The Bisnis PNG Supplier Management Portal (SMP), launched by the PNG Institute of Banking and Business Management (IBBM), is empowering local businesses to increase their visibility and access opportunities.
The SMP, a collaboration between IBBM and ExxonMobil, aims to connect businesses and people, and promote entrepreneurial development. It provides a platform for businesses to register their credentials online, facilitating easier interaction with potential clients.
The focus was on the transition from traditional, paper-based business processes to a streamlined, digital approach through the SMP, the key benefits of which include:
- Increased visibility: Businesses can showcase their capabilities to a wider audience.
- Improved access: Easier connection with potential clients and business opportunities.
- Enhanced efficiency: Streamlined business processes through digital registration.
- National content support: Aligns with PNG's commitment to local business development.
The SMP has already attracted significant interest, with over 3,200 suppliers registered across various sectors. IBBM's CEO, Susil Nelson-Kongoi, emphasized the portal's potential to go beyond the extractives industry and open up opportunities for businesses in all sectors.
Kongoi stated that it is a legacy of a partnership between ExxonMobil and IBBM, “a partnership committed and focused in developing, growing, promoting and supporting supplier development, which is increasingly becoming a standard norm of National Content Obligations.”
ExxonMobil PNG has a strong track record of supporting local businesses. Through its national content initiatives, the company has invested significantly in PNG businesses and provided training and development opportunities for local workers.
The SMP is a valuable tool for local businesses seeking to grow and succeed in Papua New Guinea. By leveraging the platform's capabilities, businesses can enhance their visibility, connect with new opportunities, and contribute to the country's economic development.
ExxonMobil PNG’s National Content Manager Mr Sam Koyama delivered the Keynote Address, stressing its commitment to support supplier development as part of national content.
Other notable attendees included GM for Enterprise Development at IBBM, Mr. Peterson Lais; First Assistant Secretary Department of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Frazer Murray; Managing Director for Nares Engineers, Mr. Francis Kunuma; and the Executive Director for the Petroleum Sector National Content Office, Mr Simon Sanagke.
ExxonMobil PNG's track record in national content is notable. In 2023 the PNG LNG project had a workforce of 3,714 people, with 88% being PNG nationals.
In the same year, the company delivered over 225,900 training hours through some 2,600 company and third-party contractor courses, thus enhancing the skills of PNG workers across various job categories.
In 2023, ExxonMobil PNG spent approximately PGK833 million with PNG businesses, including PGK338 million with landowner companies. Since production began, the total expenditure with PNG businesses has reached PGK6.8 billion, with PGK2.2 billion spent on landowner companies.
