Business Advantage International to stage meet in Sydney

The National Business

BUSINESS Advantage International will stage its annual Papua New Guinea Investment Conference this year in Sydney, Australia, publishing director Andrew Wilkins says.
The conference would be held from Aug 19-20
Wilkins said with more than 30 industry thought-leaders, influential government officials, company heads and senior executives as well as an unrivalled line-up of keynote speakers, the conference was widely recognised as Papua New Guinea’s showcase investment promotion event.
He said the two-day programme would feature high level presentations, panel discussions and topical case studies.
There would also be bonus sessions on the latest economic developments and opportunities in neighbouring Fiji and the Solomon Islands.
The keynote speaker on day one is Bernard Salt AM, one of Australia’s leading social commentators and business analysts.
Salt will describe how social and cultural change are rising forces that are reshaping the way people live and work. Other highlights in a packed opening day programme are:

  • A panel discussion about raising capital in Papua New Guinea and the best funding models for business;
  • a focus on services, with experts highlighting emerging trends in the sector and case studies illustrating successful business models; and,
  • A concise expert update on Papua New Guinea’s natural resources sector.

“On day two, we welcome back keynote speaker Mark Pesce, a leading futurist, author, entrepreneur and innovator,” Wilkins said.
“Following a memorable keynote speech at our 2017 conference, he returns to outline some of the business and investment opportunities that will arise from PNG’s improved connectivity.”
The second day would provide an authoritative guide on the outlook for Information and Communications Technology, energy and transport in PNG with presentations from Asian Development Bank country director David Hill, as well as the chief executives of Air Niugini (Alan Milne), National Airport Corporation (Richard Yopo) and PNG Power (Carolyn Blacklock).
Other day two highlights are:

  • An update on the two undersea cable projects from PNG Dataco’s Paul Komboi; and,
  • In-conversation with the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce chairman Rio Fiocco and Lae Chamber of Commerce chairman John Byrne.

Prime Minister James Marape is expected to give the conference’s opening address.