Sydney—Dentons’ Australia Region Partner and Global Vice-Chair has been honoured with an OBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for service to the legal profession and business community of Papua New Guinea.

Ian, who has been a partner for more than 30 years, specialising in corporate finance and major projects has lived and worked in PNG for many years.

Ian’s commitment to the development of Papua New Guinea has seen him hold the position of President of the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council for two terms of three years. Ian is also an executive committee member of the Australia PNG Business Council and the vice president of the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council; he is also the governor of the Foundation for Development Co-operation.

Recognised as a leading (Band 1) lawyer by Chambers Asia Pacific, Ian has worked on many major commercial transactions in Papua New Guinea, including aircraft financing and acquisitions, privatisations, and major energy and resource projects. Ian has also worked with the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and State-owned entities extensively on legislative reform and policy development.

Australia Region CEO, Ian Dardis said that the Firm was delighted to hear the news about Mr Clarke’s award.

“Ian Clarke has had a deep commitment to Papua New Guinea for many years and is passionate about the country’s development and on fostering economic ties between the country and the broader Asia Pacific region.

“Ian Clarke is closely tied to the business community in Papua New Guinea and is an unwavering advocate on legislative reform and policy development.”

Not only has Ian had a profound impact on the business and legal community in Papua New Guinea but he has also made many positive contributions to the development of the Firm in Papua New Guinea.

“Dentons is the largest and oldest law firm in Papua New Guinea, having been on the ground for more than 45 years, and has a strong team of lawyers that are highly regarded by the market for their deep understanding of local traditions and customs. Mr Clarke has been involved with Papua New Guinea for much of that time and has played a critical role in not only developing our people but also on positioning Dentons as a market leading firm in Papua New Guinea.”

On receiving the award, Ian Clarke, OBE, said that he was honoured to receive the award.

“Papua New Guinea and its continuing development is extremely close to my heart. It’s been a privilege to work with the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and the business community on legislative reform and on so many of the major projects in the region.

“I must also acknowledge our dedicated team in Port Moresby who all share a deep commitment to our clients and the country’s development. This is really a recognition that belongs to the whole Dentons Port Moresby team.”

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