A gospel segment program will kick-start the weeklong 2014 trade expo this coming Sunday the 6th at Bodo field, Chinatown.
According to a tentative program, this Sunday will see businesses doing final touches to their respective stalls and at the same announcements will be made to highlight the weeklong program and the sponsors as well.
Gospel entertainments will start at 12:30 onwards till 5pm when program will be closed.
On Monday 7th which is the country’s Independence day, opportunity will be given to women and youths’ to showcase their artistic innovation and creativity.
Prizes will be given away for the best and innovative artist producing an attractive piece.
The official opening proper will be on Tuesday 8th, during which the Trade Expo’s patron and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands will officially declare the opening of this year’s show.
According to the Chairman of the Expo, Redley Raramo, PM Lilo is likely to highlight the outcomes expected of the Expo, more especially on sustaining the successes of the show going forward.
After PM Lilo’s official opening speech, PM and his entourage will be given the opportunity to tour the trade show site.
Raramo said one of the highlights of the day will be the showcasing of products produced locally.
“Businesses involved in producing products locally will be given the opportunity to showcase their goods,” Raramo added.
“A panel discussion to be headed by the Association of Solomon Islands Manufacturers, Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SICCI) and Ministry of Commerce will followsuit,” the 2014 Expo chairman stated.
“Discussion will be centred on the successes and challenges of producing products locally, and other issues pertinent to engaging in local manufacturing and productions,” Raramo explained.
Raramo further highlighted that the emphasis on local manufacturing or production is inspired by this year’s trade expo theme ‘Innovation and partnership to create a vibrant Solomon Islands economy’.
“We must not rely so much on external influences to prop up our economy, we have to take up the initiative and greater task to create a vibrant economy based on our God given talent, innovation and creativity,” Raramo emphasised.
“The engine of growth admittedly comes from the private sector and we have always acknowledged that over the years, but in this show we would like to a see a private sector that offer the space and opportunity for innovative Solomon Islanders to participate and showcase their know- how,” the trade expo chairman stated.
Raramo in the meantime, urged the general public to prepare to go to the show and be part of the spirit to move the country forward socially and economically.
A detailed program for the weeklong’s event will be made available in the coming days.