The 2025 Annual National Trade Fair was officially opened yesterday and is underway at the Solomon Islands National University Park or commonly known as FOPA village, Panatina, East Honiara.
The theme for the event is: ‘Trade for transformation- Rebuilding our Happy isles.’
Official guests attending the opening ceremony includes the Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Hon. Fredrick Kologeto, the Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), Hon. Jamie Vokia, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Hon. Tozen Leokana and other dignitaries.
Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele who officially opened the Trade Fair, in his speech, said the significant event plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, strengthening community bonds and instilling a sense of national pride.
“This year we unite under an empowering theme, “Trade for Transformation-Rebuilding Our Happy Isles”, which underscores our commitment to building a brighter future together.
“Let us embrace this opportunity to foster innovation, collaboration and progress in our country. While we face forbidable challenges in our journey forward, economic recovery and sustainable development, there are also opportunities for us,” Manele said.
He added that this National Trade Fair is more than just an exhibition.
“It is a platform, for forging people-to-people links, bridging rural communities to Honiara and other urban centres, opening pathways to local and international markets, educating and sharing of trade, business and government information and to honour our local talent, creativity and innovation.
“It’s about enabling our women in business, our youth innovators and our artisans to find their voice, space and market,” Manele said.
He added that the government remains committed to providing that enabling environment for businesses to thrive through infrastructure development, improving access to finance, advancing digital transformation and implementing regulatory reforms.
Minister Jamie Vokia in his remarks said, the Annual Trade Fair is one of the core services of MCILI under our Marketing and Export Promotion Division.
Other core services including securing export markets for products from this beautiful country.
“Each stall with different colors on their roofs, on their sides, represents a dream nurtured, a skill horned, a family sustained and a community strengthened.
“This is trade building resilience from the ground going up. Through rebuilding, it is more than infrastructure. It’s about empowering Solomon Islands.
“This embodies the essential partnership between the government, our dynamic private sector, our communities, and our institutions,” Vokia said.
He thanked the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) in seeing the importance of hosting the event.
He also acknowledged the sponsors of the event.
This year’s National Trade Fair is the first since 2014, signaling the it’s revival for promoting innovation, showcasing local products, and fostering connections across various sectors including commerce, culture, and creativity.
The event is scheduled for the first week of July 2025 and will continue through the Solomon Islands’ 47th Independence Anniversary celebrations and will conclude on the 10th July 2025.
The event is a collaborative work of MCILI, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), and the members of the Trade Fair Committee.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
