CCP's 'Noble Center' abounds in faults and challenges PNG and international governance

As I have said, Noble Center is China's flagship project in Papua New Guinea. It is consistent with what China has done in other countries which sign up to the Belt and Road agenda…..something PNG has enthusiastically done.

This is going to be a real test not just for the integrity of PNG's building regulators, but also the willingness of the national government of Papua New Guinea to protect the "PNG national interest" even if that causes friction in its otherwise harmonious relationship with the People's Republic of China.

Fortunately, and this is doubtless partly due to the robust and welcome stance by Ports PNG, the defects in the construction of Noble Center are well known in the Port Moresby business community. I am assured they are also well known in the highest levels of government!

Is it too much to ask that the Asian Development Bank might follow the excellent lead of Ports PNG when it comes to the most powerful PRC construction company operating in Papua New Guinea today?

Oh, and is it too much to expect the Australian Government, as a development partner with PNG, and a senior member of the ADB, to strongly encourage it to do so?

Noble Center is unoccupied, months after completion. Its fate is in the hands of Papua New Guinea's fire and safety regulators.

It is a fate many in Papua New Guinea will be watching VERY closely!