Dr Malau took over from the acting Administrator Richard Kombo.
Dr Malau’s credentials include being PNG’s Health Secretary from 2007 to 2011, working with the World Health Organization in Fiji, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Divine Word University and his role in helping to strengthen health systems in Timor Leste.
Dr Malau prior to his appointment said he was motivated to support a leader like East Sepik Governor Governor Allan Bird in his aspirations to make a difference for the people of the East Sepik Province and be an example to the rest of PNG.
He said he is capable of taking up the provincial administrator’s position despite a background in health due to his credentials with Harvard University.
Malau added that Harvard public health taught him the values of humanity: Fairness, justice, equality, and using evidence for decision making in public health practice.
Dr Malau said this opportunity of being a provincial administrator therefore, excited him to go beyond the health focus and manage other factors that enable all our people to be happy, healthy and wise.
President of Papua New Guinea Football Association, David Chung, has resigned from his position effective immediately. In a media conference today, PNGFA Senior Vice President John Wesley Gonjuan confirmed that David Chung has resign as President of PNGFA when he resign as President of OFC and Senior Vice President of FIFA.
David Chung Gonjuan offers his gratitude and thankyou to the outgoing PNGFA President for developing number of projects including National Soccer League, Education Centre, Under 19 youth development project under the Besta Sponsorship, instrumental in pushing for two slots for OFC in the FIFA Youth Championships (U17 & U20 men), initiated with the current FIFA Executive to increase-in funding to FIFA member association and bringing the U-20 Women’s World Cup to Papua New Guinea. Gonjuan also stated that the PNGFA is the legitimate member association of OFC and FIFA, therefore continues to function as the national governing body of football in Papua New Guinea.“To ensure good governance and accountability at all levels, the Executive Committee of PNGFA will adhere to the status of Papua New Guinea Football Association and comply with the process in electing a new President of PNGFA.”“In the meantime, its business as usual at PNG Football Association, we will continue on with the planned activities for the year which includes, National Soccer League, National Youth tournaments during the school holidays, Besta FA Cup Regional & Finals, Women’s Regional Tournament, Referees & Coaching development programs, PNGFA Football Development Programs and Education Centre Program.” says Gonjuan. PNGFA hereby encourage our member associations who have strayed from PNG Football Association to come forward and communicate with the Secretariat to rectify their situations and comply with the PNG Football Association Statutes requirements
In a media conference today, PNGFA Senior Vice President John Wesley Gonjuan confirmed that David Chung has resign as President of PNGFA when he resign as President of OFC and Senior Vice President of FIFA.
David Chung Gonjuan offers his gratitude and thankyou to the outgoing PNGFA President for developing number of projects including National Soccer League, Education Centre, Under 19 youth development project under the Besta Sponsorship, instrumental in pushing for two slots for OFC in the FIFA Youth Championships (U17 & U20 men), initiated with the current FIFA Executive to increase-in funding to FIFA member association and bringing the U-20 Women’s World Cup to Papua New Guinea. Gonjuan also stated that the PNGFA is the legitimate member association of OFC and FIFA, therefore continues to function as the national governing body of football in Papua New Guinea.“To ensure good governance and accountability at all levels, the Executive Committee of PNGFA will adhere to the status of Papua New Guinea Football Association and comply with the process in electing a new President of PNGFA.”“In the meantime, its business as usual at PNG Football Association, we will continue on with the planned activities for the year which includes, National Soccer League, National Youth tournaments during the school holidays, Besta FA Cup Regional & Finals, Women’s Regional Tournament, Referees & Coaching development programs, PNGFA Football Development Programs and Education Centre Program.” says Gonjuan. PNGFA hereby encourage our member associations who have strayed from PNG Football Association to come forward and communicate with the Secretariat to rectify their situations and comply with the PNG Football Association Statutes requirements
