Oil Search promotes partnership model

A model Oil Search Ltd (OSL) has developed in the country with stakeholders to achieve sustainable developments can be used in other developing nations, managing director Peter Botten says.
“The private-public partnerships we (OSL) have developed in PNG between the national and regional governments, churches, donor agencies and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) represent a new and efficient model in improving social and development outcomes,” Botten told delegates at the Apec CEOs’ Summit in Port Moresby on Saturday.
“It is a model that can be exported across the developing world.”
Botten also pointed out that the firm did not always get things right. But, he said the PNG development model did work to deliver economic and social changes.
“Understanding the cultural complexities and the strong affiliation the communities have for the land is critical for success in developing anything, as well as keeping operations safe and secure,” Botten said.
“Community unrest can stop operations, fences do not keep people out, and to achieve operating stability we must bring communities along on the development and operating pathways.
“More than anywhere else in the world, this is critical to success in this country.”
The Papua New Guinea oil and gas producer since operation in 1929 has grown substantially and has been continually reinvesting in the country.