Australia appoints its first Indigenous person as Consul-General
Australia first Indigenous Consul-General, Benson Saulo says he’s keen to share Australia’s Indigenous culture and connecting with First Nations businesses and leaders in the US as part of his trade and investment
Fisheries Fray
The Papua New Guinea Fishing Industry Association (PNGFIA) wants to widen the scope of its fishery products and fishing vessels covered by its recent Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified status. And the
Pacific countries will access future COVID-19 vaccine through funding mechanism
Pacific island countries will be able to access a future COVID-19 vaccine through a new funding mechanism announced by Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, at the Global Vaccine Summit last week. Fiji, Kiribati, Federated States
PNG rejects observer suspension on fishing vessels
The Papua New Guinea Fishing Industry Association (PNGFIA) has rejected the recent suspension by the Western and Central Pacific Fishing Commission (WCPFC) of observer coverage services on board purse seine fishing
Porgera extension rejection reflects policy of economic nationalism
The Papua New Guinea government’s decision not to extend the mining lease on the economically important Porgera gold mine has shocked the joint venture operator, but the K17 billion (US$4.8 billion) Wafi-Golpu
COVID poses added threat to economic growth and stability
The outbreak of Covid-19 in Papua New Guinea represents an added threat to economic growth and stability, given the country’s limited capacity to manage the health crisis, according to three global economic
“It’s a wonderful place to be”: Meet Mel Kawa, Melbourne Rebels Captain
“I’ve been so fortunate that I’ve been able to chase a rugby ball around the world, so I’m hoping for the women’s competition it will follow the men’s and be equally successful,” says Mel Kawa, captain of
Four more species of “walking sharks” found off PNG
Marine scientists have found four new species of shark in waters off Milne Bay, PNG and off Indonesia which evolved to use their fins as feet and can walk across the ocean floor. Walking sharks, also called
Coronavirus travel restrictions: a Pacific wrap
There have been no cases of coronavirus reported in the Pacific Islands region, although Australia and New Zealand have reported cases, and in the case of Australia, one death. However the Pacific region has responded
What has trade protection done for PNG manufacturing?
2019 was meant to mark the end of the PNG government’s 20-year Tariff Reduction Program (TRP), introduced in 1999 and designed to reduce tariffs gradually to a uniform 10% across the different tariff categories. In
Coronavirus: a Pacific wrap-up
An outbreak of a new coronavirus has killed at least 106 people in China, and has spread to some of the Pacific’s close neighbours, including Australia (with five cases) and Malaysia (with four). The United States,
Pacific predictions: 2020
As we enter not only a new year but a new decade, there is much to anticipate in the Pacific islands region. Elections and domestic politics A number of countries in the region will have elections during 2020: Kiribati,
Long walk to freedom
By Netani Rika THERE was always only going to be one outcome when the people of Bougainville were given their inalienable right to choose the political future of the island chain. Independence. With an overwhelming 97.7
Pacific stumbles on tuna targets
By NETANI RIKA in Port Moresby AS Pacific fishing nations end their first week of discussions on tuna, the question of Target Reference Points loom large on the agenda. What indicators establish the target fishery state
O’Neill matter still tied up in courts
The arrest warrant against former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill has been withdrawn by police – but the matter is still making its way through the courts. The warrant related to alleged
PNG journo reinstated
Two days after terminating his employment, Papua New Guinea’s EMTV has re-instated News and Current Affairs manager Neville Choi, and he says he will be back at work this morning. Choi was sacked for what EMTV
Fiji calls for sea-bed mining moratorium as Nautilus restructures
By Nic Maclellan in Funafuti, Tuvalu Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has again called for a 10-year moratorium on sea-bed mining, at a time that many Pacific island nations are preparing for new frontiers of
Focus on agriculture, World Bank tells PNG
Papua New Guinea has been advised to tweak its macroeconomic policy and throw more weight behind agriculture, as it has the potential to enable more diversified and inclusive development. The World Bank
Fijian exporters urged to explore PNG
As the global trade environment pushes further into uncertain territory, Fijian exporters are being urged to take advantage of what Papua New Guinea has to offer. In a presentation to local businesses this week,