Transport

Papua New Guinea’s transportation sector looks to be turning a corner as a number of substantial infrastructure upgrades are now in full swing. Under the PNG Strategic Development Plan 2010-30 the government aims to expand the national road network from 8460 km in 2014 to 25,000 km by 2030 and raise the proportion of roads in good condition from 28.7% to 100%. The government is encouraging private sector investment through the infrastructure tax credit scheme, which is available to taxpayers that build infrastructure to support their mining, petroleum, natural gas, primary production or tourism activities. Improvements at ports, combined with the eventual relocation of government-owned facilities in the capital, should further ease congestion for domestic and international shipping lines, although monopolistic domestic shipping practices could offset some of the efficiencies gained. In the skies, much-needed improvements to the country’s airports and airlines should also improve efficiency, comfort and safety. This chapter contains interviews with Tim Blackburn, Managing Director, Swire Shipping; and Zoë Harrison, Country Manager PNG, DHL.