Industry

Although consumer spending has weakened recently, in the long term the country will benefit from economic growth and related foreign investment, which will in turn help support consumer demand. New firms are being developed, while existing business are improving their operations. The retail sector is developing rapidly, and shopping malls are proving increasingly popular compared to the traditional general stores. When returns from the Papua New Guinea Liquefied Natural Gas project begin to feed through to the economy, the retail sector is expected to grow strongly and those who have invested in their businesses will benefit. Higher demand, the growing middle class, increased competition, and the development of more and better infrastructure will reward those who are able to supply the right products and services, and who are prepared to evolve with the economy. This chapter contains an interview with Ravi Singh, CEO, CPL Group, and a viewpoint from Michael Penrose, General Manager, British American Tobacco.