David Chung Gonjuan offers his gratitude and thankyou to the outgoing PNGFA President for developing number of projects including National Soccer League, Education Centre, Under 19 youth development project under the Besta Sponsorship, instrumental in pushing for two slots for OFC in the FIFA Youth Championships (U17 & U20 men), initiated with the current FIFA Executive to increase-in funding to FIFA member association and bringing the U-20 Women’s World Cup to Papua New Guinea. Gonjuan also stated that the PNGFA is the legitimate member association of OFC and FIFA, therefore continues to function as the national governing body of football in Papua New Guinea.“To ensure good governance and accountability at all levels, the Executive Committee of PNGFA will adhere to the status of Papua New Guinea Football Association and comply with the process in electing a new President of PNGFA.”“In the meantime, its business as usual at PNG Football Association, we will continue on with the planned activities for the year which includes, National Soccer League, National Youth tournaments during the school holidays, Besta FA Cup Regional & Finals, Women’s Regional Tournament, Referees & Coaching development programs, PNGFA Football Development Programs and Education Centre Program.” says Gonjuan. PNGFA hereby encourage our member associations who have strayed from PNG Football Association to come forward and communicate with the Secretariat to rectify their situations and comply with the PNG Football Association Statutes requirements
“To ensure good governance and accountability at all levels, the Executive Committee of PNGFA will adhere to the status of Papua New Guinea Football Association and comply with the process in electing a new President of PNGFA.”“In the meantime, its business as usual at PNG Football Association, we will continue on with the planned activities for the year which includes, National Soccer League, National Youth tournaments during the school holidays, Besta FA Cup Regional & Finals, Women’s Regional Tournament, Referees & Coaching development programs, PNGFA Football Development Programs and Education Centre Program.” says Gonjuan. PNGFA hereby encourage our member associations who have strayed from PNG Football Association to come forward and communicate with the Secretariat to rectify their situations and comply with the PNG Football Association Statutes requirements
Team Wellington’s Nati Hailemariam celebrates his hat-trick. OFC via Phototek Team Wellington sounded a warning to their remaining OFC Champions League rivals with a comprehensive 11-0 dismantling of Papua New Guinea champions Lae City Dwellers in their quarterfinal at David Farrington Park on Saturday.The hosts dominated from start to finish with Nathanael Hailemariam opening the scoring in just the 6thminute on his way to a first half hat trick while Angus Kilkolly headlined the scoring with four goals.Scott Hilliar, Andy Bevin, Justin Gulley and Mario Barcia shared the rest as Wellington secured a two-legged semi-final against the winner of Auckland City and Solomon Warriors who play on Sunday.Wellington also rattled the woodwork three times as Lae City struggled to adapt to both the cold conditions and the way Wellington were able to stretch their defence and exploit the resulting space.The one-sided win equals the biggest victory in the Champions League era of Oceania club competition – set last season by Auckland City’s 11-0 win over Malampa Revivors – and establishes a new mark for the largest win in a knockout phase.“We’re delighted,” said Team Wellington coach José Figueira, whose side were coming off a defeat to Auckland City on last week’s grand final of the New Zealand premiership.“The boys were pretty eager to get out on the field after the disappointment of last week and I thought we were exceptional today.“Every game we play we want to play our way and dominate the games by attacking. We were disappointed last week that we didn’t cause as many problems as we normally do in the final third and that was a big focus this week at training.“It was Lae today, but I think it was any other team today they might have been on the end of same thing. I’m delighted with every area of the game today.”Lae City Dwellers coach Peter Gunemba was still shell-shocked after the Wellington onslaught in what was an historic first ever playoff game for Lae.“It’s too much to comprehend,” Gunemba said.“It’s a game. It’s gone now and we look ahead to next season in the Champions League. We did not expect the score would be this way.”Hailemariam grabbed the first of his treble in the sixth minute when he gathered the ball on the edge of the area before lifting it over an on-rushing Ronald Warisan and eight minutes later, as the rain began to fall, Hailemariam pounced on a poorly-cleared ball to slot his second beneath the Lae ‘keeper.Scott Hilliar met a Mario Illich corner with a firm near-post header to add Wellington’s third in the 17thminute and Angus Kilkolly pushed it out to five in the 40thminute with two goals in as many minutes.Andy Bevin laid the ball on a plate in front of goal for Hailemariam to complete his hat trick just before the sides went into the sheds with the scoreboard showing 6-0 and it took Kilkolly 45 seconds after the restart to round out his treble, heading a Roy Kayara cross in off the upright.Kayara was again involved in Wellington’s eighth, forcing a save from Warisan that fell to the feet of Andy Bevin who made no mistake from close range in the 57thminute.Justin Gulley produced a fine solo effort 11 minutes later, cutting in from the right flank before riding the challenge of a would-be tackler and beating Warisan one-on one before Kilkolly and Mario Barcia added two more goals for good measure in injury time.The quarterfinals continued on Saturday with Vanuatu’s Nalkutan FC hosting Marist FC from the Solomon Islands and the conclude on Sunday with Auckland City FC meeting Solomon Warriors before AS Dragon host Fiji’s Lautoka in Tahiti.
