Sourcing local goods eases Forex

By MARK HAIHUIE
SOURCING local goods in place of some imports has lessened foreign exchange pressures for Brian Bell Homcentres.
Brian Bell Group chief executive David Mackellar said the shortage was an issue that affected most import-oriented businesses and adjustments had been made in the past year for this.
“Foreign exchange remains a challenge for our business as it does for most other businesses in PNG,” he said.
“It is a genuine issue and whilst we would prefer not to have a foreign exchange challenge, it’s been part of the business fabric here for some time.
“We have strong relationships with our banks and greatly appreciate the level of support they provide.
“Although much of our product is sourced from overseas, we also look to purchase as much as possible from local providers and manufactures which has certainly helped us in the past 12 months. We look forward to the day where this is no foreign currency issue in Papua New Guinea.”
Mackellar also noted how the retail sector had an informed market when replying to questions about how there may be an influx of low quality products.
“The great thing about living, working and running a business in PNG is that we know people have choices here and it’s an informed market. In most countries, there is the choice to purchase low, middle or high quality goods and services,” he said.
“Normally, appropriate and competitive pricing helps determine that value along with the consumer choice to buy it.”
Mackellar said he was not sure whether PNG had any more or less “low quality” goods than any other country.
“However, every retailer should stand behind their products and present value for money,” he said.
“At Brian Bell, we established a loyal customer base over the past 60 years of retailing in PNG.”