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From Howard on Lofty ambitions meet hard reality: reflections on PNG’s economic data
Congrats Kas,Very Detailed..👍👍
From Kelly Samof on Crime in Port Moresby: experiences of a foreigner
Thank you for the stories, Grant. Sharing these experiences will surely help spread light on the nuances of life in Moresby for a foreigner.
From Jotam Sinopane on Kina’s Westpac offer: why a banking duopoly would be bad for PNG
Thank you Dek for your excellent assessment. I agree that a duopoly in the banking sector is bad for PNG customers and the financial industry. In my view;
• Competition in the banking sector in PNG is highly concentrated at the moment with a Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) of 4, 290 in loans - HHI is a commonly accepted measure of market concentration and HHI above 2,500 is considered a ‘highly concentrated’ market. The acquisition will add 158 points, bringing it to around 4,448 points. Basic rule of thumb shows that, mergers that add 200 points raises antitrust concerns, which is not the case here. In my view, it is highly concentrated now, mainly because of BSP’s significant market share of 64% in loans and deposit.
• Kina bank plays a more active role in the GoPNG’s financial inclusion initiatives, as evidenced by its partnership with MiBank and its acquisition of ANZ’s retail, SME and commercial business. It is more focused on reaching the unbanked population than any of its peers in PNG market.
I would propose two alternative approaches that can be looked at jointly by ICCC and Bank of PNG in light of the Kina's proposed transaction;
• Encourage entry of new international banks into the market subject to compliance and regulatory checks. In addition, it should examine the ‘excessive regulation and high costs’ highlighted by ADB in its 2015 report. This would make pathways for new entrants and also support growth of local financial companies.
• The Bank of PNG and ICCC know about the single borrower and large exposure limits in commercial banks, especially BSP given its market share – Prudential Standard 1/2011. It should direct BSP to reduce entity exposures in a prudent manner or restructure some of its loan exposure especially to the Government or SOEs. Similarly, BSP should restrict refinancing of new loan request from borrowers that have it has high exposure – prerogative of BSP. This would in my view reduce BSP’s high market share, thereby reducing market concentration in the banking sector.
I believe these approaches are in the best interest of the banking sector and consumers ultimately.
From Dr Helen M Hill on The South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty: 35 years on
Very good to be reminded of all this history this week, it shows what can be done when civil society gets properly organised at a regional and international level, I'll never forget hearing about the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior at the Nairobi Women's Conference where there were lots of Pacific women who were able to get the anti-nuclear message out to people from many regions. Congratulations to ICAN for carrying on the struggle started by YWCA of Fili, USP people, churches and other groups in the Pacific.
From Uday on Food as if by magic: how can Australia thank its seasonal workers?
Hi Mike, I wish to pursue the topic that we discussed particularly with some interest on current protests by the farmers in India. Having read the NITI Aayog's document that aims to double the farmer's income and the introduction of new farm bills your insights would be interesting to the readers. Regards
From Andrew Morris on Insights on China’s 2021 white paper on international development cooperation
I still don't believe a thing they say , after spending many years in PNG I've seen it first hand they say & promise one thing and do the opposite. China do nothing for the development of other nations unless it benefits China. Basically it's how China can benefit and what is the least they can contribute for maximum return.
From Gaius on PNG’s tertiary loan programs: present and past
Are the Non TESAS student available for this help program?
From Shailendra Singh on Another Pacific plan, really?
It’s good to think ahead, as we are often told. Strategy 2050 makes one think that in a rapidly changing world, how far ahead should we think? Is there such a thing as thinking too far ahead?
From Willie Bemabua on Assorted MPs, assorted parties: James Marape’s coalition
Despite PNG's economic boom led by extractive industries, almost 40% of the country's population lives in poverty. The Government has not taken sufficient steps to address gender inequality, violence, corruption, or excessive use of force by Police. Today a MP forget what they suppose to do but they ignore.
From Paul Baxter on Morauta’s masterclass in economic reform: part two
Matt, thanks for this very thoughtful and sound summary of the role Mekere played in demonstrating that PNG could be a dynamic country with a strong economy and policies and programs designed to minimise and even eliminate, the adverse impact of corruption at high levels. The only difference of interpretation that I would have is that you omitted the central and fundamentally vital role that you and your team played in seeing this reform process through. We are indebted to Mekere. He gave us all the opportunity to demonstrate that PNG could be a better place socially and economically to the benefit of all parts of the population, not just those few who made their fortunes at the expense of the wider community in this generation and, I fear, the next as well. Paul Baxter
From Jeremiah sakal (LLB) on My education journey… from the Sepik River
''A journey of a thousand miles take just a single step. I am inspired with your story''. I can relate to your story.
From SAMUEL Runan on Lofty ambitions meet hard reality: reflections on PNG’s economic data