Team Wellington sounded a warning to their remaining OFC Champions League rivals with a comprehensive 11-0 dismantling of Papua New Guinea champions Lae City Dwellers in their quarterfinal at David Farrington Park on Saturday.The hosts dominated from start to finish with Nathanael Hailemariam opening the scoring in just the 6thminute on his way to a first half hat trick while Angus Kilkolly headlined the scoring with four goals.Scott Hilliar, Andy Bevin, Justin Gulley and Mario Barcia shared the rest as Wellington secured a two-legged semi-final against the winner of Auckland City and Solomon Warriors who play on Sunday.Wellington also rattled the woodwork three times as Lae City struggled to adapt to both the cold conditions and the way Wellington were able to stretch their defence and exploit the resulting space.The one-sided win equals the biggest victory in the Champions League era of Oceania club competition – set last season by Auckland City’s 11-0 win over Malampa Revivors – and establishes a new mark for the largest win in a knockout phase.“We’re delighted,” said Team Wellington coach José Figueira, whose side were coming off a defeat to Auckland City on last week’s grand final of the New Zealand premiership.“The boys were pretty eager to get out on the field after the disappointment of last week and I thought we were exceptional today.“Every game we play we want to play our way and dominate the games by attacking. We were disappointed last week that we didn’t cause as many problems as we normally do in the final third and that was a big focus this week at training.“It was Lae today, but I think it was any other team today they might have been on the end of same thing. I’m delighted with every area of the game today.”Lae City Dwellers coach Peter Gunemba was still shell-shocked after the Wellington onslaught in what was an historic first ever playoff game for Lae.“It’s too much to comprehend,” Gunemba said.“It’s a game. It’s gone now and we look ahead to next season in the Champions League. We did not expect the score would be this way.”Hailemariam grabbed the first of his treble in the sixth minute when he gathered the ball on the edge of the area before lifting it over an on-rushing Ronald Warisan and eight minutes later, as the rain began to fall, Hailemariam pounced on a poorly-cleared ball to slot his second beneath the Lae ‘keeper.Scott Hilliar met a Mario Illich corner with a firm near-post header to add Wellington’s third in the 17thminute and Angus Kilkolly pushed it out to five in the 40thminute with two goals in as many minutes.Andy Bevin laid the ball on a plate in front of goal for Hailemariam to complete his hat trick just before the sides went into the sheds with the scoreboard showing 6-0 and it took Kilkolly 45 seconds after the restart to round out his treble, heading a Roy Kayara cross in off the upright.Kayara was again involved in Wellington’s eighth, forcing a save from Warisan that fell to the feet of Andy Bevin who made no mistake from close range in the 57thminute.Justin Gulley produced a fine solo effort 11 minutes later, cutting in from the right flank before riding the challenge of a would-be tackler and beating Warisan one-on one before Kilkolly and Mario Barcia added two more goals for good measure in injury time.The quarterfinals continued on Saturday with Vanuatu’s Nalkutan FC hosting Marist FC from the Solomon Islands and the conclude on Sunday with Auckland City FC meeting Solomon Warriors before AS Dragon host Fiji’s Lautoka in Tahiti.
