The number of ‘old Chinese’ in PNG is only about 1,000. The ‘new Chinese’ number around 20,000. It is estimated that 300 a week arrive in PNG without proper documentation. [Wikipedia – ‘Chinese people in PNG’]
There’s an interesting article I found entitled ‘Contemporary Chinese Community in Papua–New Guinea: Old Money versus New Migrants’ by James Chin, published in an academic journal last year.
Link - http://csds.anu.edu.au/volume_2_2008/117ChinCSDS2008Master.pdf
Chin makes these points:
1. The new Chinese were the biggest beneficiary of the sell-off by European business after the dramatic fall in the value of the kina in the late 1990s.
2. Among the new Chinese, the Malaysian Chinese appear to have some political ambitions.
3. The new Chinese are the biggest investors outside the oil and gas sectors. New foreign direct investment comes almost exclusively from the mainland Chinese and Malaysian Chinese communities.
4. Most mainland Chinese are investing in ‘reserved’ activities such as kai bars, bakeries, low end restaurants, and clothing stores that often bring them into conflict with local residents and the authorities. This conflict increases corruption, as many operators pay off police and immigration authorities when they come to check on illegal businesses.
5. The biggest number of illegal Chinese undoubtedly comes from mainland China.
6. Most of the Chinese groups (including the PNG Chinese) do not like the mainland Chinese and see them as crooks and ‘conmen’.
Chin also provides some interesting analysis:
1. PNGns associate Chinese with low-end businesses like kai bars and other direct economic competitors with nationals. This ill-will breeds suspicions, like the rumour that these kai bar owners sell nationals substandard food deemed unfit for human consumption.
2. There are growing calls for the government to act against mainland Chinese traders. The problem is that the bureaucracy (including the police) is so inefficient and corrupt that any actions it takes against these illegal operators are likely to be useless.
3. The increasing physical attacks against the mainland Chinese, in particular petty traders and kai bar operators, seems likely to increase.
4. The weight of mainland Chinese numbers and their important economic role mean they will soon dominate sections of the PNG’s economy.
5. It is almost certain that Chinese triads will establish a presence in PNG
6. Despite criticisms and complaints directed at the ‘new’ Chinese, Chin concludes that without them there would be no new investment in PNG. No one else has the necessary appetite for risk.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
New tanker helps ensure more reliable fuel deliveries
InterOil has announced a major new initiative aimed at improving bulk fuel delivers to the north coast and the islands.
The company has taken out a long-term lease on a modern oil tanker to service the ports in the region
The vessel, the Ipsilantis, was built in 2006 and is capable of carrying 3,200 tonnes of refined fuel.
It will service the ports of Kavieng, Manus, Wewak, Alotau and other ports as required on a monthly basis, delivering refined fuels from InterOil’s Port Moresby refinery.
InterOil Products Limited general manager Peter Diezmann says the vessel is particularly well suited to northern waters.
“She is state-of-the-art in design and construction and her moderate draft of five metres makes her ideal for ports with shallow drafts,” he said,
The Ipsilantis can carry the full range of refined fuels, unleaded gasoline (ULP), diesel and kerosene to domestic ports and will also be used for exports in the future.
“Her acquisition will help ensure we maintain reliable and regular deliveries to our network of bulk fuel terminal facilities.
“The vessel will greatly enhance our ability to service these important markets and will be of great benefit to our many customers there.
“Her acquisition is evidence of our continued commitment to properly service the entire nation with our full range of quality fuels”.
For further information
Susuve Laumaea
Senior Manager Media Relations - InterOil Corporation
Ph: (675) 321 7040
Mobile: (675) 684 5168
Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com
Monday, May 18, 2009
Pheremones and hormones
From Paul Oates in
Is Canoooodeling a word?
Is there true love in the animal kingdom?
These pictures would suggest there is.
It was a moooooving experience this morning in the cattle yards.
Suvista Richard and his girlfriend Suvista Fleur in what looks like 'the morning after'.
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