K3bil spent on PNG businesses, landowner companies

By CLARISSA MOI
A TOTAL of K3 billion has been spent on Papua New Guinea businesses, including landowner companies since the production of the PNG LNG project through to last year, according to operator ExxonMobil PNG Ltd.
Production manager Keith Killian, while providing the project’s updates during the PNG Mining and Petroleum Conference in Port Moresby yesterday, said growing local businesses had always been a key priority since the start of the project.
“Sixteen landowner companies throughout our operation continue to support PNG LNG business, several of which earlier this year celebrated their 10th anniversary of partnership with us,” he said.
“These landowner companies are providing core support in everything from transportation, catering, civil works and other support services.
“Additionally, some 250 LNG businesses are contacted by PNG LNG to provide a variety of services throughout our operations.
“Since production start of through till 2018, K3 billion has been spent with PNG businesses including K866 million with landowner companies.
“To help develop these businesses for success, we have long support of training opportunities through the IBBM enterprises centre and continue to make investments in training and mentoring.
“It is satisfying to see PNG businesses and other landowner companies develop, drive, grow and create many more opportunities for other Papua New Guineans.”
Killian said PNG LNG project had also contributed more than K930 million last year towards programmes such as health, education, women’s empowerment, agriculture and livelihood improvements in the communities which they operated and worked in.
“There are so many success stories that demonstrates how these investments truly strengthen the communities and change lives.”
Killian said they continued to support the on-going recovery from the earthquake that happened last year.