The Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) had a brief meeting with the Solomon Islands Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Salana Kalu in Honiara.
A statement from SIWIBA said, its President Dalcy Tekulu had the opportunity to share with Mr Kalu the association’s aims and objectives with highlights of key achievement since its establishment.
She explained that the sole mandate of the association is to inspire business women in the country to develop and grow their small businesses in order to be economically empowered.
Mrs Tekulu also briefed Mr Kalu on the dreams of SIWIBA to expand network into the Asia-Pacific market and explore opportunities that would be beneficial to its members.
In response, Mr Kalu acknowledged SIWIBA for all its achievements in the past years and commended the association for recognition of women in business in the country.
Ambassador Kalu said his time in Jakarta has made him see so many opportunities for local businesses and has advocated widely for local small and media business enterprises including SIWIBA.
He encouraged the association to continue with its scope to connect throughout the Asia-Pacific to learn from the more advanced and sophisticated approaches that can be seen throughout including Indonesia.
Ambassador Kalu assured the Association of his support should there be interest to venture into Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta which boasts “priceless artefacts from Indonesia’s vibrant history”.
He said the association can learn so much from sister organisations in Jakarta who have broader experience and network in their businesses.
Ambassador Kalu said involvement of SIWIBA in any upcoming events in the Asia-Pacific will “definitely have my support” and encouraged the Association to see the connections made as a positive way forward.
Ambassador Kalu heads the Solomon Islands Embassy in Jakarta that has been in operation since 21st May 2014. He is the first Solomon Islands Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia.
Prior to his current task, Ambassador Kalu is a carrier diplomat serving formerly as Chief of Protocol, Assistant Secretary for Asia, Africa and the Middle East Branch, Charge d affaires of the Solomon Islands High Commission in Malaysia, and the Deputy Secretary (Supervising) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade from 2007 until 14th May 2014.
SIWIBA wishes to acknowledge institutions who extend recognition and support to the Association in serving the best interest of local business women in the country.