Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry PO Box 1764, Port Moresby 6th Floor, Monian Tower, Douglas St. Port Moresby Ph: +675 3213077 or +675 3213254 Fax: +675 321 3251 Email: pomcci@global.net.pg

THIS WILL BE THE FINAL OFFICIAL E-NEWS FOR 2001. OUR THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED  OR HAVE COMMENTED ON THE  MATTERS WE HAVE RAISED. HAVE A SAFE FESTIVE PERIOD AND  DON'T DO ANYTHING WE WOULDN'T.........REMEMBER THE DYSLEXIC  DEVIL-WORSHIPPER WHO SOLD HIS SOUL TO SANTA !!!!........SEE YOU IN THE NEW YEAR.

1. LIQUOR RESTRICTIONS :
THE SPIRIT..OR LACK OF IT...OF XMAS
After considerable difficulty we procured a copy of the Press Statement from the Office of the Chief Licensing Commissioner this morning. It confirms the rather draconian times published in the press and is of some concern to several of our members. We will pursue this matter with the Commissioner as there has been absolutely no consultation on ther matter and the late announcement will cause considerable inconvenience to our members. While the Chamber shares the concerns of the community in relation to uncontrolled and immoderate consumption of alcohol at all times, and especially over the Festive Season, we  believe such restrictions can only be to the benefit of illegal traders and " black markets ". Does the Commissioner really believe closing the bars at 8pm will force everyone home to their families ? This is more likely to force those who wish to continue drinking out onto the streets  and into illegal outlets in risky areas instead of safe, secured, legal premises. It is our opinion that such illegal trading is the real source of the alcohol-related problems in our society. Unfortunately, it is our members, the legal, high profile traders who abide by the law and provide safe, secure, healthy facilities for drinkers, who will bear the brunt of the application of these  measures.The illegal  low-profile traders will flourish, and continue their illegal activities untouched by the authorities. This is another poor decision from an office already demeaned by previous "ill-advised" requests to legal liquor traders. If you can forgive the pun, we recognise the spirit in which these restrictions were considered, but  the implimentation is in our opinion extremely faulty. Sensible decisions arise from consultation with all stakeholders yet a major player i.e. the traders have had no input. Prohibition has not worked in other societies and we doubt if it will work here.We will urge the Commissioner to re-consider relaxation of hours for legal traders over this period, as well as checking the legal basis as it relates to individual provincial licensing powers.

2.INSTITUTE OF  DIRECTORS
As of 1st November the  office of the PNG Institute of Directors is located at the Chamber Office. For further details or if you would like to become a member contact Rita or Joyce on 320-2522  or by email through the chamber address or on instdirec@daltron.com.pg  or visit their website on www.icd.org.pg.

3. XMAS PRESENT FOR POMSOX : NBPOL LISTING
Our congratulations to all those involved in the recent listing  of New Britain Oil Palm  Limited (NBO) on the Port Moresby Stock Exchange. Listed at a price of K4.00 with 120 million shares on issue this is a significant  boost for the Stock Exchange and is welcomed by all in the business community. This brings to 10 the companies listed on POMSOX.The others listed are Credit Corporation, Cue Energy, Highlands Pacific, InterOil, Lihir Gold, Mosaic, Orogen,Oil Search and Steamships.

4. OFFICE CLOSURE
The offices of the Chamber, Ginigoada Business Foundation and PNG Institute of Directors will close at lunchtime FRIDAY 21st DECEMBER and re-open for business on MONDAY 7th JANUARY 2002. Email will be checked over the holiday period and urgent matters addressed. Emergency contacts only 3255285  Email : pomcci@global.net.pg   or daveconn1@global.net.pg)

5. LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT  DEPARTMENT
The Chamber was represented at a meeting to address  the delays etc being encountered in production of Work Permits and TLP's. There were many complaints raised. Our representative advises that department officials were not very responsive and directed most complaints back to business for not presenting documentation correctly. We cannot accept this defence and will attempt to discuss the matter directly with Sectretary Elias and the Minister. The delays and change of procedures without proper consultation are unacceptable and require immediate attention by the Department.

6. CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
Membership continues to increase and as of today  has risen from 123 in January to 154.Any more out there  who should be members ? If you wish to join or want to recommend a new member please refer them to Joyce on 3213077 / 3213254 , Email : pomcci@global.net.pg . Please remember if  joining members pay the fees  for a full year now, the membership takes you through to the end  of 2002, effectively giving you a quarter year free.  Remember, the more we are, the greater your voice is on issues that affect your business .Can you afford not to be a member ? All current members should have received their renewal invoices for 2002. You will see it offers two options. For those who pay before December 31st the fees levied will be on the 2001 scale. Fees  received or posted after December 31st will be levied on the new 2002 scale i.e. with a 10% increase. Already many members have opted for Option One and we thank them for their promptness and support .

7. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The President and our Secretary, Rachel Thompson, were members of a delegation sent by the PNG Institute of Directors to a Commonwealth Association of Corporate Governance(CACG) sponsored course for South Pacific nations  in Auckland from 11-18th December. All members passed the intensive 5 - Day course and much valuable information and contacts were collected which will be disseminated through PNGID  early in the new year.

ON BEHALF OF THE STAFF AND EXECUTIVE  WE WISH ALL OUR MEMBERS, CLIENTS AND THE PEOPLE OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL DISTRICT A PEACEFUL AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO COME IN 2002.

 1) WORK PERMIT WORKSHOP
The Department of Labour and Employment is holding a workshop on work  permits and the three year training plan this Friday 14th December.  Location to be Granville Motel conference room commencing at 8.30am. For  further information contact Donald Lunen on phone 321-2244/320-3671.

 2) NATIONAL ROADS AUTHORITY
The announcement of a National Roads Authority in this year's budget  speech was welcomed by the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Commerce &  Industry at its December Quarterly meeting. Specifics as to operating  mandate and structure are to be discussed as the private sector is  determined to ensure that the new Authority gets it right first time and  every time. A road authority has been one of the specific matters that  can contribute to a better business environment.

 3) AUSTRALIAN AIRLINES ON THE GO
Australian Airlines said today it would commence operations in the third    quarter of 2002 between Cairns in Queensland and six Asian cities. The  airline, while wholly-owned by Qantas Airways Limited, will have  separate management and will operate independently of Qantas.  Chief Executive of Australian Airlines, Mr Denis Adams, said the airline  would be a single class, full service leisure carrier.

The initial services will be non-stop return from Cairns to Osaka,  Nagoya, Singapore, Taipei, Hong Kong and Fukuoka. Mr Adams said the  Qantas Board had approved the airline's commencement at its meeting last  week.

 The approval was conditional on management achieving a cost structure  satisfactory to the Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Geoff Dixon. Mr  Adams said he was confident of gaining this approval early in 2002.

 "The simplicity of the Australian Airlines model enables us to save  significant costs compared to more traditional airlines," he said. "We  will have one aircraft type and one class of service. "We are currently  negotiating with various Unions on wages, conditions  and work practices. "Provided these are concluded satisfactorily, we  will be in a position to commence flying around September next year," he  said.

 Mr Adams said Australian Airlines had the potential to provide thousands    of jobs for young Australians in an industry undergoing massive change.  "It will also provide a very real boost to inbound tourism," he said.

 Australian Airlines would:
 - Locate its first operational base in Cairns;
 - Commence operations with four Boeing 767-300 aircraft, building to a fleet of 12 767-300s;
 - Offer connecting flights between Cairns and the Gold Coast, six times a week;
 - Be headquartered in Sydney and establish a second base to Cairns in a southern capital city;
 - Establish a national presence as quickly as possible and eventually fly to every Australian mainland capital including Perth and Darwin.

 Mr Adams said Australian Airlines would work closely with the Australian  Tourist Commission and all State tourism authorities.

1. POMCCI MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETING
The monthly breakfast will be held on FRIDAY 30th NOVEMBER at the HOLIDAY INN. The team from Deloittes will  give a presentation  and overview of  the 2002  Budget. Tickets are K35.00 for a full buffet breakfast and there are only a few left. To book your seat contact Joyce or Rita on 3213077 / 3213254 or by email  pomcci@global.net.pg . Members and guests are most welcome.

2. 2002 NATIONAL BUDGET -HIGHLIGHTS

Some extracts from and comments on  the Prime Minister's Speech  and the Budget brought down on 27th  November :

FROM RECONSTRUCTION TO DEVELOPMENT - CONSOLIDATION AND PRIORITISATION

"[This budget] consolidates the hard won gains of my Governments economic, social  and political reforms. It strengthens our policy and institutional framework. It provides a platform for long-term growth and development. In this budget, we harvest the first fruits of the new seed we were able to sow during the last 30 months. After recovery from the economic disaster we inherited, we can now provide some immediate benefits to our people." (Sir Mekere Morauta, PM)

Overall the 2002 can be considered at best an optimistic one, with no major surprises for business, but quite a  few sweeteners for the lower income earner, and potential voter . The main message for us is that there will be no new taxes ( but IRC function and powers will be strengthened to collect existing taxes). There are tax breaks for the mining sector with a reduced  mining levy (a mere K24m foregone but scheduled to disappear over 4 years. Hard to see this will have the sector over-joyed and hardly likely to bring the investors rushing back. A little, too late  perhaps ? ), reduced export taxes (approx 14%) on plantation logs for the forest sector, as well as an increase of the tax threshold by K500 to K6000.00 (this equates to a break of just under K2 per FN ) for  25% of the working population and a promise of free education for primary and secondary students.

K30m will be budgetted to support the coffee and copra industries and an additional K24.7m on agro-industry development over the next two years, co-funded by ADB, Govt and private sector. Development spending will be a record K1.2bn, an increase of K122m.Development expenditure in 2002 is 35% of total revenue and grants. K89m of District Development Program Grants are abolished and this will have wide community and business community support - despite the fact that World Bank requirements have made these funds almost impossible to access anyway, we still consider this a brave move coming into an election, and we applaud it.

