The chair of Transparency International Papua New Guinea says perceptions around the high level of corruption in PNG have the potential to damage the country on many fronts.
PNG has just ranked 144th out of a list of 175 countries on this year's Transparency International Corruption Perception index.
Lawrence Stephens says the image of PNG as a corrupt country affects tourism as well as the enthusiasm for investment by the international business community.
"If the perception is that we're not a country which respects good governance then there's a chance that good investors won't come and we'll be faced with the nasties of the investment world taking charge."
Lawrence Stephens says he believes there is growing awareness among the general population about corruption and people are becoming more insistent that it's stamped out.
