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The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a unique set of challenges to business leaders, for example it has resulted in the loss of key expat staff, restricted business travel, and changes in working arrangements.We have seen some businesses drive forward and experience significant growth despite the pandemic, but we have also seen many PNG businesses continue to struggle financially. Although it has been a challenging time for job seekers, organisations have still needed to hire key staff, so there has been a steady recruitment drive.<\/span><\/p>\n This week Kina Bank released a report that says the\u00a0<\/span>road to recovery post-COVID<\/span><\/a>\u00a0for PNG is ?promising, relative to some of PNG’s neighbours? because of the ?large? potential investments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As always, there are a number of big resource projects on the horizon, and when they kick-off, this will lead to further investment in the country and help the economy bounce back. At the moment we are just waiting for the green light on some of PNG’s planned resources projects, the latest update suggests the PNG LPG project run by Total, ExxonMobil and Oil Search has government approval – which is great news! The knock-on effect of these projects to the rest of the economy is huge, it creates jobs through many areas outside of just mining, like logistics, HR and hospitality roles. PNG also has a number of planned infrastructure investments: transnational\u00a0<\/span>highway network<\/span><\/a>, telecommunication infrastructure, ports, roads, runways, electricity, water supply and sanitation, which are planned to kick off in the new few years, which will be another positive for the PNG economy and jobs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The travel restrictions have been difficult for people, particularly for the expats who call PNG home. The 14-day self-isolation quarantine periods when entering most countries have meant expats haven’t been able to leave PNG for most of this year to visit their families. Some temporarily left PNG at the height of COVID-19 but for the expats that stayed we think the Christmas period will be difficult and businesses may lose key staff. The pandemic has affected many people’s mental health and work-life balance, so it’s inevitable if travel and restrictions don’t ease up, you will see more resignations.<\/span><\/p>\n A positive outcome from these restrictions has been companies are looking to promote from within. The pandemic has seen the localisation of management roles, and it has been great to see more PNG nationals stepping into the vacant leadership positions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Overall 2020 has been a challenging year, but we are hopeful and excited for what 2021 has in store for PNG!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 2020 has been a trying year for businesses in Papua New Guinea The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a unique set of challenges to business leaders, for example it has resulted in the loss of key expat staff, restricted business travel, and changes in working arrangements.We have seen some businesses drive forward and experience significant growth …<\/p>\nLooking ahead to 2021, the consensus amongst key business figures is that they are settling into this new normal in PNG.<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLight at the end of the tunnel<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Travel changes affecting expatriate staff<\/span><\/h2>\n