A survey in Papua New Guinea has found steady improvement in the business environment but crime and corruption are still an impediment.
The PNG Institute of National Affairs carried out a study of 130 firms, the third of a series of five-yearly surveys.
The Asian Development Bank analysed the research and ADB economist Paul Holden says greater political stability has helped, along with government steps to improve budget stabilisation and the reduction of inflation.
He says businesses are still concerned about law and order and corruption, but says the government is trying to address that.
"The O'Neill government which came to power in 2011 has recognised that this is a problem and has publicly committed to putting more resources into this area."
Paul Holden says over a period of time resources put into the police force declined significantly as a percentage of the population.
