The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) and the Ministry of Finance & Treasury (MOFT) is maintaining a sturdy relationship according to SICCI CEO Dennis Meone who made a courtesy visit to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance & Treasury Hon. Manasseh Sogavare.
The courtesy visit to the Finance Minister on Friday is part of SICCI’s ongoing policy interactions, in engaging and forging critical relationships, and understanding between the public and private sectors.
Mr Meone said he is pleased that the Government has shown very keen interest to work alongside SICCI to develop the private sector, noting the challenges and the immense task that lies ahead.
The CEO met with Hon. Sogavare and MOFT Permanent Secretary Harry Kuma where he congratulated the Finance Minister for his portfolio and reaffirmed SICCI’s commitment to work in partnership with the Minister and his team.
Hon. Sogavare in welcoming the CEO Mr Meone, underscores the important role of the private sector in nation building and congratulated SICCI in proactively coordinating its members to support the Government in promoting business and economic growth.
In this respect, Hon Sogavare said: “The Government will continue to engage with SICCI and other stakeholders in its effort to review the tax system, strengthen procurement, and to look into ways by which SICCI is consulted in the budget process.
“SICCI’s support in the joint effort to fight the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle that destroys coconut and oil palm and its effort to encourage marketing of smallholding root crops such as cassava, is highly commended,” Hon Sogavare added.
Issues concerning the local business environment were briefly discussed on how SICCI and the government can work together to provide and maintain a conducive environment for businesses.
“As a Chamber representing businesses and the private sector, we are very fortunate to have this good relationship with the government who openly welcomes our initiatives and have shown positive and effective support,” said Mr Meone.
The SICCI CEO along with SICCI Chair Jay Bartlett and SICCI Board Treasurer David Rupokets earlier in the week met with Prime Minister Rick Hou at the Prime Minister’s Office where the Prime Minister also gave his assurance and commitment to support the private sector.