The government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, has reaffirmed its commitment to placing Indigenous Solomon Islanders at the centre of the country’s economic development.
Delivering his speech in response to the Speech from the Throne in Parliament this week, Minister Hon. Harry Kuma said government policies such as the “First Bite, Better Bite” business principle are designed to give locals priority access to business opportunities, government procurement, and economic benefits within reserved business sectors.
He stressed that the policy is not intended to discourage foreign investment, but rather to ensure that economic development strengthens local ownership, participation, and capability.
“The Ministry will therefore advance the review of reserved business activities, the new MSME legal framework, reforms to Company Haus, cooperative development, and provincial business support.
“Our task is to create a pathway from informal business activity to a resilient and bankable business, from a small cooperative to a reliable supplier, and from a local producer to a competitive exporter,” he said.
He added that government procurement must become part of this pathway so that a greater share of public expenditure helps build capable local enterprises, while ensuring value for money and maintaining integrity.
The Minister further emphasised that government procurement must also help build capable local businesses rather than exclude them.
“We should not train local businesses and then design procurement systems that automatically exclude them. Protecting our local companies shouldn’t mean they never have to work hard to improve.
“When we give local businesses special treatment, we must also give them training, clear rules, new ideas, and high standards,” he said.
Minister Kuma also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building local companies that are strong enough to compete, grow, employ workers, and eventually sell to the rest of the world.
ENDS//
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政府通过商业、工业、劳工和移民部(Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration)重申了将土著所罗门岛民置于国家经济发展中心的承诺。
在本周国会对王座演说的回应中,哈里·库马(Hon. Harry Kuma)部长表示,政府的政策,如“第一口,最好口”(“First Bite, Better Bite”)商业原则,旨在优先给予当地人商业机会、政府采购和保留商业领域内的经济利益。
他强调,该政策并不旨在阻碍外国投资,而是确保经济发展加强当地的所有权、参与和能力。
“因此,商业部将推进对保留商业活动的审查、新的中小微企业(MSME)法律框架、公司事务所(Company Haus)的改革、合作社发展和省级商业支持。
“我们的任务是创造一条从非正式商业活动到有韧性和可融资的商业,从小型合作社到可靠供应商,从地方生产者到具有竞争力的出口商的路径,”他说。
他补充说,政府采购必须成为这条路径的一部分,以便更大比例的公共支出帮助建立有能力的当地企业,同时确保物有所值并保持诚信。
部长进一步强调,政府采购还必须帮助建立有能力的当地企业,而不是将其排除在外。
“我们不应培训当地企业,然后设计自动排除它们的采购系统。保护我们的当地公司并不意味着它们不需要努力改进。
“当我们给予当地企业特殊待遇时,我们也必须给予它们培训、明确的规则、新的想法和高标准,”他说。
库马部长还重申了政府致力于建立足够强大的当地公司,使其能够竞争、增长、雇佣工人,并最终向世界其他地区销售的承诺。
结束//
该文章最初发表于所罗门岛广播公司(Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation,SIBC)。
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale says the Government has taken steps to strengthen fiscal discipline and stop long-standing leakages in public finances.
In his closing remarks in response to the Speech from the Throne yesterday, the Prime Minister said the Government is actively closing gaps that have allowed revenue to “quietly haemorrhage” through discretionary tax exemptions and unexamined arrangements.
“What I can tell the House today is the direction of travel. The leakages in our public finances are being plugged,” he said.
Prime Minister Wale highlighted a key reform announced by the Minister of Finance and Treasury on 17 June.
And that is, he said the termination of all resource-sector tax exemption Memoranda of Understanding, alongside the restoration of the Revenue and Customs Exemption Committee as the sole lawful authority for granting exemptions.
“This decision restores integrity to our revenue system,” the Prime Minister said.
“It ensures that exemptions are no longer granted through discretionary arrangements but through a transparent and lawful process.”
Prime Minister Wale welcomed the Opposition Leader’s support for the reform.
He said such consensus reflects the importance of protecting national revenue.
“That decision is what fiscal honesty looks like in practice,” Prime Minister Wale said.
“It is the foundation on which this Government will rebuild the fiscal buffers our country needs.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that these measures mark a critical step towards strengthening public finances, restoring accountability and ensuring that government revenue is safeguarded for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders.
[end]
OPMC statement
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Construction of the Australia-funded Seghe Market has reached 75 per cent completion, and is on track to deliver a climate-resilient...
The post Seghe Market 75% Complete appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the Government has taken steps to strengthen fiscal discipline and stop long-standing leakages in public...
The post Wale Moves to Plug Public Finance Leakages appeared first on In-depth Solomons .
Rick Houenipwela says the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau will operate under an open invitation arrangement The upcoming 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Palau will operate under an open invitation arrangement for invited participants, according to Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Rick Houenipwela.& Responding to questions on [...]
