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