National content top of agenda

THE Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG Core) is set to host the second Community Affairs and National Content Expo (Canconex 2024) as part of the inaugural PNG Resources Week.
Chamber manager of policy and analysis, Gretel Orake, said the event, scheduled from July 1-4 at the University of PNG, would focus on the rapidly growing initiative of national content.
“National content refers to the participation of locally owned community businesses and investments, including workforce, in mining and oil and gas resource projects.
“It has become a global agenda and is now one of the fastest-growing initiatives,” Orake said.
“In response to the growth and contributions of the resources sector, the government has introduced several initiatives, including policies related to national content.
“These aim to harness the full potential of the resource sector to overcome development hurdles and transform PNG into a middle-income economy by 2030.
“As the industry peak body representing the interests of the resources and energy sectors, PNG Core recognises national content as pivotal for the sustainable development and prosperity of PNG.”
“Therefore, we have prioritised national content as a key agenda for discussion in the Canconex.
“This session will bring together participants from government, industry, and wider stakeholders, including international experts, to discuss national content initiatives for PNG.”
In addition to the discussions, PNG Core will present its policy statement on national content – this statement represents a strategic approach by the industry to ensure alignment in government policies and global reporting initiatives.
It reflects a concerted effort to foster inclusive growth and long-term economic resilience for the country.