Direct link to PNG a bonus

DIRECT flights to Port Moresby are beginning to pay dividends for the city through increased ties and business leads, according to engineering group UDP.

It comes as city leaders and business representatives head to Port Moresby for a trade mission and as reports emerge of continuing law and order strife in PNG with the shooting of 17 prison escapees near Lae.

UDP managing director Pat Brady said they had noted more inquiry and “cold calls” from businesses to their Port Moresby office since Air Niugini flights began last month.

“What we have found is that since direct flights have commenced we’ve had more direct inquiry because people who are doing business in PNG are seeing Townsville as a direct link now much like Cairns,” Mr Brady said.

“Our business is benefiting. We are getting more cold calls now for opportunities within PNG.”

Mr Brady said UDP was involved in several major road projects, water and sewerage schemes across the country and in the early stages of the Wafi- Golpu gold mine project near Lae.

A delegation of 16 business and political representatives includes Mayor Jenny Hill, Port of Townsville director Mike Reynolds, Townsville Airport chief operating officer Kevin Gill, Jobtrain consultant David Kippin and Clarity Hearing Solutions director Grant Collins.

The delegates will have access to key stakeholders including the Australian High Commission, Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Air Niugini, Port Moresby General Hospital, National Airports Corporation, PNG Ports Corporation and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.

Townsville Enterprise CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said the delegation would explore business opportunities and preceded a similar mission to Singapore later this year.

“We know over half a billion dollars worth of trade goes on between our ( North Queensland and PNG) regions. We want to ensure this increases and that our businesses here understand what is over in PNG,” Ms O’Callaghan said.

It comes amid reports on the shooting of 17 men, among 77 who escaped from a jail near Lae and police warnings for people to remain vigilant and take precautions when moving around.

The Townsville delegation will spend four days in and around Port Moresby.