The budget is premised on some of the following factors : total government revenues and grants of K3.28bn (31% of GDP), total expenditure of K3.5bn (33% of GDP ), a deficit of 2%(K215m)  (versus 2% in 2000 and 5% in 1999), USD at an average rate of 0.32 (currently below 0.30 ), Oil at USD23.5, Gold at USD 285.00 , GDP of 1.2%(versus -3.3% in 2001) , inflation of 8.3%,total revenues and grants increasing by 5.2% over 2001, tax revenue to increase by 4.1% (K96m) to K2.4bn, VAT revenue to increase by 28%(K66m) through better compliance rates, and an interest rate on 182 day Treasury Bills of 10%.. The agriculture sector is expected to increase by 5%, but without  the planned  expenditure on infrastructure for feeder roads and major highways  such as the Highlands Highway , it will remain difficult to see this eventuating. An encouraging initiative is the K1m set aside to establish a National Roads Authority to oversee planning, design, construction and maintenance of major assets. It is to be hoped that this Authority will have significant private sector membership or we see little hope in it succeeding.Yet improvement of major road infrastructure will be essential in any significant future agricultural and economic development as mining and petroleum revenues continue to decline sharply in the next 10 years.

On a sectoral basis 44% of the 2002 Public Investment Program is allocated to infrastructure, 28% to the social sector, 17% to the economic sector, 6% to law and justice and 5% for administration.

On privatisation, asset sales are budgetted to bring in a very conservative K303m, which considering the delays in fiscal year 2001, is probably a judicious move. It is hoped these sales will actually raise close to K1bn and this would precipitate a supplementary budget, you guessed it, in July, after the government has been returned to power. PNGBC is set to be sold by year end 2001 and legislation will ensure community service obligations are adhered to, eg no PNGBC branch or agency to close for 3 years. We assume potential purchasers have been advised of such issues during the due diligence process as approx K90m of the bank sales will go to fund the "free education " policy.

Debt servicing continues to be a major part of the budget. In 2002 net foreign debt repayments will be K39m (presumably at USD0.32)  and net domestic repayments of K83m. Domestic borowings will be K394m with repayments of K448m. Total debt repayments in 2002 are scheduled at K411m against K437m in 2001.

As with all previous budgets, we can only hope for full implementation and no more external.....or internal...... shocks to derail the structural adjustment process. As part of this continuing process K50m has been set aside for a retrenchment programme (this needs to be carried through with no revolving door recruitment as consultants or otherwise ), K19m for a public service improvement program  if it was only a K19m process we could be very happy indeed), K8m for functional and expenditure reviews (consultants to the ready ) , K2m for a review of national, provincial and LLG fiscal relations ( how much does it cost to find out it aint working ?)  and K7.6m for the human resource management and payroll system. We applaud the new requirement for all agencies to submit  monthly work plans and performance reports ( what were they doing previously ?).

Several departments will receive recurrent expenditure increases : Statistics Office, IRC, Lands & Physical Planning, Police (78m, presumably to assist cover the election period), Electoral Commission (K37m), Dept of Provincial and LLG, Livestock and Industry, Labour & Employment and PNG Institute of Public Administration.  The Prime Minister has declared his key emphasis in 2002 will be implimentation of the Budget.Given the lethargy in the public service and the havoc reaped by years of political interference this will be a tall task indeed.Basically, domestic and global constraints have left the government little room to manoeuvre, but major issues have been addressed, and minor concessions given  where possible. Given that this budget is delivered  7 months out from a national election, we should be pleased that apart from the "free education" policy, it has remained remarkably restrained.  I am sure on behalf of all in Papua New Guinea we sincerely wish the Prime Minister well in overseeing implimentation of  the 2002 Budget.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL COPY OF THE TEXT OF THE PRIME MINISTER'S BUDGET SPEECH
OFFICIAL website for BUDGET 2001
http://budget2002.treasury.gov.pg/

3. CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP
Membership continues to increase and as of today  has risen from 123 in January to 154.Any more out there  who should be members ? If you wish to join or want to recommend a new member please refer them to Joyce on 3213077 / 3213254 , Email : pomcci@global.net.pg . Please remember if  joining members pay the fees  for a full year now, the membership takes you through to the end  of 2002, effectively giving you a quarter year free.  Remember, the more we are, the greater your voice is on issues that affect your business . Can you afford not to be a member ?

4. 'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY ?
Come on ! The Budget was not that bad ? Scrooge did not arrive after all. Many had expected a  lot worse. So with Xmas fast approaching have you given some thought to some form of festive decoration on your building or premises ?  Maybe a small sign,but an indication of your  hopes for the future and a show  that no matter how hard  things may be, there are fundamentals which never change and always something to be thankful for. Please think about it. Santa Claus in bathers  or Rudolph the Betel-Nut Red Nose Rusa Deer ? Any suggestions who should go on top of the Xmas Tree ? Any electrical companies out there willing to help our friends at Murray Barracks get the Xmas Star on the Hill going this year ? Let us know and we will put you in touch with the right people. Come on, sparkies, howz about it ?

5. INSTITUTE OF  DIRECTORS
As of 1st November the  office of the PNG Institute of Directors is located at the Chamber Office. For further details or if you would like to become a member contact Rita or Joyce on 320-2522  or by email through the chamber address or on instdirec@daltron.com.pg  or visit their website on www.icd.org.pg.
 

1. CHAMBER BREAKFAST
The next scheduled breakfast is THURSDAY 1st NOVEMBER at Holiday Inn, 0700 hrs- 0830hrs. Speaker will be Telikom CEO, Sunil Andradi, who will among other matters  address the issue of itemised billing and other developments at Telikom Rumana. Tickets are going fast at K35 for a full buffet breakfast. Bookings through Joyce on 3213077 / 3213254   Email : pomcci@global.net.pg.

 2. POMCCI WEBSITE SEARCH ENGINE
 Our Webmaster advises our website has reached a critical mass  with more than 300 pages and E-News going back for more than 12 months. To  help you search for a specific item, a search engine can track items down by keywords. Everything  but sites for the left-handed browser.

 3. NCD GOVERNANCE
 Lady Carol Kidu, the author of the report on NCD Administrative Reform has  come out strongly in the press recently in defence of the work done by all  stakeholders  in preparing this report. In particular, she points out that  the current arrangments in place at NCDC are not what was envisioned in her  report. We had hoped to post a copy of the report for members on our  website, but as the report has not yet been tabled in Parliament we are  attempting to clarify who has the "ownership" of it  with the Legislative  Council. Once we have clarified the legal position we will advise and  hopefully post it for your information.

 4. NEWS FROM PNG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
 Some extracts from the regular newsletter from PNGCCI :
............The latest update from WHCCI (22 October) is that work has  commenced on the Kassam-Kainantu section of the Highway.  In addition the  Secretary of Works has advised that K4.5 million has been released by the
 Government, which together with K5 million from the Tax Credit Scheme will  enable repair to the worst sections of the Highway.
.............PNGCCI have beeen invited to be a part of  the Privatisation  Trust Board and the EBAS PNG Advisory Committee.  Dr James Chin is our  representative to EBAS, and nominations are still pending for the  Privatisation Trust Board. Phil Franklin will be standing down from the  National Forest Authority Board, to be replaced by Stanis Bai.Meanwhile, Dr  James Chin has been nominated to take over  the role on the National Aids  Council and National Aids Council Legal and Ethical Advisory Committee. Nominations for  the National Monitoring Authority are still pending.  Any suggestions are welcome.
............... A reminder to members that the PNGCCI does issue  “Certificates of Origin”?T for goods produced in Papua New Guinea.  With the World Trade Organization lowering tariffs around the world, and also with  the majority of PNG products exported being agricultural (and therefore not  using imported products), there is not much demand for these at the moment.

 However we feel that it would be worthwhile for Provincial Chambers to mention it at their next meeting for the benefit of those that may still need them.  Similarly, certificates for export and re-entry of goods sent overseas for repairs can be arranged.  The PNGCCI will be charging a standard fee of K50 for the above services.
..............Several comments were received on the Training Localisation  Programmes.  The subject obviously struck a chord with many sided dimensions of the matter; the overwhelming response being that the majority of  companies are implementing training programmes, but are failed by a system that allows staff to move to other companies as soon as their training is completed.  Whilst a system of bonding employees to the company that trained them is a solution that could be introduced, the problem with cultural  pressures and the Wantok system compromising the integrity of job selection  and appointment processes is much harder to deal with.
........Upcoming meetings and events:
· 31 October 2001 -  Meeting of the CACCI Information Technology (IT) Committee, Hong Kong
 · 9 November 2001" Official Opening and Trade Night of the 9th PNG-MADE Trade Fair, Port Moresby
 13 November 2001 â?" PNG/Queensland Business Cooperation Group (BCG) Meeting, Port Moresby
 · 21 November " Seminar on PNG's First Industrial Development Plan (IP20)

 5. LIST OF MINISTERS AND PORTFOLIOS (as at 22/10/2001)
 A brave call I know  but for your information, until the next change :
 Rt. Hon. Sir Mekere Morauta, Kt, MP Prime Minister & Minister for Treasury
 Hon. Michael Ogio, CBE, MP Deputy Prime Minister & Minster for Forests
 Hon. John Kamb, MP Minister for Communication & High Technology
 Hon. John Pundari, MP Minister for Foreign Affairs
 Hon. Chris Haiveta, MP Minister for Mining
 Hon Ron Ganarafo, MP Minister for Fisheries & Marine Resources
 Hon Vincent Auali, MP Minister for Privatisation & Corporatisation
 Hon Kilroy Genia, MP Minister for Defence
 Hon Assik T. Tomscoll, MP Minister for Health
 Hon Alfred Pogo, MP Minister for Transport & Works
 Hon Henry Smith, MP Minster for Correctional Institutional Services
 Hon Charlie Benjamin, MP Minister for Lands & Physical Planning
 Hon Roy Yaki, MP Minister for Petroleum & Energy
 Hon Mathias Karani, MP Minister for Provincial & Local Level Government Affairs
 Hon Jimson Sauk, MP Minister for Police
 Hon Luther Mond Minster for Civil Aviation
 Hon Moi Avei, MP Minister for Bougainville Affairs
 Hon Puri Ruing, MP Minister for Justice
 Rt. Hon Sir Pita Lus, MP Minister for Culture & Tourism
 Hon Andrew Kumbakor, MP Minister for Finance, Planning & Rural Development
 Hon John Waiko, MP Minister for Education
 Hon Philemon Embel, MP Minister for Public Services
 Hon William Ebenosi, MP Minister for Home Affairs & Youth
 Hon Herowa Agiwa, MP Minister for Environment & Conservation
 Hon Gibson Saonu, MP Minister for Housing
 Hon Muki Taranupi, MP Minister for Agriculture & Livestock
 Hon Tukape Masani, MP Minister for Trade & Industry
 Hon Fabian Pok, MP Minister for Labour & Employment

 6. DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR  & EMPLOYMENT
 I suppose business is supposed to be overjoyed at today's press announcement  that DLE has raised K8.6m this year and expects to reach between K10-12m,  against a target of K4m. At a time when business is on its knees where has this new-found income stream come from ? Will this be a new  indicator of development, how much DLE can extract from business to operate  ? By this level of collection we should assume the economy is booming.  What  else does this tell us ? We are not happy about the level of  localisation , but  look at the huge amounts of money we can extract from  the process ? Is the concern with economic development and oiling the  infrastructure for business to progress,or just a revenue-raising exercise  ? We are receiving many complaints about the slowness in processing work  permits etc and can see no evidence of this so-called " fund-raising  success" equating to any acceptable level of service to the client. PNG  clearly still needs expatriates, and extracts funds from there being here in the form of fees, such as the above, and taxation. No business in it's  right mind employs expatriates if a suitably  committed, qualified and available  citizen can be employed.

