Aus-PNG Network Live | Reconnecting business in PNG & Australia
Once-in-a-century levels of disruption for the world economy as a result of Covid-19 have wrought their impact on the traditionally strong economic links between PNG and Australia. Shutdowns, travel bans and the potential of a public health crisis in both countries have sidelined the two-way traffic between our two countries. As both PNG and Australia start to ease the restrictions that have marked the first phase of the coronavirus response, how is business faring? How can people on both sides of the PNG-Australia relationship be ready to rebuild the ties between our two countries and prepare for recovery? The Aus-PNG Network at the Lowy Institute is pleased to host this online event bringing together key figures with unique perspectives on the PNG-Australia relationship.
Peter Aitsi is one of PNG's most recognised business leaders and is the Group Chief Executive for Credit Corporation Ltd. He also works in prominent roles in community organisations including Transparency International PNG, the Badili Club and Leadership PNG. In October 2019 he was appointed chairman of Kumul Consolidated Holdings and he is also chairman of PNGFM Ltd.
Priscilla Kevin is an IT consultant, entrepreneur and leader. She founded the PNG Women of Stem organisation and was an advocate and founder of the country's Digital ICT Cluster. In April 2020, Priscilla was appointed to the board of PNG's largest bank, Bank South Pacific and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Peter Botten served as Managing Director of Oil Search from 1994 to 2020, becoming one of the longest-serving CEOs of an ASX-listed corporation in the process. In 2019 he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for services to the PNG-Australia relationship. As well as his business roles, he is chairman of the Hela Provincial Health Authority and a non-executive director of AGL Energy.
Jonathan Pryke is the Director of the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute. His expertise covers all aspects of the region including economic development, Australia’s relationship with the Pacific, the role of aid and the private sector in development and labour mobility. Jonathan joined the Institute in 2015 from the Development Policy Centre at the Australian National University where he was a researcher, editor of the Development Policy Blog and a co-convener of the Australasian Aid Conference.
Australia-PNG Network 2020 Event Sponsors
