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While resources-related projects will always be the engine of the sector, the rising number of residential, hotel, retail, transportation and office developments are becoming increasingly important, as the country’s hosting of APEC in 2018 and the expanding middle class continue to shift Papua New Guinea’s construction priorities. Although a downturn in the commodity cycle, the end of construction on the PNG LNG project and long-standing ambiguities over land rights have constrained development in the real estate sector, changes are afoot that could lead to significant improvements. About half a dozen major housing projects are now under way, and homes at reasonable prices are fast becoming available. A culture of home ownership is taking hold, driven by rising prosperity and aspiration. This chapter contains interviews with Matthew Lewis, Managing Director, Hornibrook NGI; and Graham Boddington, General Manager, Northbuild Construction.

Developing Papua New Guinea’s infrastructure has long been a challenge due to its diverse terrain and unevenly distributed population. However, increased public investment is expected to boost the transport sector. Long-term projects, such as the Sustainable Highlands Highway Investment Programme, being executed by the Asian Development Bank in partnership with the government, and the Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme should also bolster domestic and international connectivity, as well as the expansion of key industries. This chapter contains an interview with Paul Abbot, CEO, PNG Air.

Although international oil and gas firms continue to face a challenging operating environment, economic expansion in Papua New Guinea has been driven by large-scale energy projects in recent years, with liquefied natural gas processing becoming an important catalyst for growth. Since the launch of the PNG LNG project in 2014, the country has witnessed a significant uptick in investment, with exploration, production, transportation and processing facilities receiving an injection of resources. However, there are a number of issues that need addressing, with power generation and domestic gas utilisation representing two key areas for further development. This chapter contains interviews with Wapu Sonk, Managing Director, Kumul Petroleum; and Carolyn Blacklock, Acting Managing Director, PNG Power.

Shaped by shifts in supply and demand, Papua New Guinea’s economy has relied heavily on mineral extraction for most of its modern history. On the back of increased gold, copper, nickel and cobalt production, mining revenue expanded by 18.8% in 2017. As prices rebound, growth in mining activity comes at an important juncture, boosting export and fiscal receipts, as the country grapples with ballooning public debt. While the economy is still highly vulnerable to commodity price shocks, major investments across a number of strategic mining projects are set to bolster economic output. Despite the positive outlook, inadequate infrastructure, landowner identification issues and delayed amendments to the existing mining act continue to hinder the progress of the sector, which by most measures has immense potential. This chapter contains an interview with Craig Lennon, Managing Director and CEO, Highlands Pacific.

Although small by international standards, Papua New Guinea’s capital markets have performed well in recent years, despite facing notable macroeconomic challenges. Key indices on the Port Moresby Stock Exchange expanded steadily in 2017, supported by robust growth of two of its largest listed companies, Bank South Pacific and Oil Search, and an increase in domestic turnover. A series of regulatory reforms launched in 2015 – including the Capital Markets Act, Securities Commission Act and Central Depositories Act – have started to come into force, laying the foundation for stable growth and market modernisation. Efforts to upgrade the stock exchange were also supported by the launch of a new Nasdaq trading platform in late 2017, and the Bank of PNG, the central bank, is considering the adoption of an electronic bond auction system. This chapter contains an interview with Greg Pawson, CEO, Kina Group.

The insurance industry of Papua New Guinea holds considerable potential for long-term growth, although insurers and brokers face notable challenges, including a lack of enforcement and compliance regarding financial reporting requirements, limited domestic reinsurance capacity, and the frequent offshoring of major accounts and business. Despite being a country that is susceptible to an array of natural disasters, there continues to be limited insurance awareness and penetration. There is, therefore, significant potential for future growth, particularly in the micro-insurance segment, which expanded rapidly between 2014 and 2018 to become a major industry growth driver. This chapter contains an interview with Keith Land, CEO, Capital Insurance Group.