 7. EUROPEAN UNION AID
 Surely reports that the new Resident Head of the European Union  cannot get  properly accredited to PNG are not true ? With over K500m in grant aid  possibly at stake we  are at a loss for words. Be assured Mr. Craesnar the  business community welcomes you to our country and greatly appreciates the  Union's past and, we hope, future committment to Papua New Guinea. Over to  you Foreign Affairs ?

 8. HEADING TO RECESSION ?
 More than half of Australia's leading businesses believe we are headed to  recesssion.A national survey of 6400 corporate leaders revealed 53.2%  feared Australia was on the verge of a major economic downturn, blaming the  events of 11th September and collapse of large players like HIH, Pasminco  and Ansett. And yet in the US Wall Street investors ignore the gloomy news  and send the sharemarket up. Who can pick it ? The Dow Jones climbed 82.27  points(0.9%) last week and the S&P 500 rose 4.52 points, a 2.9% rise for  the week. Clearly some investors are buying cheap, betting on an economic  recovery next year.The Dow, the S&P500 and the Nasdaq have all recouped  losses stemming from the September 11 events. In Australia, "ANZ closed  the week up 10c, Commonwealth Bank committed itself to double-digit growth, while in the media sector Newscorp was up 15c, Fairfax up 8c and Packer's  PBL was up 13c " (extracts from the Weekend Australian) .Recesssion or just  "consumers sitting on their wallets'?

 9. QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY
 And the winner is................ some of the major results from the survey  we conducted among our members at the end of the last financial quarter :

 Q.1. Change in sales revenue........
35% said down by 5%, 20% down by 5-15%. 10% said up by 5-15%.

 Q.2. How do sales compare with last quarter ?
39% said down by 5%, 17% down  by 5-15%, 17% down by  30-45%. Only 17% said sales had gone up by 5-15%.

 Q.3. Do you expect better sales next quarter ?  40% said No, 35% siad No Change.

 Q.4. Change in Profit ? 30% down by 5%, 20% down by 5-15%

 Q.5. How does profit compare with last quarter ? 45% said down by 5%

 Q.6. Do you expect better profits next quarter ? 42% said No, 26% said no change.

 Q.7. Will your investment change next quarter ? 42% said  will decrease

 Q.8. Changes in employment ?  35% said would decrease, and 50% said no  change.

 Q.9. Major barriers affecting your business  were felt to be  the  instability of the Kina, High Cost of Finance and General Uncertainty,  while Poor Infrastructure and Corruption were a close second.

 10. THE SPECTRE OF AIDS
 (Extracts from Weekend Australian) " MINERS QUIT AFRICA "
 "AIDS is a big reason behind the influx of South African firms into Australia. An AIDS epidemic, racial conflict and economic instability are  causing South African mining companies to bail out of their home country and  move to Australia and the trend is growing.Major miners are re-establishing  their business overseas for fear they will not be able to operate in a  country with such huge social and economic difficulties. Anglo-American  estimates by 2005 it will be losing more than 5000 employees a year to HIV ." Lessons for us all, yet here in PNG we are still arguing over the  semantics and the pros and cons of condom usage. Time for a reality check?

 11. HERE COMES THE EURO
 (Our thanks to the Treasury and International  team over at PNGBC for this  article )  "The introduction of the Euro as the sole legal currency within the Euro  Zone of countries will be complete on 1 January 2002. In line with this  PNGBC will no longer publish the following daily rates : Austria, Belgium,  Germany,France, Italy, Ireland, Spain and Netherlands. It is suggested  you clear any Travellers Cheques, Foreign Currency Cheques, Bank Drafts or  Foreign Currency notes as soon as possible. Foreign Currency Drafts in  these currencies will no longer be issued. International Money Transfers  will not be available after 30th November. Euro currency notes and coins  will be introduced on 1 January 2002. To enable final clearance we will  generally no accept any legacy currency notes after 15 December 2001."

 12. NCD PHYSICAL PLANNING BOARD MEETING
 President has been invited to attend a Special Meeting of the Board on  Thursday 1st November. The meeting will
 " deliberate on the Ela Beach Road redevelopment and the Bava Street  upgrading works......presence is required
 to ensure that the interests and views of the commercial sector upon the  proposed projects can be taken into account and may form a valuable part of  the consultation process and also assist the Board in their deliberations on  the projects " . If you have any comments please forward them by  hand or email to the Chamber Office by  3pm Thursday 31st October.

 No word yet on the chaotic situation at the old Islander Roundabout.  Businesses are being severely inconvenienced as we approach the busy period  of the year. We have written to NCD  asking for some consultation between  their Engineering Division, the Contractor and the businesses affected so  this situation can be resolved satisfactorily.

 13. WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
 We welcome to membership of the Chamber  the Political Section of the  Australian High Commission, Corporate Transport Niugini  and welcome back  Litas Ltd. That takes us to 145 full members.Any more out there  who should be members ? If you wish to join or want to recommend a new member  please refer them to Joyce on 3213077/3213254 , Email :  pomcci@global.net.pg . If  joining members pay the fees  for a full year now, the membership takes you through to the end  of 2002, effectively  giving you a quarter year free.  Remember, the more we are, the greater  your voice is on issues that affect your business .

 14. BARBARIANS  COME TO PORT MORESBY
 Rugby Union Barbarians of course, here for the Inaugural World Barbarian  Sevens Tournament held 27-28th October. A wonderful weekend of rugby,  poorly supported by the public. It was clear from the eventual success of the tournament what tremendous potential  this event could have if run  properly and with all preparations done in a timely and professional manner .It has all the potential  to showcase Port Moresby and PNG Rugby. Maybe coinciding it around the Hiri Moale Festival  would be the way to go ?  Congratulations to all involved, especially  Air Niugini, Kumul Hotels,  the PRL Team  and the professional input from the PNG Rugby Union late on in the piece. I am sure all players went away with  a good feeling about our  city and PNG and this is essentially what these events are all about.

 15. IMF OCTOBER REPORT
 The IMF has reported in its latest country report that the kina depreciated  by 10% in the seven months to end July and has attributed it to various  factors which affected sentiment towards the currency, namely " military  unrest in March, anti-reform protests and the related death of four  demonstrators in June, and sporadic strikes in recent months " A full copy  of the  74 page PNG Country Report, dated  23rd October, is available in Adobe Format on the main IMF site  at www.imf.org.

 16. 'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY ?
 With Xmas fast approaching have you given some thought to some form of festive decoration on your building or premises ?  Maybe a small sign,but an indication of your  hopes for the future and a show  that no matter how  hard  things may be, there are fundamentals which never change and always  something to be thankful for.  Please think about it. Santa Claus in bathers will be acceptable. Any suggestions who should go on top of the Xmas Tree ?

23 October 2001

1. CHAMBER BREAKFAST
The next scheduled breakfast is THURSDAY 1st NOVEMBER at Holiday Inn, 0700 hrs- 0830hrs. Speaker will be Telikom CEO, Sunil Andradi, who will among other matters address the issue of itemised billing and other developments at Telikom Rumana. Tickets are K35 for a full buffet breakfast. Bookings through Joyce on 3213077 / 3213254   Email : pomcci@global.net.pg.

2. GORDEN TALLIS LUNCHEON
A big thank you to all those corporates and individual members who have supported the luncheon at Crowne Plaza on Wednesday 24th October. The Rotary Club of Boroko has hired the services of the secretariat girls to organise this function, with all proceeds to go to the Rotary project supporting the establishment of a new Limb Factory at Port Moresby General Hospital.

3. NCD MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS
The Chamber is still waiting for an official response from NCDC to its letter of 5th September raising some of our concerns on the planning and tendering processes applied to these contracts and the priorities being given to major highways at the expense of  repair and maintenance of existing facilities. We note the full page adverts being run in the daily papers on the matter and welcome this attempt at transparency(download Mr Kipit's letter) .The information refers to issues which we intend to pursue, namely , the procedures applied  in extending contracts for roads linked to Wards/Cameron Roads, the variation in pricing from initial estimates on Bava Street and Boroko Drive, the mobilisation fee of K4.351m paid in respect of Bava Street, and the NCD Urban Development and Services Master Plan  which recommended these projects, although we have had  great difficulty as your city Chamber in accessing a copy of these plans, if they exist at all. The saga continues. Stay tuned to this channel.

