’ (including Oil Search’s Peter Botten) and the intriguing ‘Businesses of the Future’ (including Kumul Gamechangers’ Anthony Smare).

‘A handpicked panel of government and private sector experts will provide delegates with an overview of the neighbouring economies.’

The program will be punctuated by case studies from major local and international investors across such sectors as mining, manufacturing, financial services and agribusiness.

As a bonus, a handpicked panel of government and private sector experts will provide delegates with an overview of the neighbouring economies of Fiji, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste in the Pacific Investment Seminar on the afternoon of Day 2.

You can view the latest program here or download a PDF here.