The head of the smallest of FIFA’s six global confederations suddenly resigned on Friday, surrendering his seat on FIFA’s ruling council and becoming the latest senior soccer executive to depart the sport amid accusations of corruption.
David Chung, right, resigned Friday as the president of one of FIFA’s six confederations after an audit raised questions about a multimillion-dollar construction project.CreditRichard Heathcote/Getty Images
The executive, David Chung, was the president of the Oceania Football Confederation, whose 14 members wield little power competitively or politically in FIFA. But Chung, of Papua New Guinea, had outsize influence as the most senior of FIFA’s eight vice presidents.
Chung cited personal reasons for his decision, but the announcement came as he found himself under mounting pressure to step down after an audit into a multimillion-dollar project to build a new headquarters for the O.F.C.
Chung’s exit, only days before the O.F.C.’s annual meeting and two months before the World Cup opens in Russia, raised unwelcome questions for FIFA about the probity of the leaders who run the world’s most popular sport. Chung had led the 14-member regional body, made up of New Zealand and a handful of Pacific nations, since 2010, when his predecessor was caught in a vote-selling sting by undercover reporters. In 2015, a broad investigation led by the United States Department of Justice revealed corruption was deeply embedded at the highest levels of world soccer.
O.F.C. members were planning to suspend Chung for a “gross dereliction of duty or an act of improper conduct” at Sunday’s annual meeting, according to documents and emails reviewed by The New York Times. That followed details in a forensic audit conducted on behalf of FIFA by accountants from PwC, and also reviewed by The Times, which raised the possibility of fraud and bribery in the construction project.
Chung did not respond to a request for comment. But he denied the allegations related to the construction project in a letter to a member of the O.F.C.’s board without providing details, saying he would only discuss the matter with his lawyer to protect his innocence.
FIFA issueda two-sentence statementacknowledging Chung’s resignation and quickly removedhis biographyfrom its website, before later confirming that the investigation had highlighted “potential irregularities in the construction process of the OFC Home of Football.”
FIFA said it has suspended its financial support to the confederation because of the issues raised by the review. FIFA typically pays $10 million a year to each of its six confederations.
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Chung’s departure leaves the Asian Football Confederation as the only regional body to retain the same president as it did in May 2015, when the United States unveiled details of a sprawling scheme of corruption going back more than two decades. That case led to charges against the leaders of the two confederations based in the Americas. Internal investigations later yielded multiyear bans for the former leaders of FIFA and European soccer’s governing body, UEFA. Africa’s longtime president was toppled in an election last year.
The ousters of his peers left the Malaysian-born Chung as the most senior of FIFA’s vice presidents, a designation that carried with it a $300,000 annual salary and the position of first replacement for FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino.
Chung also was an enthusiastic early supporter of the joint North American bid to stage the World Cup in 2026,pledginghis confederation’s collective support as far back as April 2017.
The audit of the O.F.C. started a year after Infantino’s election in 2016, after FIFA found discrepancies with the headquarters project for which FIFA, then headed by Sepp Blatter, had provided a $10 million loan. O.F.C.’s longtime secretary general, Tai Nicholas, suddenly quit in December, also citing personal reasons.
The audit found that Chung and Nicholas, without issuing a tender, had hired a company with no experience of the work required for the design of the project, which involved building offices, two soccer fields and other facilities in Auckland, New Zealand.