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Rick Houenipwela urges Pacific unity and stronger regional leadership in managing global partnerships and priorities Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Rick Houenipwela, has called on Pacific Foreign Ministers to strengthen regional ownership in managing external partnerships while addressing priorities affecting Pacific communities. Speaking as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers [...]
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BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Great Coalition Government is facilitating investment in commercial domestic feed milling, poultry breeding facilities and additional hatcheries.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Franklyn Wasi announced this during his ministerial response to the Speech from the Throne in parliament on Wednesday.
Speaking on the livestock industry, he said the industry offers enormous potential to improve nutrition, reduce imports and increase incomes.
Wasi stressed that the Government is committed to raising the production of local poultry meat and eggs so people can access nutritious protein more affordably.
“The GREAT Coalition Government is committed to increasing local production of poultry meat and eggs so that our people can access nutritious protein at more affordable prices,” he said.
The minister said to achieve this, they are facilitating investment in commercial domestic feed milling, poultry breeding facilities and additional hatcheries.
Wasi said these investments will address longstanding supply constraints and reduce dependence on imported breeding stock.
He mentioned that at the same time, they are revitalizing the national pig breeding programme through improved genetics and artificial insemination, while also progressing the development of national cattle and small ruminant breeding centres.
Wasi said these initiatives will strengthen livestock production and create new opportunities for rural households.
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BY JOSES SAREN
The Government will take up to twenty-five per cent stake in big mining projects and cut electricity costs to around 15 US cents (approx. SBD $1.20) per kilowatt-hour under major reforms.
For years, the country has watched its minerals leave our shores while foreign companies took most of the profits, Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Derrick Rawcliff Manuari says that will change.
He announced the reforms today in his response to the Speech from the Throne in Parliament.
Manuari said under the new Mineral Resources Bill, the Government can own shares in major mining developments through a new company called Solomon Islands Minerals Holding Limited.
This means Solomon Islands will get a share of the profits, not just royalty payments. It also means landowners will have a stronger say in how mining is operated on their land.
Manuari said the Bill also introduces a “No Pay, No Ship” rule in which mining companies must pay all royalties before any minerals leave the country which will stop companies from avoiding payments.
The minister said Government will also reserve alluvial mining — the kind of mining done on riverbanks and small-scale operations — for Solomon Islanders only.
On energy, Manuari said the Government wants to cut electricity costs through renewable energy investment as families in Honiara pay some of the highest electricity bills in the Pacific.
The Tina River Hydropower Project is expected to change that, cutting costs by up to 40 per cent.
Manuari said the Government’s commitment goes beyond the capital as thousands of families across the islands still have no access to electricity.
He said the Government will roll out solar systems, mini-grids and community power solutions to reach rural villages.
“No Solomon Islander should be left behind simply because of where they live,” Minister Manuari told Parliament.
He stressed that electricity changes lives because with it, children can study at night, nurses can deliver babies safely, small businesses can grow and communities can stay connected.
Manuari said the Ministry will also reform electricity laws to make sure pricing is fair and transparent.
He said water security is also a priority, with investment in boreholes and water systems for provincial centres.
Manuari said the reforms are about making sure mining benefits all Solomon Islanders and brings hope to rural communities.
“Our responsibility is not simply to regulate these sectors, but to ensure that they improve the lives of every Solomon Islander.
“Above all, it gives hope to rural communities that they too are part of our nation’s development journey,” he said.
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WALE PUSHES ECONOMIC CHANGE | Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands can build a stronger economy by changing the policies that have limited growth for many years. Speaking in Parliament, PM Wale said the country's small economy is the result of decisions made over more than 40 years, not its destiny. He said the GREAT Coalition Government is introducing reforms to ensure the nation's wealth benefits all Solomon Islanders instead of only a few. "Our ambition is clear: that within the next 20 to 30 years, Solomon Islands will stand among the middle-income countries of the world, not by the charity of others, but through the disciplined harvest of our own God-given wealth," PM Wale said. The Prime Minister said the success of the government's reforms will be measured by whether they improve the lives of ordinary families, farmers, fishermen, market vendors and unemployed graduates. "We are shifting to a model where the harvest of our land and seas is processed by Solomon Islander hands, on Solomon Islands soil, for Solomon Islander families," he said.
BY TONY IROGA
Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration and MP for North West Choiseul, Harry Kuma, has outlined an ambitious agenda to strengthen local businesses, improve access to finance and create more employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
Speaking in Parliament today during his contribution to the Motion of Thanks to the Governor General’s Speech from the Throne at the opening of the First Meeting of the First Session of the 12th Parliament, Mr Kuma said the Government is committed to placing indigenous Solomon Islanders at the centre of economic development.
