Why PNG Businesses Must Protect Ownership While Embracing Global Partnerships

By Wesley Roy
Chief Executive Officer, Brave Motors Ltd

As Papua New Guinea's economy continues to attract international attention, local businesses are increasingly being presented with opportunities to partner with foreign investors and multinational companies. While these opportunities can create growth and open new markets, business leaders must remain vigilant in protecting the ownership, independence, and long-term interests of Papua New Guineans.

Brave Motors CEO Wesley Roy/Photo credit Wesley Roy FB

Over the past two months, I had the opportunity to lead discussions and negotiations with two international companies seeking to establish commercial relationships through our organisation. Both recognised the value of operating within Papua New Guinea and acknowledged the strategic position that local businesses hold within the country's evolving economic landscape.

However, the experiences highlighted an important distinction between investment and partnership.

One company expressed interest in becoming a major client by purchasing goods from our business. While the commercial prospects were attractive, the proposal came with a significant condition: they sought a 50 per cent ownership stake as a prerequisite for doing business.

After careful consideration, the offer was declined.

The decision was not based on opposition to foreign investment. Rather, it reflected a belief that Papua New Guineans must remain owners of the enterprises they build. Capital can be sourced from many places, but ownership, influence, and the ability to shape our own economic future are assets that should not be surrendered lightly.

Too often, businesses are tempted to exchange long-term control for short-term financial gain. Yet history has shown that sustainable success is achieved when local entrepreneurs retain the ability to make decisions that align with the interests of their people, communities, and nation.

In contrast, a second international company approached negotiations with a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration. Through constructive dialogue, both parties reached an agreement that balanced opportunity with responsibility. The final arrangement ensured that risks were fairly distributed, legal obligations were reasonable, and operational independence remained intact.

Most importantly, the partnership was built on principles of equality rather than dependency.

This experience reinforces a message that I believe is relevant not only for business leaders but for all Papua New Guineans.

We should never underestimate the value of what we already possess. Papua New Guinea is rich in resources, culture, talent, and economic potential. These strengths are attracting increasing global interest, and rightly so. However, interest from abroad should not lead us to undervalue our own position or compromise ownership simply because others arrive with larger balance sheets or greater financial resources.

Foreign partnerships have an important role to play in PNG's development. They bring expertise, technology, investment, and access to international markets. But these partnerships must be structured on terms that are fair, transparent, and mutually beneficial.

No agreement should transfer excessive risk to local businesses. No contract should undermine national interests. And no partnership should require Papua New Guineans to surrender control of the very assets and enterprises they have worked hard to create.

As entrepreneurs and business leaders, we have a responsibility not only to grow our companies but also to contribute to the economic empowerment of future generations. The decisions we make today will determine whether young Papua New Guineans inherit businesses they can lead or merely participate in.

The path forward is not to reject international cooperation. Rather, it is to engage with confidence, negotiate from a position of strength, and build relationships that create shared prosperity while preserving local ownership.

Economic empowerment begins with ownership. Sustainable development is achieved through balanced partnerships. And the future of Papua New Guinea will be strongest when it is shaped by those who are deeply invested in its success—its own people.