Investigators then found a series of close relationships between companies advising the O.F.C. on the project and picked to complete the project. All the companies were set up shortly before being awarded contracts, “with no track record of experience, and subcontracted their works to other companies,” an executive summary of the PwC report stated. It found that a separate company set up by Chung might have had links to one hired to work on the project.The accountants suggested FIFA go to court to find out more. “Due the limitations in assessing the financial records of the external parties it is recommended to commence civil proceedings in New Zealand in order to get access to these records, substantiate or refute the concerns with regards to bribery and corruption this review has raised, and ultimately attempt to recover any potential losses from the third parties,” the report, code-named Project Gunemba, concluded.Details of the investigation’s findings were sent to members of the O.F.C. executive board, leading the president of Tahiti’s soccer federation, Thierry Ariiotima, to email Chung last week to explain that he expected FIFA would “suspend you very shortly.”
“Based on the documents that I received which are compromising, I invite you to take the right decision in order to protect O.F.C.,” Ariiotima wrote. “As a friend, and FTF president, I sincerely believe dear president that the best decision would be for you to resign immediately.”
The president of New Zealand’s federation, Deryck Shaw, separately wrote to O.F.C. colleagues, telling them “there is very strong evidence to suggest there has been systemic corruption at the highest level within the OFC.” Shaw said he understood the PwC report also had been sent to New Zealand’s Serious Fraud Office.
FIFA declined to say if its ethics body was investigating Chung. That department remains one of the busiest at FIFA; when Infantinoremovedits two top officials last year, the officials claimed the move would affect “hundreds” of continuing cases.
The news came quite suddenly last weekend – one of the stars of the Intrust Super Cup was playing his final game after deciding to swap his boot bag for a library card.
PNG Hunters fullback Stargroth Amean had approached his coach Michael Marum earlier in the week to tell him had made a decision about his future and – to the lament of fans of the Intrust Super Cup competition and beyond – this was away from the football field.
Amean (who was reportedly named after a Spanish film star by his movie-loving mother) had always wanted to be a doctor and felt the time was right to convert his part-time studies in science into a full-time dedication in order to help him achieve his dream.
While obviously disappointed to be losing such a valued member of his squad, all Marum could do was wish him well.
Besides; this is far from the first time Marum’s been forced to farewell a talent he’s played an integral part in shaping, and it won’t be the last.
In some ways, the success of the PNG Hunters and their football program can at times work against them, as it teaches young men to believe in themselves and pushes them to work hard to strive toward their goals.
Michael Marum and members of the PNG Hunters team with the 2017 minor premiers shield.
As Marum is continuing to discover, instilling discipline can help his players eventually further their footballing careers by signing with overseas clubs, like the brothers Wellington and Stanton Albert, now at the Widnes Vikings; or they can find fulfilling employment outside of football completely.
“I knew he was doing part-time studies since last year and during preseason … but he didn’t mention (anything about stepping down) til just on Tuesday night when he came into my office and informed me of his decision,” Marum said of how Amean broke the news to him.
The inaugural coach of the Hunters since they entered the competition in 2014, Marum has previously seen rampaging winger Garry Lo head to England in his quest to play Super League, overseen the signing of Justin Olam with the Melbourne Storm (now playing for the Sunshine Coast); while former captain and the club’s all-time leading point scorer Noel Zeming decided to leave the Hunters to pursue a career in teaching.
Garry Lo playing for the Hunters in 2014.
Despite having to deal with the departures of key personnel after investing considerable efforts into promoting their wellbeing and development, the PNG Kumuls coach was proud of the expectations placed on his charges.
“We have set high standards at our club and in order to be successful, and (players) have to abide by (them),” Marum said.
He also acknowledged that players who meet these standards would soon discover their own ability to achieve, meaning they could be lost to other endeavours.
“Yes definitely; they gain a lot of confidence from what we try to enforce to them in order to become successful,” he said.
“Hopefully a lot of them go out and apply what they have learnt from the team.”
While there is nothing preventing the Hunters from trying to lure an established talent from other clubs in the competition to fill the void left by a player like Amean, the club is committed to providing pathways – football or otherwise – for Papua New Guineans, despite the challenges.