4. THREAT OF TERRORISM
suppose like many of you, we tend to think these issues will not affect PNG, but we are wrong.For most of us in PNG we have been lulled into a false sense of security thatthe events of 11th September in the US will not affect us directly. But this will and must change.The roots of terrorism exist in our society and  recent  actions by a major international corporation, NewsCorp,represented here by the Post Courier,  to have all mail screened separately by staff in protective clothing is perhaps the first of a series of wake up calls we are about to receive. Many multinationals are represented in our economy and our puny defences against hardened terrorists may be a tempting target, as the rest of  the developed world pulls battens down the hatches in a war against terrorism. Terrorism is a "global enterprise" and PNG is part of the global economic and financial market place whether it likes it or not. The actions against the WTCwill reverberate through our small struggling, economy  as world markets come under increasing pressure, retail spending falls, insurance premiums rise if they are able to be secured at all, travel and accomodation sectors shrink, currencies and investment capital  come under renewed pressure as investors look for secure havens. PNG will not be immune to  these looming global pressures. After all we can hardly  pretend that we have created a secure haven here for capital in the last few years. As the world becomes more and more isolationist under the global threat of terrorism and its repercussions. PNG, and the small nations of the Pacific Basin are  in danger of getting forgotten as too small and too much trouble, when it comes to allocation of scarce resources in any new "world order" which may come out of these troubled times.

5. POMCCI WEBSITE
Our Webmaster advises our webiste has reached a critical mass with more than 300 pages and E-News going back for more than 12 months. To help you search for a specific item, a search engine can track items down by keywords. type in your name and see if you are mentioned on the site, the most popular business portal in PNG. I was ! And for those of you were so excited by the reference to leather last week, I am sure that will turn up also. Happy hunting.

6. COUNTRY UPDATES
The popular annual country updates conducted by ANU in conjunction with INA and supported by AUSAID  will be held this week. The Port Moresby session will be held on 25th October at Crowne Plaza from 9am-5pm.For further details contact INA on 3211044. Entry is free, but registration is recommended.

7. PACIFIC ECONOMIC BULLETIN
The latest edition of this bulletin (Vol 16 Number 2) is now available. For details on how to obtain a copy ( I would assume copies will be on sale at the above-mentioned seminar) contact them on http://peb.anu.edu.au/current-issue.htm or email book.distribution@elandmark.com.au. Articles featured are  PNG Economic Survey : A Scorecard for the Morauta Administration ; Rice Demand in PNG, Resolving the land mobilisation issues in PNG ; case against reintroducing price stabilisation schemes in PNG  and crime and corruption-does PNG have the capacity to control it ?

8. ETHICS OF BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT
UPNG Law Professor, David Lea has published a new work  called " Business & Development in Contemporary  Melanesia", printed in PNG by local printer Graphos  for UPNG Press. It contains several interesting articles on PNG Case studies, which we will post soon on the website. Interesting reading as they explore the ethics, or lack of, involved in the Cairns Conservatory,  Slush Funds, Porgera Mine Equity, Lihir Mine Float, and Sandline Affair. Well - presented and easy to read it is well-worth having a look at. Copies will be available soon at the POMCCI office for K40.00 each. Book yourself a copy on  email : pomcci@global.net.pg.

9.HIRI MOALE BUSINESS SEMINAR
The proceedings of this successful seminar held on 11th September are now easily available on the website. Open up www.pomcci.org.pg  and click on the Hiri Moale logo. We are now in discussions with POMSOX to be involved in "THE MONEY SHOW " which will be a guide to investment in NCD and PNG to be held next March in Port Moresby.More details as this unfolds.

10. NEW TRADE CONTACTS.......
Oceania Sports in Vanuatu as agants for Lotto Sports Equipment and Uniforms are looking for a new agent in PNG. High quality Italian sports design, just the thing for a night down the town. Contact Robert Cooper in Port Vila on 678-22193  or email : lotto@vanuatu.com.vu .........PT Thawakkal Privatindo, Indonesia is looking for contacts in PNG. Contact them through their website on www.geocities.com/thawakkal . A wide range of products from household to computer IT and paper..............and if things are getting abit rough in your neighbourhood why not enquire about a Riot Control Vehicle with Water Cannon @ www.geocities.com/thawakkal/industrial/firetrucks.htm

SOME  POSTINGS FROM LAST WEEK............
If  you are into leather  the place to be is Chennai, India for the 17th Annual India International Leather Fair from Jan 31-Feb 4th 2002 organised by the India Trade promotion Organisation. For more information visit their website  on www.indialeatherfair.com......Host Systems Ltd  from the UK is looking for an agent to promote their product, transportable and mobile ATC towers and systems. They have ben in contact with Civil Aviation and Air Niugini but have rceived no response. For more information contact Kila Kome at the British High Commission on 3251677 or Email  Kila.Kome@fco.gov.uk

1. CHANGES IN NCD
 Well what a week that was ? Changes  galore and the political dance continues. It now appears we will end up with a new commission  headed by former PNGBC executive Thomas Tanasu, from Bougainville, with 12 other members from various sectors of the community and the four local members as ex-officio members. No nomination was sought from the Chamber and we understand Robert Aisi from the PNG Business Council will represent business interests. The result appears to be far from the Kidu Report on NCD Governance. We hope that the level of service to city businesses and residents will soon return to normal. An interesting point from our counterparts at LCCI is that under the Organic Law on Local Government,with removal of elected representatives NCDC may not be able to collect the 3% of VAT revenue from Treasury -this is worth K96m annually to NCDC. We welcome the moves by Police to control the planned "peaceful" march planned for yesterday as we have yet to see one of these so-called "peaceful" demonstrations proceed without creating an air of tension and fear in the community as well as the regular, grossly unfair, targetting of business houses on the route, by elements who will always take advantage of such civil commotion. We all agree people have a right to protest, but all citizens have responsibilities as well and to date nobody has been able to show they have full control of these elements when they unleash them on the community.

2. NCD INFRASTRUCTURE
We seem to have raised the ire of  NCD Advisory Board Chairman, Jamie Maxtone-Grahame with our comments on the priorities being set on major NCD road projects. His comment suggesting that the Chamber is anti-development cannot go unanswered. POMCCI is not anti-development.We have welcomed infrastructure development in industrial areas such as Gabaka Street and will always support projects which follow strict procedures, are transparent and  will lead to increased economic growth. The  Chamber remains firmly committed to seeing proper town-planning procedures put in place and followed in our city  for the benefit of all players, government, all businesses, city residents and taxpayers.For example we have correspondence from the NCD Physical Planning Board that the proposed work along Ela Beach did not (and we understand still does not ) have the required planning permission, yet authorities say all procedures were followed.

One of our members has commented in response to last week's NCD article on roads : " presently NCDC supervises all the construction works on the roads.NCDC therefore plays the role of the Employer as well as the Supervisor.There is no independent adjudicator to independently verify claims, variation requisition, validation of extra works(contracts). Employing independent consultants as the construction supervisors is a common approach all over the world "  The business community of NCD is a major shareholder through the taxes paid and has every right to voice its opinions when it feels that the spending of these funds is being poorly prioritised. Long term plans to upgrade main arterial roads in NCD are welcome, but why do they all need to be done now ? Why are the appalling state of  suburban roads, drainage, street lighting, escalating law and order, soaring urban poverty exacerbated by hostility to the informal sector, the issues of settlements on government and traditional land, to name but a few, not being given some priority.Would it  not be possible for National Government to consider allocation of a portion of NCD VAT collection to upgrading the Hiritano and Magi Highway links to the city. These are vital arteries which bring business into the city and allow free movement of goods by our businesses into the Central and Gulf Provinces. Different priorities, but good for NCD, Central and Gulf. POMCCI is committed to developing business in the NCD, not only for our members but for the community in general.

3. MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETING
Due to unavailability of  the speaker on last Friday of the month and the PM's Celebrity Walk on 2nd November we have moved this to FRIDAY 1st NOVEMBER at HOLIDAY INN. Telikom CEO, Sunil Andradi, will be our guest with we hope some good news for us all on itemised billing and other developments at Telikom. Tickets are K35.00 for a full buffet breakfast. Contact Joyce or Jenny on 3213077/3213254  Email : pomcci@global.net.pg

4. LUNCHEON WITH GORDEN TALLIS
Don't miss this opportunity to have luncheon with Gorden Tallis, the feared Brisbane Bronco Forward and Captain who will be in PNG from 23-26th October doing promotional work for Remington Technologies. Boroko Rotary Club have organised a Fund-Raising Luncheon for WEDNESDAY 26th OCTOBER at the CROWNE PLAZA. Tickets are K90.00 and all proceeds will go to Rotary charitable projects at the Port Moresby Limb Factory. Rugby memorabilia will also be auctioned and the opportunity to have a signed photograph with Tallis will be available. There are limited seats remaining so contact Rita or Joyce on 3213077 / 3213254 or Email : daveconn1@global.net.pg A similar lunch will be held in Lae hosted by the Huon Gulf Rotary Club if you miss him here.

5. LIQUOR LICENSING
We have been asked by the Liquor Licensing Commission to advise members that several complaints have been received regarding advertising related (directly or indirectly)  to the sale of liquor.Some of us require  no blandishments to encourage drinking, but for those of you who do.

The text of the letter follows : " This relates to direct advertising by brewers / distillers and traders and others intended to attract patrons to licensed premises such as "happy hour", 'wrestling by females ', Calendar girls, 'Queen of the Night', Wet T-shirt competitions and photographs of persons drinking or dancing in clubs and taverns etc " "Pursuant to section 2(3) of the Liquor (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, a person who publishes or causes to be published an advertisement, statement, notice, photograph, picture or other matter that is intended or likely to induce or increase the purchase, sale, consumption, disposal or use of liquor whether it relates to liquor or any other brand of liquor is guilty of an offence "  This area of law enforcement is grey, but members are advised as requested. Further clarification may be sought from the Liquor Licensing Commission or the Attorney-General.

6. STATISTICAL DIGEST  2000
This booklet which contains a selection of statistics on PNG's foreign trade, population, national economy, commodity prices, manufacturing, employment and finance is available for K12.00 from Director Policy Planning & Research Division on Tel: 3256076 / 3012533  Fax 3256108.

7. LOOKING FOR WORK ? ANYWHERE ?
How about Tonga ? Prospective contractors or companies who may wish to submit a tender for project  8.ACP.TG.05-Vava'u Development Programme III should contact the European Union Office on Email : Eudelfiji@eu.org.fi for further information.

