Govt action makes investment risky
THE move by the government to amend the Telecommunications Act only confirms that doing business in PNG is unpredictable and highly risky.
This is particularly so for foreign companies even if they are prepared to pump into the country millions of kina and offer job opportunities to Papua New Guineans.
The high unemployment rate in the country is no secret.
Neither is it a secret that it is one of the causes of the high crime rate among youths, many of whom are driven to crime as they have no other means of surviving.
It is both shocking and unnerving that the government, having publicly said that it welcomes foreign investors, would change policies and decisions as it and when it wishes.
Foreign companies would have less to complain about if the government stated very clearly its position on issues concerning them.
If they decide to invest in the country, they would then do so with their eyes wide open and full knowledge of what to expect.
It is wrong and unfair for the government to make a U-turn after making promises to investors.
In the business world, this would be a breach of contract and the offending partner would be liable for damages – and rightly so.
For months, the government has been hedging its position, flip-flopping and vague.
Its clearest statement was when it said that Telikom would have a year to put its house in order and thereafter it would be open competition. Nonsense!
Now the truth is out – it will do anything within its powers to protect its interests.
Yes, it will welcome competition but on its terms which usually favour its interests.
The message to investors is: yes, please, bring in your millions, we welcome you, we will help you, we will be fair, we will listen to your needs – as long as we happy to do that and it serves our interests.
Digicel could do all foreign investors a favour by taking the PNG Government and other authorities involved to the international court.
Sue them for every toea that Digicel has invested, take all the money and invest in a country which has a better business understanding and will play fair.
Unfortunately, the losers will be the people of PNG, who have suffered for many years and will continue to until the so-called leaders change their ways or are ousted and replaced by leaders who truly know how to advance the country and bring real benefits to the people.

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