“It’s very tough when you invest a lot of time into players that you think will do well for you and then lose them to study and work,” Marum admitted.
“Bringing in players from our local Digicel Cup clubs is what we are doing (as this forms) a pathway for our PNG boys to expose their talents outside of the country.
“But they come from a lower level of competition and we are working hard on how we can close the gap in between.”
Stargroth Amean always seemed to know when a camera was around.
A fan favourite, the retirement of Hunter #27 (who played 64 games and scored 37 tries) will be a difficult one to manage as he was a key pillar in their premiership success last year.
“We will certainly miss his presence on the field, but we have to move on and work with who we have and put trust in him that he can do the same,” Marum said of his side’s focus going forward.
As well as his obvious skills with the ball; the loss off of Amean’s leadership and experience will leave another huge void to fill.
Marum said the team would also miss his presence off the field, with the former Viper known for his upbeat personality and his absolute love of the camera.
“He loves pictures,” Marum said.
“The boys will miss seeing him taking selfies whenever we (are) anywhere near cameras.”
Director of the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate, Mathew Damaru confirmed that Nauga was arrested with charges of abuse of office, conspiracy to defraud, and misappropriation of 247,500 thousand kina.
The charges emanated from an allegation that two audit contracts were awarded to Frank Benabo and associates, to conduct an audit inspection on Aitapei District’s DSIP books in 20-12 at the cost of 123, 750 kina.
The other contract was awarded to Mendi District DSIP in 20-12 at the same cost as the previous contract but for a lesser period of time.
Investigations revealed that Nauga convened a meeting to approve thetenders without a tender’s brief and proper evaluation reports from the secretariat in line with standard procedures.
Based on the findings Nauga was invited to the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate on Tuesday where he was interviewed than charged and taken to the Boroko police cells.
President of the United States, Donald Trump has conveyed his sympathy to Papua New Guinea following the recent devastating earthquake that hit the Highlands of the Pacific Island nation.
Trump wrote a letter to the office of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill expressing his sympathy on the devastating disaster in the Highlands of PNG. According to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s office, the letter written and signed by Mr Trump was delivered last week. Mr Trump is looking forward to attend the APEC meeting in PNG in November this year and expressed his sadness on those areas affected by the earthquake.
Cult hero Stargroth Amean has won back the starting fullback role for the PNG Hunters, while captain Dane Hogan will return for Sunshine Coast Falcons, ahead of Sunday’s grand final rematch.
Their presence will bolster a much-anticipated XXXX Rivalry Round match-up between two sides kept apart by just two points at the culmination of last year’s thrilling Intrust Super Cup decider.
Amean is one of the best stories in the colourful landscape of PNG rugby league, a medical science student with dreams of becoming a doctor, and a survivor who has bounced back from several serious injuries.
He takes back the custodian duties from Alex Wera, who has moved to centre, while Bendon Goturo comes on to the wing and Nixon Putt slides in closer to the ruck at second row.
Sunshine Coast skipper Hogan returns after injuring his hamstring in the lead-up to last week’s game.
His return forces Louis Geraghty to the bench, while Harrison Muller comes in at lock, with Jacob Hind back to the interchange. Connor Donehue has been named on the bench as extra cover in jersey 19.
Elsewhere, there are some big names missing across the league, with eyes peeled to see if they become late inclusion on the weekend.
Todd Carney is due to miss a second straight game for the Northern Pride, while Ben Hannant’s brief debut in the Intrust Super Cup before injury sees him replaced by Christopher Law at Burleigh.
Easts has omitted Young Tonumaipe’a, Billy Walters and Brandon Smith, all of whom have been named on an extended bench for the Melbourne Storm, along with backrower Brett Greinke.
One interesting inclusion for the Tigers in jersey 18 is former Broncos and Knights up-and-comer Harry Pondekas, who last year played universities league with Australian Catholic University.
