Interest from investors in other sectors is already emerging
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star Online
The Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Willie Atu, has called on the national government and development partners to strengthen support for investment and economic growth.
This was during the official opening of the Mamara Ice Cream Factory on Wednesday 22 April 2026.
Speaking at the launch, which was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Commerce, Labour and Immigration, Manasseh Sogavare, Premier Atu acknowledged the importance of the new factory as a milestone development for Guadalcanal Province and the Solomon Islands.
The event was attended by key leaders including Francis Sade, provincial ministers, government officials, traditional leaders, and representatives from the private sector and local communities.
Premier Atu thanked God for guidance and for bringing investors willing to contribute to the country’s development, particularly in the food processing sector.
He also expressed appreciation to AZURE Spring Company Ltd and Metropolis Mamara Development Limited for inviting the Guadalcanal Provincial Government to witness what he described as a “historic occasion.”
He commended the Mamara–Tasi-Mavo Council and its leadership, including Vice Chairman Mr. Hii Yii Ging, for their continued efforts in attracting genuine investors to the Mamara development area.
He noted that interest from investors in sectors such as hospitality and renewable energy is already emerging.
Premier Atu also acknowledged the Ministry of Commerce, Labour and Immigration for its support, along with Guadalcanal Province’s health and food safety authorities for ensuring the factory meets national standards.
Highlighting the broader economic context, he said manufacturing currently contributes only a small portion to the Solomon Islands’ GDP but remains a critical driver for economic diversification.
He emphasized the need to implement national strategies that promote downstream processing, job creation, and inclusive growth.
The Premier described the ice cream factory as the first manufacturing investment in the Mamara area, marking a significant step forward in the province’s industrial development.
He outlined several key benefits expected from the project, including increased revenue, job creation, infrastructure development, support for small businesses, environmental sustainability, and reduced reliance on imports through locally produced goods.
“Mamara is a planned Special Economic Zone, and developments like this will help transform the area into a hub for economic activity,” he said.
In his concluding remarks, Premier Atu urged the national government to maintain stability and fully implement key investment policies to support ongoing and future developments.
He also called for stronger collaboration between government and investors to turn the Mamara Special Economic Zone vision into reality.
The opening of the Mamara Ice Cream Factory marks another step forward in Guadalcanal Province’s push toward economic growth and industrial expansion.
