Assistant Minister for Pacific Islands Affairs, Senator Nita Green, has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting economic development in the Solomon Islands by highlighting new efforts to strengthen digital connectivity and support rural businesses.
She was in Honiara last week.
Speaking to local media, Senator Green said her own regional background shaped her understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities.
She pointed to the launch of the new Adamasia undersea cable—a new submarine fiber-optic cable project for Solomon Islands, funded by the Australian government—as a “significant step forward” for improving connectivity and attracting investment.
“There will now be two undersea cables linking to Solomon Islands,” she said. “That’s incredibly important for digital connectivity, but also investment certainty. I know that it will make a big difference going forward, particularly for people in rural areas when it comes to businesses.”
Senator Green joined Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele couple of weeks ago in Brisbane for the cable announcement, which the Australian Government says will help close digital gaps that have long hindered growth outside urban centers.
During meetings with PACER Plus members last week, the Senator Green said planning had begun for the agreement’s next five-year work program.
The focus, she said, will be on helping private sector operators overcome regulatory and market challenges.
“We will be delivering a work program that concentrates on helping private sector businesses approach these challenges,” she said.
“We’ll have a focus on public sector capacity building, in regulation, biosecurity, and giving support to private businesses on how they can approach these issues.”
She added that new initiatives would also support businesses seeking entry into export markets by improving their understanding of international requirements and opportunities.
While declining to comment on specific companies, Senator Green emphasized that Australia recognizes the obstacles confronting Solomon Islands entrepreneurs—especially those in rural and regional areas.
“We know it’s crucial for economic development for there to be a good private sector,” she said. “People in rural and regional areas are very entrepreneurial and we want to help them market their products to the rest of the world.”
The Australian Government’s series of announcements and meetings last week forms part of its broader aim to strengthen economic resilience and partnership across the Pacific.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