8. IBBM MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION COURSES
The Institute of Banking and Business Administration has a series of courses scheduled for October and November starting with one which could be relevant in these hard times : 23-24th October on "Credit Management and Debt Collection". For further information call 32-1000, Email them on info@ibbm.com.pg   or visit their website on www.ibbm.com.pg.  (see advert bottom of this page)

9. MINI ASSEMBLY PLANTS
Some weeks ago  we ran an article on these assembly plants housed in portable containers  from an organisation called SCINet (see link on POMCCI web page ). We have had further information from them on various credits of preferential financing of up to 50%. For more information visit their site on www.scinet-corp.org or email them on support@scinet-corp.org.

10. CHEVRON TEXACO CORPORATION
Our thanks to ChevronTexaco and PNG Country Manager Isikeli Taureka  for giving the President an opportunity  to join the visit to Kutubu, Gobe and Kopi as their guest and witness the roll-out of the new corporate entity to the staff on site.It was an eye-opener to see the professionalism of these world-class facilities in PNG and the involvement of so many young Papua New Guineans operating to world standards in front-line positions. The operation is clearly operated to world-industry  standards of environmental practice and occupational and safety issues are paramount.  The press on this merger states : Chevron Corp. announced in Houston on Oct 9th that the stock-holders have voted to approve the proposed merger with Texaco, and will be known as the ChevronTexaco Corporation.. The news for PNG is good and we will see very little change to the day-to-day operations of Chevron PNG.The new entity will be a Global Energy Company combining Chevron/Texaco/Caltex. Chevron Texaco will continue to explore for oil and support the Gas Project which is now operated by ExxonMobil. In terms of size, Chevron  Texaco will be 3rd in global reserves, 4th in global oil and gas production, top producer in Angola, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, major producer in Nigeria and US  and major leaseholder in US deep water and Western Australia Gas.Chevron Texaco will have 25,000 branded retail outlets, 2.2 million barrels refining capacity, 3.5 million barrels product sales/day, No 4 in global lubricants, and a major power and gassification leader, employing 53,000 employees in 180 countries. Both Chevron Chairman Dave O'Reilly and new Chevron Texaco CEO, Peter Robertson, made specific reference to PNG so teh operations here are clearly part of the worldwide picture for this  new corporation. Welcome Chevron Texaco !!

11. NEW TRADE CONTACTS
........if you are into leather  the place to be is Chennai, India for the 17th Annual India International Leather Fair from Jan 31-Feb 4th 2002 organised by the India Trade promotion Organisation. For more information visit their website  on www.indialeatherfair.com......Host Systems Ltd  from the UK is looking for an agent to promote their product, transportable and mobile ATC towers and systems. They have ben in contact with Civil Aviation and Air Niugini but have rceived no response. For more information contact Kila Kome at the British High Commission on 3251677 or Email  Kila.Kome@fco.gov.uk

12. HIRI MOALE BUSINESS SEMINAR
The proceedings of this successful seminar held on 11th September are now easily available on the website. Open up www.pomcci.org.pg  and click on the Hiri Moale logo. We are now in discussions with POMSOX to be involved in "THE MONEY SHOW " which will be a guide to investment in NCD and PNG to be held next March in Port Moresby.More details as this unfolds.

2. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Our representative on the SMEC Ctte, Ken Dunn, advises  that " following on from the recent change of NCD Governor the SMEC study has been placed on hold and it is not expected that the study and proposed development plan will be completed until early next year  "

3. THE NCD ROAD SAGA
Your Chamber has spoken out strongly on what we feel are misplaced priorities on current roadwork. The executive at their monthly meeting resolved to step up the campaign on achieving a transparent, consultative planning and implimentation process in regard to these major projects and Minson Peni has been briefed on our stand to communicate it to the Commission Board meeting today. Further action has been taken  to force NCD to comply with requests for information on  these procedures.  Several businesses around the planned work on Waigani Drive have raised concern at the lack of consultation prior to plans being put in place which will seriously impact on access to their properties. We are considering these and are prepared to use the Chamber's authority  to take appropriate legal injunctions to resolve this matter if NCD do not comply with legitimate business concerns. It appears new traffic lights will replace the Islander Roundabout  which we question as  the roundabouts do seem to be a reasonable way of ensuring good traffic flows in the city without the problem of  inoperative lights and damage to traffic lights we see so often.

4. NEW PASSENGER FEES
We mentioned the new fee to be levied in Sydney several weeks ago and lo and behold we now have one in Port Moresby. Admittedly these fees are not new around the world  but can we be assured they will actually be used for the purpose they are intended ? Why only levy it on international fares ? The incorporation of all such levies and departure taxes  has now been incorporated into tickets and we have concerns that the system for collection of this  fee will work efficiently. Yet another disincentive to tourism and an additional imposte to business imposed without prior consultation. What next....toll roads in NCD ? Only joking, fellows !!!

5. EDUCATION ROADSHOW
This roadshow promoting education and training facilities and courses in Australia hits Port Moresby on Friday 12th October at the Holiday Inn. Admission is free  and includes seminars by AUSAID each  day. For more information contact www.austrade.gov.au

6. HIRI MOALE BUSINESS SEMINAR
The procedings and speeches from this very successful seminar are now available on the website. Find it through hot links on www.pomcci.org.pg .

7. TRADE LINKS
The following information has been received in the last week.Members are encouraged to make their own  contacts  if an item attracts their attention :......
A general source of trade leads can be found at   www.fita.org
......Search engines appear all the time, but this one is rather special with its "Sneak-A-Peek feature.Now don't get all excited, it's just a way of having a quick look at a site without having to download the whole page. Too disappointed to look ? Try www.wisenut.com
.......Scared of flying after events of last month ? Not sure if this will help, but you may want to have a look at www.airdisaster.com/cvr
......transcripts of cockpit recorders from a number of air crashes over the past few years.
.......Singapore business looking for contacts interested in their range of custom -build engine-driven generators. Contact Benny Foo at www.vibropower.com.
......Italian supplier of pneumatic and hydraulic tools  currently in over 40 countries, but not Afghanistan. Vistarini S.p.a. can be found at www.hydraulic-hammers.net or email them on
info@hydraulic-hammers.net.
......Some news from our partners at Cairns CCI  on a free seminar in Cairms on "Regional Migration Strategies to assist FNQ Business " Date is 9th October, Time 6-8pm at Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron. Contact by 5th October is Alicia Smith on asmith@credc.com.au  or \riving by the day !!
.........Indian supplier of hospital goods, especially orthopaedic implants and instruments (latter especially useful when you get home legless from the club !) Contact Global Products Corporation in New Delhi  onglobalproducts@bol.net.in

1. QANTAS / PX - THE OFFICIAL STORY
  With all the stories flying  (forgive the pun) about, if you have not already read the press release on the changes to international flights between PNG and Australia, here is the official media release from Qantas

AIR NIUGINI INCREASES SERVICES BETWEEN  PNG AND AUSTRALIA
2 October 2001: Air Niugini will increase services between Papua New Guinea and Australia through a temporary expansion of the codeshare agreement with Qantas.  Effective 12 October, Air Niugini will operate all flights between Port Moresby and Brisbane, Sydney and Cairns.  Air Niugini will fly a total of seven return codeshare services each week between Port Moresby and Brisbane on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The flights will include Sydney on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Air Niugini will continue to provide 12 codeshare services on its F28 aircraft each week linking Port Moresby and Cairns. The PNG airline has amended the operating schedule for its Airbus A310 to provide the additional codeshare flights that will replace four Qantas B767 return services each week linking Port Moresby, Brisbane and Sydney. Qantas Executive General Manager Sales and Distribution, John Borghetti, said the codeshare flights would offer the complete range of Qantas Frequent Flyer and oneworld benefits.

"This temporary expansion of codeshare services will be reviewed as soon as Qantas is able to make arrangements to provide longer-term additional capacity for our Australian domestic network," he said. Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Peter Roberts, said the two airlines had a long history of co-operation on the Australia-PNG route."We are delighted that Air Niugini was in a position to assist Qantas and provide additional codeshare seats on our flights until the outcome of the Australian domestic aviation industry becomes clear," he said.

2. NCD ROADS
   At the monthly executive meeting the continuing concern of the Chamber, and we hope the    community, was raised  on the priorities being applied on major road works. We fail to see  the need, in these extremely hard financial times and with many more pressing needs in the    NCD, for the work started at the Islander Roundabout, the preparations for work  on Bava    Street, the roundabout at the market area at East Boroko, Healey Parade / Ela Beach  and    the proposed work to connect through Scratchley Road to Badili. It is our information that    many  of these roads were sealed  within  the last 2-3 years and that traffic flows hardly justify  four lane roads. Can someone in  authority please tell us what the reasoning behind this work is ? The Chamber wrote to NCDC on 5/9/2001 raising specicific questions in regard to these projects which we feel should be public knowledge, but to date has received no response.In light of this negative reaction the  POMCCI executive further resolved  to step up the campaign of protest  on these projects,   the  lack of transparency and the tender procedures being followed. This could, in the words  of  George W., be a long and protracted affair and we seek all members support. This is not a campaign by the Chamber against any individuals or particular companies. We feel strongly that proper procedures of  public advertisement and comment, approvals and tendering should be transparent and always in the interest of the whole community. Proper procedures will in the long -run be conducive to securing business for all companies.

3. INTERESTING TIMES AT NCDC
 While attending an Urbanisation Committee Mtg at City Hall on Tuesday it became apparent     a large number of people were hanging around awaiting the decision of the courts on the case     involving the suspension of the NCDC. As there has been little progress on lifting of the    suspension for some time, a successful challenge would see NCD member Phillip Taku    re-installed as Governor. We await the outcome of this issue.

4. COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
    Like all Chamber committees, the committe tasked with addressing community and social     concerns has been putting in some extra hours with the NCD Police and Health authorities.     Members with any concerns in these areas should contact committee chairman, Toby     Andreassen at Coca-Cola. Some issues that arose from meetings with Deputy Commissioner     Sam Inguba : five of the 62 escapees have been recaptured. Friends or families harbouring     these escapees will be charged by police. On-the-spot fines are NOT legal. "No payment     should be solicited by an officer " An infringement notice is issued and should be paid at the     Motor Registry. That's the theory anyway. Good luck at your next road-block.

