Country Risk Service Papua New Guinea Updater
The Economist Intelligence Unit, April 2013, Pages: 18
Political stability in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is likely to improve in 2013-17. Last year's general election ended the impasse between the prime minister, Peter O'Neill, and his predecessor, Sir Michael Somare. Moreover, the government is protected from no-confidence votes for the first 30 months of its term. The lay-off of around 8,000 workers at the ExxonMobil-led liquefied natural gas (LNG) project as construction finishes in 2013 could pose risks to political stability if alternative jobs are not found for them. The government will face a number of economic policy challenges in 2013-17, largely related to the impact of the LNG project, which the Economist Intelligence Unit expects to start production on time in 2014. Real GDP growth will moderate significantly in 2013, to 2.8%, from an estimated 7.4% in 2012, as the construction phase of the LNG project ends. Inflationary pressures will persist, owing to strong domestic demand.
Around 30 petitions questioning the results of the 2012 parliamentary election remain unresolved. There is a slim chance that disgruntlement over the conduct of the poll could coalesce into a movement that threatens political stability.
After running a budget deficit equivalent to 1% of GDP in 2012, the government is aiming to widen this considerably in 2013, to 7.2% of GDP, with huge increases in spending on education, health and infrastructure. We are sceptical about the government's ability to disburse its budget and so expect a narrower deficit, equivalent to 3.9% of GDP.
Country Risk Service Papua New Guinea Updater
Papua New Guinea at a glance: 2013-17
OVERVIEW
Key changes from last month
Political outlook
Economic policy outlook
Economic forecast
Risk assessment
Sovereign risk
Currency risk
Banking sector risk
Political risk
Economic structure risk
Rating definitions
Sovereign risk
Currency risk
Banking sector risk
Political risk
Economic structure risk
Overall country risk
Central scenario for 2013-17: Political stability
Central scenario for 2013-17: Election watch
Central scenario for 2013-17: International relations
Central scenario for 2013-17: Policy trends
Central scenario for 2013-17: Fiscal policy
Central scenario for 2013-17: Monetary policy
Central scenario for 2013-17: Economic growth
Central scenario for 2013-17: Inflation
Central scenario for 2013-17: Exchange rates
Central scenario for 2013-17: External sector
Key risk indicators
Ratings summary
Quarterly indicators
International assumptions summary
Economic structure
Public finances
Exchange rates, interest rates and prices
Financial sector
Current account
International liquidity
Foreign payment and liquidity indicators
External trade
External financing requirement
External debt stock
External debt service
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