The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) participated in the 8th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum which was successfully held in Brisbane last Friday.
SICCI was represented at the Forum by the Chairman Mr Jay Bartlett, CEO Dennis Meone, including participating SICCI members.
The event hosted by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council and supported by SICCI was attended by businesses from Solomon Islands and Australia, Solomon Islands Government, donor partners, including prospective investors. The theme for the event was “Continuing on the path to Sustainable Economic Growth”.
The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) delegation at the Forum was led by Prime Minister, Hon Manasseh Sogavare who gave the key note address.
In his key note address, the Prime Minister highlighted some of the initiatives his government is currently undertaking to try and create a conducive environment for businesses, such as the tax review currently undertaken by the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, and the land reform initiatives in the Ministry of Lands which would make it easier for people to register their land for development.
In his opening remarks, SICCI Chairman, Mr Jay highlighted that over the years bilateral and trade relations between Australia and Solomon Islands has grown from strength to strength and that Solomon Island remains a growing market and offers good investment opportunities for Australian Businesses.
The Chairman further highlighted the need for Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the government and private sector to enable sustainable economic growth.
“SICCI as the peak body representing the private sector welcomes opportunities to work in partnership with the government, where through a shared vision we can create more jobs for our people, ensure strong sustainable growth for the economy, and opportunities for empowering our women” says Mr Bartlett.
SICCI’s CEO, Mr Meone was able to provide an update on outcomes made at last year’s Business Forum held in Honiara. In his presentation, Mr Meone noted the good progress made in recent months where SICCI was able to work closely with the government, and that SICCI is looking forward to continue with such positive engagement.
The event was a success where it brings together private sector practitioners from Solomon Islands and Australia including Solomon Islands Government officials to network, share information, discuss issues, but also to explore opportunities for investment in the Solomon Islands.
The event was well attended by Solomon Islands Government officials. Government Ministers that attended the Business Forum include the Minister of Land and Housing, Hon Moses Garu; Minister for Infrastructure Development, Hon Jimmy Lusibaea; Minister for Agriculture Hon Duddley Kopu; Minister for Rural Development, Hon Jimson Tana; and Minister of Police and Justice, Hon Stanley Sofu.
– SICCI Media