5. NEW SPOT IN ALOTAU
Over the next few months we will be making significant changes to our website to improve the     availability of information on all aspects of investement. We have plans to seek  EBAS funding     for this work. One of the additional links will feature items and properties of interest to our     business visitors in NCD and throughout PNG. One such property we hope to feature is a     new locally-owned lodge in Alotau called Napatana Lodge, Located  on the waterfront just     off the main road  before reaching Alotau it has waterfront bungalows @ K140 and back-     packer accomodation @K50.It has a restaurant  and features "Sundowners" from 5-6 each     night and Pacific food and music for families on Saturdays. Give it a go next time you are in    Milne Bay. For bookings contact grettak@daltron.com.pg or call 6411290.

6. MEMBERSHIP
Membership has now climbed to 138. We welcome back to membership  Elcom, Bank of Hawaii, CDC Capital Partners, Datec, Salvationist Press and warmly welcome the following  who have joined this year : NCDC, Asian Aviation, City Pharmacy, Data Ltd, Express Freight, Leasemaster, L & A ILB PNG Ltd, Mirupasi Lawyers, Moin International, Pacific Capital, Parua Lawyers, Peddle Thorpe, RFI Enterprises, Securimax, Cartridge Factory, Uramina  & Nelson. Membership invoices for 2002 will be coming out early November. Fees for 2002 will rise by 10%, but fees paid before the due date of 31st December will be levied at the current rate.

7. ANY MUSICIANS OUT THERE ?
 As part of the celebrations for International Year of the Volunteer, a Music Concert is being  planned for 8th December. Committe is looking for talented musicians. If you are a dab hand on the fiddle or the pianola, dust off your triangle, polish the maraccas and  contact Pablo on 3212259. Kazoo players need not
apply.

8. PACIFIC MAGAZINE (FORMERLY ISLANDS BUSINESS )
Pacific Magazine will be doing  a feature on PNG in their December 2001 issue.Booking deadline is November 13th. If you would like to advertise in this publication  a representative, Litia Naigulevu-Ashley will be in Port Moresby on 10th October travelling between POM and Madang. Contact them directly on advert@ibi.com.fj or lashley@ibi.com.fj.

9. CIA ANNOUNCEMENT
A notice from the Communications Industry association which should be of interest.  "Could you please advise your members that the Communications Industry Association (PNG) has started a database of stolen radios and Mobile phones which will be distributed amongst the CIA members.  Reports of stolen radios and phones with details of model, serial numbers (you have recorded these I hope) and any other markings will help in recovering units brought into our businesses for reprogramming or sale.  The general policy of most Communications companies who receive "Found" radios or phones is to attempt to locate the original owner, advise them that the unit has been "found' and if necessary involve the Police. No money is offered for purchase or "reward" for finding the unit.  We hope that this information will help slow down the thriving market in stolen Radios and Phones. Signed :  Terry Griffiths (manager@pacom.prosec.com.pg) Communications Industry Association (PNG)

10. TRADE LEADS AND  GENERAL INTEREST
The following information has been received in the last week.Members are encouraged to make their own  contacts  if an item attracts their attention
:
......A general source of trade leads can be found at   www.fita.org
......Search engines appear all the time, but this one is rather special with its "Sneak-A-Peek feature.Now don't get all excited, it's just a way of having a quick look at a site without having to download the whole page. Too disappointed to look ? Try www.wisenut.com
.......Scared of flying after events of last month ? Not sure if this will help, but you may want to have a look at www.airdisaster.com/cvr
......transcripts of cockpit recorders from a number of air crashes over the past few years.
.......Singapore business looking for contacts interested in their range of custom -build engine-driven generators. Contact Benny Foo at www.vibropower.com.
......Italian supplier of pneumatic and hydraulic tools  currently in over 40 countries, but not Afghanistan. Vistarini S.p.a. can be found at www.hydraulic-hammers.net or email them on
info@hydraulic-hammers.net.
......Some news from our partners at Cairns CCI  on a free seminar in Cairms on "Regional Migration Strategies to assist FNQ Business " Date is 9th October, Time 6-8pm at Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron. Contact by 5th October is Alicia Smith on asmith@credc.com.au  or \riving by the day !!
.........Indian supplier of hospital goods, especially orthopaedic implants and instruments (latter especially useful when you get home legless from the club !) Contact Global Products Corporation in New Delhi  onglobalproducts@bol.net.in

1. ROADS...ROADS.....ROADS
 Well the roads just keep coming. Now we just need somewhere to go ? Businesses should anticipate disruptions as the work proceeds at the junction of Waigani / Cameron Roadand Executive members arearranging meetings with NCD to see if some of the disruption to businessess can be minimised. For those in the area from Aopi Buildingdown to PNGBC on waigani Drive and down the top of Cameron Road with an issue please contact Darren Youngby email on dyoung@steamships.com.pg.Wecontinue to keep an eye on Ela Beach and after the huge numbers that attended the Hiri Moale Festival, or go down there on a weekend, can there be any doubt that it is a treasure we must struggle to maintain. We now have a copy of the plan for the work at Ela Beach and hope to show this at our breakfast on Friday.

2. MONTHLY BREAKFAST
 Places are filling fast for the monthly breakfast at the Holiday Inn this Friday 28th September. Mr David Kelso and Gary Thomas will give a short presentation on EBAS, an EU-ACP funding assistance scheme. Contact Joyce on 3213077 or Email : pomcci@global.net.pgto book your seats. For those of you travelling to Sydneyon the popular PX weekender to watch Paramatta take out their first premiership in (33 ??) years, breakfast will be over by 0830 allowing you a quick dash down the Freeway for your flight. See you there !

3. NCD PHYSICAL PLANNING BOARD
 We have received onewritten objection to our nomination for this Board position and this will be given due consideration at our next Executive Meeting first Wednesday of October.

4. PORT MORESBY VISITORS BUREAU
 POMCCI is an active member of the Working Committee to establish this body. The next meeting will be at the POM Chamber office this Friday at 10.00am where we will considerdraft legislation to establish the NCD Tourism Bureau. A copy of the draft is available for any interested members to comment on.

5. APEC LEADERS SUMMIT
 This advice from the PNG Manufacturing Council. APEC Leaders Summit will be held in Shanghai on 20-21 October following the 4th ABAC meeting. Private CEO's are invited to attend at their own cost. Please contact Denise Ruha on pngmadecouncil@datec.com.pg.

6. INTERNET PROBLEMS
 Problems we were experiencing from Thursday 20th seem to have been resolved. Appears to have been a jointissue with Telikom, Optus and Telstra. As far as we know all ISP's were affected and the service is now back to normal. It does raise the issue again however, of how vulnerable this vital business tool is with only one gateway. Is there a sensible alternative ? ISP's etc please advise if you think there is.

7. CIA......NOT THAT ONE.....THE COMMUNICATION INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
This association made up of most of the communication industry players has raised several issues with the regulatory authority,PANGTEL and invites comment from Chamber members on any of the issues they raise. Issues raised refer among others to :
a) Several companies operating in PNG without appropriate Pangtel
licensing
b) Excessive delays in issuing HF,VHF and UHF licences.
c) Telikom Paging System apparently operating in permanent transmit mode.
d) Pantel to provide an upgraded monitoring for all radio channels, with specific regard to VHF bands and international interference on HF bands.
e) Pangtel to look seriously at ways of improving performance in levels of service with need for a full review of all present operations recommended. Why does this last point not really surprise us ? Can we look forward to
established performance standards which areadhered to ?

8. CONGRATULATIONS
......to the Post Courier's business editor, Ruth Waram, who will be training 14 journalists from PNG and the Pacific on business and finance reporting leading up to the PINA Conference in Madang 14-21 October. Her fellow trainer is John Lombard, finance editor for the ABC. Always happy to promote a bit of home-grown talent. Any more examples out there ?

9. COCA COLA CLOSURE
We spring to the defence of one of our members this week who have been the victimsof rather poor reporting in the press and yet another example ofill-informed demands from the workers union. The company has proven itself a good corporate citizen in PNG and does not deserve such criticism over what for them has been a difficult, but commercially driven decision in regard to their production plant only. Companies, in these hard times, must be allowed to make such decisions fro the good of their business and shareholders and should not have to face such biased rhetoric. I attach an exact transcript from Coca-Cola for your information.

Coca-Cola Amatil (PNG) Limited will regrettably close it's production facility Port Moresby effective at September month-end.The decision has been made purely on economic grounds with some of the contributing factors being -
Higher production costs due to the shipping of raw materials from Lae to Port Moresby;
Higher production costs due to the age of the production line - it has beenestimated that a significant investment would needto be spent on capital expenditure to bring the production facility up to the standard required; and
Increasing labour costs.
All of the above being incurred without passing on the cost increases to our customers - no price increases have been imposed for the past two years.

Significant efforts have been made to either negate or minimise the effect on our production personnel by this closure.Employees have been given the option to apply for transfers to Lae or transfers within the Port Moresby operation. Vacancies within our other operations within Papua New Guinea may also arise between now and year-end - with affected employees to be gainfully employed until December.Redundancy packages for those who opt for a redundancy have been carefully put together and reflect a sensitivity for the welfare of our employees.

To clarify any confusion that may have arisen from recent newspaper articles only the production function will cease, all other departments will continue to operate as normal, every attempt will be made to provide jobs for the affected personnel with the goal being of securing a job for those who still want to work for this company.There was little or no consultation made by the media before the articles were released resulting in an overall inaccurate and deceptive report."

10. TRADE LEADS AND ENQUIRIES
 The following information has been received in the last week.
Members are encouraged to make their owncontacts if an item attracts their interest :
ICE MAKING SYSTEMS FOR SME FISHING OPERATIVES.......Haden Magna Engineering, Singapore
contactWilliam Cutts on refrigtk@pacific.net.sg
GENERAL MERCHANDISING........Virat Enterprises, Hong Kong.Contact virat@netvigator.com
PP WOVEN AND LAMINATED BAGS......PT Wirapetro Plastindo, Indonesia.......
 Contact Mr Setiawan on wiraptro@indosat.net.id
JUTE GOODS........Mart Overseas Ltd, Bangladesh....Contact Mr Khan on martover@bangla.net
INDIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR, NEW DELHI, 14-27 November 2001
 Contact Mr Bansal on SSEPL@DEL3.VSNL.NET.IN
BANGALORE AGRIFOOD 2001......1-5 December
2001.....www.wisitex.com/baf2001/home.htm
Contact Dr Balakrishnan on jsitp@mea.nic.in
 

1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday to the President and all those others born on the 20th. Why was he born so beautiful, as the song goes. No information on age but we are reliably informed he is now aged less than half his weight.