Joe Bond has been named in the five-eighth role usually occupied by Walters, while Kea Pere has been named in place of Tonumaipe’a.
Redcliffe has responded to two losses on the trot by apparently shaking up its front row.
Sam Anderson and Nathan Watts are named as the starting props, with Hugh Pratt at hooker, meaning Toby Rudolf and James Taylor slide to the bench and last week’s rake Jake Turpin is out.
The Dolphins face a Wynnum Manly side which has undergone few changes, with Patrick Carrigan replacing Alex Barr in the second row and Adam Tuimavave-Garrard coming on to the bench.
Mackay welcomes back influential five-eighth Nicho Hynes, with Mitchell Dunn reverting to the bench, while Kellen Jenner replaces Shane Wright in the forwards.
The Cutters oppse a CQ Capras team smarting after a 36-16 loss to Norths.
The Capras have shifted Zeik Foster from half to fullback, with Maipele Morseau out, Aaron Teroi coming in as the starting half, Bill Cullen at prop and James Hill in at lock.
At Davies Park, West End, Japanese and Torres Strait Islander-heritage player Gehamat Shibasaki will make his Cup debut for Norths in the centres, as the Devils take on the Souths Logan Magpies.
The Broncos Under 20 stand-out is joined in the Norths team by round one hero Alex Bishop who returns at hooker.
Souths Logan has just one change, with Sam Lavea named at prop and Rhys Melville reverting to the bench.
THE country’s economic outlook remains positive despite export commodity market performing below expectations, says Treasurer Charles Abel.
Charles Abel- Treasury Minister
The National reported that Mr Abel said private sector activities had also been hampered by the foreign exchange imbalance and restrictions on government domestic expenditure in recent years.
Abel told the PNG Petroleum and Energy Summit in Port Moresby that despite the setbacks, PNG was looking ahead with optimism.
He said total real growth this year was projected at 2.2 per cent.
“Growth will be driven by the non-mining sectors, feeding off the impetus from Apec-related spending across the non-mining sectors,” he said.
He also said continued improvement in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector reflected an expected good year for coffee and increased copra and copra oil production due to higher global copra demand.
Abel said in the medium term, the PNG economy was also conservatively expected to grow at an average rate of 2.4 per cent.
“However, the current projection does not take into account major pipeline projects such as the Papua LNG, P’ynang, Wafi-Golpu, Frieda Mine and Solwara 1, which once in the construction phase will provide a significant boost to the entire economy.
“The challenge I issue to the mining and petroleum sector is to advance your investment appraisal process and to develop these prospects expeditiously.”
Abel said for 2018, prices of key commodities were expected to increase modestly from last year.
“The oil price is projected at an average of US$51 per barrel in the 2018 Budget which is starting to appear conservative,” he said.
“The gold price is also expected to move slightly higher in 2018 due to ongoing safe haven demand resulting from geo-political concerns and potentially higher inflation rates.”
EXXONMobil PNG managing director Andrew Barry is confident of the government’s financial capacity to take part in the Papua LNG project.
Andrew Barry- Managing Director, Exxion Mobil PNG
The National reported that Mr Barry made the statement when answering a question from Facts Global Energy Group chairman Dr Fereidun Fersharaki during the PNG Petroleum and Energy Summit on Monday.
The government is expected to contribute about 22 per cent equity to the total cost of the project construction.
“That is one of the things that we are collectively working through together and working with the government on different options in the financing activities,” Barry said.
“I am confident that between ourselves and our partners and the government that we will find a solution.”
Barry noted that the upcoming negotiations with the government and partners were important milestones for the project.
“The real next big step for our perspective will be the negotiations around the gas agreement and the fiscal certainty once we get into that FEED. And once you get alignment on FEED, the gas agreements, the fiscal terms, then the FID (Final Investment Decision).
“And there is a lot of work associated with commercial agreements, integration activities and securing markets and sales agreements.”
