NZ group upbeat on PNG business prospects

 By GYNNIE KERO

THE New Zealand  delegation to Papua New Guinea is encouraged by the level of investment opportunities in PNG, head of NZ business council Stephen Eagle says.

He said this would be the fifth trade mission to PNG in two years and the NZ delegation is already eyeing several sectors.

“New Zealand business is diverse. Sectors that our delegates are eyeing include infrastructure, technical services, specialist equipment for construction and water supply, and food and beverage.” 

Eagle described the business partnership between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea as “healthy and growing”.

Many from the delegation have existing businesses in PNG and are looking to build on those partnerships while others are visiting for this first time.

“There are 32 delegates this time. We have a membership of 70 firms, most New Zealand-based, some with a permanent presence in PNG. Some are long established and some have been starting to win contracts and make sales in the last two years or so. 

“The welcome we get from PNG government and business is consistent and strong. 

“We know that the PNG government wants New Zealand companies engaged in PNG especially where they have expertise that is relevant to PNG’s development and the group we’re bringing has a lot to offer.” Eagle said.

He said most of the delegates will travel to Lae today (Thursday) while some will remain in Port Moresby. 

While in Lae, the delegation have a programme with the Lae Urban Local Level Government, the Port and some local businesses, followed by a function hosted by the New Zealand High Commission. 

“The delegates have gained a greater understanding of the PNG business community in Port Moresby. They have been welcoming and informative. 

NZ Trade Commissioner to the Pacific Michael Greenslade said the New Zealand government and the PNG government signed a tax agreement last year that will make it easier for companies from both countries to do business with each other.

“That’s great news from a business perspective and will really help push the trade relationship in the right direction”, he said. 

“But business partnerships do not happen by themselves so it was great to be coming to PNG again with a motivated and quality team.”

The delegation will be in the country until tomorrow.