2. NCD PHYSICAL PLANNING BOARD
POMCCI has nominated Executive Members, Darren Young and Fabian Chow as  Alternate to this Board. Their appointment is currently awaiting approval by the  Minister. We welcome this move and trust it will lead to proper handling of the  planning processes in the city.

3. ELA BEACH RESERVE
As previously advised the President has been given a tour of the site by the contractor.It would appear about 20% of the casuarinas are to be removed. The new 4-lane road will follow a route around the point from Koki and head to the old seawall opposite the Telikom Exchange. From there the road will head to the other side of the road away from the existing carparks and beach reserve. There will be a roundabout around the Water Pumping Station near the Liquor Barn. The present road route will form the inside two lanes with two lanes out- side that running close to the SDA Church, Ela Beach Hotel, Ela Hilton(this is where the majority of the trees will be lost) and Ela Beach School where the road will run almost straight towards Ela Beach Towers where there will be another roundabout. The plan shows the road stopping there, but it is obvious from the plan that an extension around Paga Point is definitely being considered. One major improvement will be the walkway around Healy Parade from Koki and we were advised some consideration is being given to restoring the public boat ramp and suitable community approved plans for the reclaimed land at Koki. We have received letters from Chairman of the NCD Physical Planning Board advising the plan has not been approved and is to be presented to them before approval can be given. We also have a letter from the Prime Minister and Member for Moresby North West noting our concerns and referring them to the Chairman of the NCDC Advisory Board. Sincere thanks to those who did give support to our efforts, although to be quite frank it was not exactly overwhelming. If we can not stand up as a community when vital amenities such as this are threatened and proper planning proceeses are not followed it does not augur well for planned progress. This is our city and we must stand up and be heard on a wide range of issues.

4. FREEWAY LIGHTS
We understand discussions are underway between NCDC and Elcom over those lights that have been damaged. It seems NCD are willing to do repairs but fear this will land them with the bills for the power. We need a sensible resolution to this issue as many parts of these new roads are dangerous when unlit. While on that, would it be too much to ask contractors to at least put up some warning lights on sections of new roadwork ? Entering some sections is like navigating a maze and downright dangerous. The unlit concrete blocks across the road at the new section near Aopi House are a serious accident waiting to happen at night.

5. COMBINED BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
We have attended a meeting of the major business organisations initiated by the Manufacturers Council. The plan is to run a series of articles in the media on the current parlous business environment to highlight and offer alternatives to the government of the day. Given the tragic events in the USA last week the economic shockwaves from factors such as insurance claims in excess of USD 120bn lead many to believe we are well on the way, if not there already, to a worldwide recession. The consequences of that to our already battered economy may be severe indeed and will require bipartisan support from all sectors of the community and political parties as we head to the 2002 elections.

6. 1ST HIRI MOALE BUSINESS SEMINAR
Congratulations to our staff at the Secretariat for the sterling job done on the  Seminar last week. It was excellent coverage for the Chamber. Our special  thanks to the following for supporting the initiative : NCDC, IPA, Harbours  Board, TPA, ANG, DAL, Curtain Brothers, Remington, Kina Finance,Capital  Finance, POMSOX, Bank South Pacific, Govt Printer, Crowne Plaza and, of  course, to the Prime Minister for delivering the Keynote Address.  Miss out this year ? Why not put September 12th 2002 in your diary now ?

7.  NCD INFRASTRUCTURE
Some interesting information gleaned from thr NCD display at last week's Seminar. Total NCD Budget for 2001 is K116,996,700 made up of Capital Works valued at over K70m, 10% Grants, 16% Operating Expenses, and 14% Others. Some of the major projects funded were : Kennedy Road K7.16m, Cameron Road K44.63m, Erima Bridge K3.56m, Taurama Road K9.77m, Tatana/ Hanuabada K3.54m and Gabaka Street K18.26m.

8. EBAS BUSINESS ASSISTANCE SCHEME
We have mentioned this scheme before and recommend members take a look at  a potential source of funding to enhance and progress their business. It is  called the EU-ACP Business Assistance Scheme (eb@s) and has funds of 20m  Euros avilable in the Pacific Region to help business and internediary organisations  such as Trade Associations and Chambers finance expansion projects though  provision of consultancy services. They will meet up to 50%(more for certain  types of organisations) of the cost of services which facilitate an increase in  competitiveness. For more information check out www.ebas.org.

9. ENDEAVOUR PROSPECTUS
Copies of this are available at the Chamber Office.

10. GINIGOADA MICRO-ENTERPRISE
This new micro-finance and micro enterprise training scheme which has the  suppport of the Chamber has now moved to appoint a Foundation Manager,  register as a Foundation and has an AVI volunteer, Gray Maolne, in residence at  the POMCCI office. We have had problems establishing the Foundation Board  due to other commitments of the suggested members. If you are interested and  have some expertise in this field I am sure Gray would be happy to hear from  you at the Chamber office.

11. PNG INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS
This is another initiative the Chamber is happy to support to encourage the  growth of good governance in PNG. If you are a Director or Public Officer  of a company or state enterprise you should consider joining. Details are  available from the Chamber office. At the next meeting of PNGID, we will  present a bid to take over the Secretariat services of the Institute.

12. NEED A PLACE FOR A MEETING ?
Why not consider our new conference room for your next meeting ? It is very  centrally located and is suitable for meetings of around 10-12 people. At this  stage, if the activity is something worthwhile for our comunity we levy no  charges. The staff can arrange light lunch and refreshments if you require them  at your cost. Already it has been used by such diverse bodies as PNGID,  Rotary Club, POM Soccer Association, POM Visitors Bureau, Hiri Moale  Business Seminar. Tired of holding meetings at your own office only to be  disturbed all the time ? Contact Joyce/Jenny for bookings.

 1. HIRI MOALE BUSINESS SEMINAR
What can we say ? A tremendous success and congratulations to all involved, especially our hard-working staff and Richard Kassman who took a lead role in the weeks leading up to the event. The Prime Minister gave the Keynote Address and well over 200 attended to listen to a wide range of interesting speakers. For the first event of its kind it succeeded beyond our best expectations. Our thanks to NCD and IPA for their support and we trust this will become an annual event. Now the talk is over let us see if we can get the many ideas implimented. How does THURSDAY 12th September 2002 sound ? All proceedings in Website will be out within a couple of days.

 2. NCD ROADS -ELA BEACH
Last week's Monthly Meeting raised the wide community concern over the work at Ela Beach and the road development in general. There was unanimous agreement that NCD be approached and asked to halt work until the public had a chance to view the intended changes and comment.. It was agreed that a court injunction be taken out as a last resort, and Lady Kidu, the local member, has come out in the press strongly in favour of such action.City Manager has asked for a meeting later this week to discuss our concerns and President will be given a tour of the site by the contractor on Wednesday to see the scope of the work. At this stage, it appears most of the widening will take place on the side away from the beach and that 20% of the casuarina trees will be removed. We reserve our comment. The NCD Physical Planning Board has responded very promptly, within 2 days, to our letter of the 4th and we appreciate such speedy action from the Chairman, Mr Costas Constatinou.

Their letter states,and I quote -" proposed road development along Ela Beach has not been granted any physical planning approval for the project to proceed.......The Board was concerned that the submission was presented to the Board without assessment by the Planning Office. The Board did not deliberate on the proposal and requested that a proper assessment is to be done before the Board can make a decision." A further letter has been written to the City Manager seeking details on expenditure on road infrastructure in the city and the tendering and planning processes followed.

 3. ROAD BLACK SPOTS
 In the optimistic assumption that the current controversy at Ela Beach will create closer dialogue with City authorities, we should identify areas where serious work needs to be done on exisiting roads. Two already brought to our attention are the roads at Croton St, Hohola and the Road linking Jacksons Parade to Morea Tobo Road at the DC3 mounument. Any more ? Don't all rush, now !

 4. COMMONWEALTH BUSINESS FORUM..........2nd Posting
 Scheduled for 3-5th October in Melbourne, this meeting will preceed the CHOGM meeting to be held in Brisbane.We have already sent all members a copy of a letter promoting the event from Australian High Commissioner, Nick Warner. A brochure of full details is available from POMCCI which we can fax to you or email as an attachment.

5. TELIKOM SERVICES
 Several members have raised the issue of unavailability of detailed account printouts and I raised the issue in last weeks E-News.Attached is a response from Telikom CEO, Sunil Andradi for your information : " Telikom recognised the need of our customers to have itemised billing and started a project in first half of last year to design and implement itemised billing for main ceters. Production of itemised billing require call details to be recorded and transported to a central location for rating, where as the bulk billing method currently used completes rating within each originating exchange This project required installation of mediation hardware and software for transport and translation of billing records to a central billing flatform for pricing. This also required extensive testing to ensure the accuracy of billing records and capture of all successful calls to prevent loss of revenue. Gerehu was selected as a pilot exchange for the project and was successfully completed with introduction of itemised billing from March 2001.

 Our original plan was to next introduce itemised billing to Boroko and then to Ela Beach. Unfortunately a software design shortcoming was detected in the Boroko exchange software and was referred to the supplier for solution. This software solution was developed by the supplier and is currently undergoing testing in PNG. Our current plan is to introduce itemised billing in Boroko by Oct-Nov 2001. Ela-Beach require further testing and we are attempting to finish work before end of the year. While waiting for software solution we have prepared Madang, Lae, Goroka and Hagen for itemised billing. Madang will have itemised billing from September and the rest of the prepared locations by end of the year As you can see we have completed a considerable portion of the project work and hope to complete main centers by end of 2001. This project requires very high level of skill and I have limited number of staff who can undertake work of this nature.

