HONIARA – The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening private sector development, highlighting Australia’s decade-long support as instrumental in advancing business growth and policy reform in the country.
Speaking at the Business After 5 event in Honiara, SICCI Chair Namoi Kaluae formally welcomed Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Jeff Roach to the Solomon Islands private sector community.
Ms Kaluae described the evening as a celebration of the “strong and enduring relationship” between Solomon Islands and Australia, particularly in supporting the growth of the local private sector and broader economy.
She acknowledged the Australian Government’s continued partnership over the past decade through the High Commission, noting that the collaboration had strengthened SICCI’s advocacy, research capacity, policy dialogue and engagement platforms.
“This partnership has not only strengthened an institution — it has strengthened the broader private sector ecosystem,” Ms Kaluae said.
Representing more than 200 member businesses across multiple sectors, SICCI plays a central role in advocating for private sector development nationwide.
Ms Kaluae outlined key priorities for the Chamber, including streamlining the regulatory and taxation framework to improve the ease of doing business, advancing policy reforms to enhance quality assurance and competitiveness, and improving access to finance and e-commerce opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
She cited the recent passage of the landmark National Building Standards Act 2025 as a positive example of reform aimed at boosting standards and competitiveness.
Other priorities include advocating for reliable infrastructure, efficient logistics to facilitate trade and attract investment, and prioritising human capital development to ensure a skilled workforce capable of meeting evolving industry demands.
“These are practical, addressable constraints that directly affect business confidence, influence investment decisions, and ultimately determine job creation,” she said.
Ms Kaluae emphasised that private sector development is a shared responsibility between the Government of Solomon Islands, international development partners and businesses themselves.
“The private sector is the engine of economic growth,” she said, adding that a strong private sector translates into jobs for citizens, sustainable livelihoods for families and increased government revenue to fund national development.
She reaffirmed SICCI’s commitment to constructive collaboration with Government and development partners to strengthen the enabling environment for businesses across Solomon Islands.
“SICCI values Australia’s engagement with Solomon Islands and its commitment to private sector development through its development programs and direct institutional support over the past decade. We look forward to continuing and strengthening this partnership for even greater impact,” Ms Kaluae said.
Welcoming High Commissioner Roach, she said SICCI stands ready to advance reforms, strengthen dialogue and work collaboratively towards shared prosperity for the men, women and youth of Solomon Islands.
The Business After 5 event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, private sector representatives and distinguished guests to reinforce cooperation between the business community and development partners.
Caption: Chair of SICCI Ms Namoi Kaluae, new Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach and the CEO of SICCI James Dolarii.