 The previous system of providing print outs was a temporary process established as a stop gap measure and was never reliable. You are correct in your comment that we are not spending resources on this old system. All our resources are used in establishing itemised billing which will provide a permanent solution. The project is estimated to cost around 10 Million Kina and this amount is spend in improving customer service rather than increasing revenue. "
 

 6. MONTHLY BREAKFAST
 We have confirmed Sunil Andradi from Telikom for the October Breakfast and Greg Hull from Austrade for November. Any suggestions for September 28th ? Any visiting experst heading your way ?

 7. TEXTILES AND APPAREL EXHIBITION.
 For those in the rag trade, this expo planned for 25-27 October in Jakarta may be of some interest. Over 500 international buyers, 2000 regional retailers and 7000 local retailers are expected to visit or display.More details from the Indonesian Embassy or visit the exhibition website at www.ptrei.com.

 8. TRAVELLING TO SINGAPORE ?
If you are taking one of Air Niugini's twice weekly flights to Singapore you may care to take in some business while you are there.There are always conferences and expositions going on at the Exhibition Centre. How about "Global Franchising " from 19-21 September at SUNTECH city. For more details on this and other events send an email to events@sesmontnet.com.

 9. ARE YOU AN EXPERT ON E-FINANCE ?
 The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is looking for experts on e-finance to participate and contribute to an Expert Meeting entitled "Improving Competitiveness of SME's in Developing Countries including E-Finance to Enhance Enterprise Development ". To take place at the Palais de Nations from 22-24th October. CV's to Cecile Baraye-El-Shami by 21st September on cecile.baraye@unctad.org. I guess we all can think of some characters in the "fast" money business who should not apply, probably too busy spending that cool K3bn we keep hearing about ?

 10. GOING TO SYDNEY FOR THE NRL GRAND FINAL ?
 If you are planning to travel to Sydney on Air Niugini's wonderful packages,to watch Paramatta take out the flag this season be reday for a new fee slug. Not from the PNG end this time ! As of Monday 10th September a new Passenger Service Charge will be levied on arriving/departing passengers at Kingsford Smith International (transit and infants exempt). Charge is AUD 17.55 (approx K33.00) excluding GST per arrival and departure on top of the exisiting charges of AUD $38.00 (approx K72.00). Charges apply to all tickets issued on/after 10/9/2001. It has been kept very quiet indeed.These guys are learning from us !
 

1. SAVE OUR BEACH .........SAVE ELA BEACH !!
We have received a great deal of comment about the work being done presently at Ela Beach . It is quite clear there  is a major public outcry looming  if the work continues as  it is currently planned. We ask all companies and residents  to come out publicly and voice their opinions on the planned destruction of this major leisure asset in the city. It is  clear now that the road will not be stopping at the Liquor Barn and that , in fact a four lane carriageway is the design  for Ela Beach. The assurance that two of these lanes will be used for parking is not satisfactory and we do not think  will actually eventuate. It is our understanding that NCD have breached planning requirements by  not securing  permission from the NCD Physical Planning Board  as is required when an increase in road carriageway is intended.  It appears ludicrous to us that this project should be proceeding when NCD have engaged SMEC Ltd to assess the  Downtown Area and we know that SMEC  have already identified an optimum way to preserve the integrity of Ela  Beach which should satisfy the contractor and meet the needs of the community at large .
JOIN US NOW AND  RAISE YOUR VOICE TO SAVE ELA BEACH !

2. PORT MORESBY VISITORS CENTRE
After the successful seminar  organised by NCD and ADB on promoting Port Moresby as a tourism venue one of the major issues to emerge  is the possibility of opening up a Visitors Bureau . The first exploratory meeting has been held on Tuesday 4th at POMCCI Conference Room and  NCDC have agreed to be a lead agency in progressing the concept , working with POMCCI , in conjunction  with ANG, PNGTIA and TPA . We can hear the guffaws from here, but apart from the obvious warts Port Moresby shows to the world, there must be something in our city that keeps a lot of us staying here , something that appeals to us, something we can share and use to encourage more visitors and business to NCD. As the major transit point for all visitors to PNG , we feel there is an untapped market of business travellers , who have money to spend and hopefully good stories to take back home, if we can convince them to spend an extra day or so either in the city or at a nearby attraction . POMCCI will take an active role in this project and at this stage have a positive outlook if the bureaucrats don't get us first !

3. COMMONWEALTH BUSINESS FORUM
Scheduled for 3-5 October  in Melbourne , this meeting will preceed the CHOGM meeting to be held in Brisbane. We have already sent all members a copy of a letter promoting the event from Australian High Commissioner, Nick Warner . A brochure of full details is available from POMCCI which we can fax to you or email as an attachment.

4. TELIKOM SERVICES
Several members have raised the issue of unavailability of detailed account printouts . We have raised the matter with senior management at Telikom informally , and are advised that the problem lies in the fact that Telikom are in the middle of the process to provide fully itemised billing for all customers as a normal part of billing . As a result previous services are suffering as there is no point in investing  in technology which is about to be superseded . We have not been given an exact time frame , but looks like it will be by the end of this year. Telikom CEO , Sunil Andradi, has agreed to speak to our monthly breakfast meeting in October, so you will have an opportunity to air your views on Telikom service with the man in charge . We hear rumours that a new digital service is also imminent now that certain billing issues are close to resolution. Any update on that, Telikom ?

5. MONTHLY BREAKFAST
Thank you to all those who attended the meeting on 31st August . Sandra Fynstar from SMEC outlined the procedures for the new Dowtown Plan . She certainly seemed to speak the language business wanted to hear and was well- received . Ken Dunn represents the Chamber on their committee . Our apologies for putting the City Manager on the spot about Ela Beach , but  given the public outcry  clarification was definitely needed from the city's senior executive. FRIDAY 28th SEPTEMBER is next date for your diary, 0715hrs Holiday Inn. We expect Greg Hull from Austrade will be our guest speaker .

6. INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND APPAREL EXHIBITION
For those in the rag trade , this expo planned for 25-27 October in Jakarta may be of some interest . Over 500  international buyers , 2000 regional retailers and 7000 local retailers are expected to visit or display .More details  from the Indonesian Embassy or visit the exhibition website at www.ptrei.com  .

7. NCD BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT
This will be out in Post Courier on September 6th . Thank you to all those who have supported the efforts to promote business in the nation's capital .

8. HIRI MOALE BUSINESS SEMINAR
The above supplement is a precursor for the Seminar to be held on 11th September at Crowne Plaza . We ask that  you support this all-day event being run jointly by NCDC and POMCCI .
 

1. A CITY UNDER SIEGE
Naturally we have to start this week's E-News with information, or lack of it, on the current situation in the NCD with water and power. POMCCI has been trying on an hourly basis since Monday morning to get current upates from both Elcom and Eda Ranu. We all understand this situation is beyond both entities' control but we stress that accurate information is a major key to assisting our members plan and cope with such crises. To date we have one fax from Eda Ranu faxed at 1600hrs on Monday advising water rationing will be implimented as follows until supply improves: Areas affected 10pm-4am Town, Ela Beach, Badili,Konedobu, Gordons,Korobosea, Baruni, Kanudi  10am-4pm Waigani, Tokarara, Morata, Ensisi, Rainbow,Gerehu There have been incidences of vandalism of pipes which is exacerbating the situation. All members are urged to exercise sensible use of water during this crisis and discourage unecessary excess water usage eg. use of hoses, washing of vehicles, sprinklers etc. EDA RANU HOTLINE IS 3122100.
STOP PRESS : Just in (1700hrs)......the following information from Chief Engineer. Mr Minit. All Rouna Hydro Power Stations have been closed by landowners and all generators have been shut down. Moitaka Diesel Station is running all available machines and producing 20.5Mwatts. Kanudi Private Plant are running only one unit at a reduced load because they do not have sufficient water for cooling. This unit can only produce between 8-12Mwatts depending on available water (at 1630hrs both Kanudi units were off, one due to lack of coolling watre the other due to mechanical problems). Total generation capacity available for the city is therefore varying between 20.5Mwatts and 28.5Mwatts to 32.5Mwatts i.e. roughly 30% of the total needs for Port Moresby (Average 76Mwatts). Due to the varying capacities ELCOM are finding it extremely difficult to program load shedding schedules.

SERVICE CALL NUMBERS ARE 3256988, 3243299 and 3243156 for duration of outages. Meanwhile, let us all try to conserve power and, keep those generators fueled and oiled.

PRESIDENT'S COMMENT : While we accept that the Koiari landowners may have legitimate grievances we feel that no cause, espoused by a minority group, can be helped by such militant action. Government has to react in a postive and timely manner to this situation, with due respect for the emotions of the landowners.This situation is effectively crippling the nation's capital and causing undue hardship to many innocent buisnesses and people. If this is the only way the people of PNG feel they have to air their grievances then it is clear the society has major conflict resolution problems and with a forthcoming election in 2002, we can only anticipate more of this type of belligerent negotiation and compensation demand. POMCCI has raised the general issue of securing national assets before in regard to telecommunications infrastructure and deliberate cable damage at the Gerehu facility. We would now suggest it is time,in view of the more confrontational approach, in increasingly difficult economic times and the rise in confrontational challenges as against traditional negotiation being adopted in the society in general, that similar consideration be given to major infrastructure water, power and transport facilities.

2. MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETING
Places are going fast for the breakfast to be held on Friday 31st August at the Holiday Inn. Fee is K30, and non- members are always welcome. For reservations contact Joyce or Jenny at the Secretariat on 3213077 or 3213254 or email pomcci@global.net.pg. Ms Sandra Finster, from SMEC, will do a short presentation on the new "Downtown Port Moresby Plan ".

3. CITY ROADS
POMCCI is pleased to see much-needed maintenance work being done in the city on existing roads. There is a growing body of concern about the extension of major roads in the city, and while some traverse routes subject to heavy traffic, POMCCI would also question the need for 4 lane highways in certain areas. We have been told tenders are now out for such a road from Manu Autoport to the Badili BP Roundabout. We share community concern on the future of Ela Beach and could not give our support to a project which saw this popular leisure