Minister Kuma said one of the Ministry’s priorities is expanding access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and rural businesses.
“Many Solomon Islanders are capable entrepreneurs, but are excluded by the structure of finance. They may own equipment, boats, crops or business contracts but lack registered land that banks accept as security,” Kuma said.
He said reforms will allow productive assets and reliable cash flows to be recognised as collateral while strengthening the Development Bank of Solomon Islands’ lending capacity, improving credit information systems and expanding microfinance and financial literacy programmes.
Kuma said the Government’s “Solemnization” and “First Bite, Better Bite” policies are designed to ensure indigenous Solomon Islanders receive greater access to business opportunities and economic benefits.
“Indigenous Solomon Islanders must stand at the centre of the economy, not at its margin,” he said.
The commerce minister said local businesses should be supported but must also become competitive.
“We don’t want businesses that survive only because competition is blocked. We want Solomon Islands companies that are strong enough to compete, create jobs and eventually export to international markets,” Kuma said.
He said the Government is determined to end the country’s dependence on exporting raw materials by promoting downstream processing in industries such as coconut, cocoa, fisheries, forestry and other agricultural products.
Kuma said developing processing industries requires reliable infrastructure, affordable electricity, transport, finance, skilled workers, certification and market access.
He pointed to plans for a regional coconut processing hub and the Bina Harbour processing project as examples of the Government’s industrialisation strategy.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of export promotion, saying the Ministry will strengthen market intelligence and help local producers meet international standards required by markets in Japan, Australia and the European Union.
On digital transformation, Kuma said e-commerce, mobile money and digital payment systems would help rural businesses reach wider markets.
“Digital trade must become a practical tool for inclusion, not another service available only in Honiara,” he said.
Kuma said the Government is also reviewing the Foreign Investment Act to improve investor confidence while protecting reserved business activities for Solomon Islanders.
He revealed that the Ministry is working towards establishing special economic zones to encourage investment, create jobs and boost exports.
Employment reforms will also be a key priority, including apprenticeships, trade testing, technical training and the introduction of a new legal minimum wage.
“A minimum wage should provide a fair floor below which dignity cannot fall,” Kuma told Parliament.
He said the Ministry will also strengthen workplace safety, labour inspections and the trade dispute system while ensuring overseas labour mobility programmes continue to benefit the country’s economy.
Kuma said immigration services will be modernised through improved border management, e-visas and biometric systems to support both national security and economic growth.
The Ministry also plans to strengthen consumer protection by improving product standards, updating legislation and enforcing fair trading practices.
Kuma acknowledged that reforms are also needed within his Ministry.
He said outdated legislation, weak data systems and limited provincial outreach remain challenges that will be addressed through better planning, digital systems and stronger performance monitoring.
The Minister also called for improved attendance and punctuality across government ministries to reduce absenteeism and improve public service delivery.
Concluding his speech, Kuma reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to delivering the Government’s economic agenda.
“We will work with the private sector, stand with farmers where markets fail, welcome responsible investors, protect workers and consumers, and measure our success by exports achieved and livelihoods improved,” Kuma said.
He concluded by thanking the Governor General for delivering the Speech from the Throne and pledged his support for the Government’s programme.
BY CHARLES STENNETT
The Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) will, for the first time, deploy fifty agricultural officers in all the constituencies, demonstrating the government’s commitment to bring agricultural services closer to rural communities.
Speaking in Parliament in a Motion to thank the Governor General for the Speech from the throne, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) Franklyn Derek Wasi outlined the Ministry’s priorities to strengthen service delivery and transform the agriculture sector.
Mr Wasi said the initiative is a major reform that aims to ensure farmers across the country have direct access to technical advice, extension services, and modern farming knowledge without having to travel long distances to provincial centers.
“We are committed to posting agriculture officers to all 50 constituencies so that farmers can access technical services closer to home. This is a practical step that will bring government services directly to our rural communities. Every constituency will benefit from the presence of an agricultural officer dedicated to supporting farmers and rural communities” he said.
The deployment forms part of the Ministry’s implementation of the National Agriculture Development Plan 2026–2030 and complements broader reforms, including strengthening agricultural institutions, expanding farmer training, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and improving research and innovation.
Agricultural officers will play important roles to provide technical assistance, promote improved farming practices, support disease and pest management and link farmers with government programmes and market opportunities.
The initiative is also expected to improve communication between the Ministry and rural communities, ensuring agricultural policies and programmes respond to the needs of farmers throughout the country.
Minister Wasi reaffirmed that agriculture remains the backbone of the rural economy and a key driver of national development.
He said the deployment of agricultural officers to all constituencies reflects the Government’s determination to build a modern, productive and resilient agriculture sector that benefits every Solomon Islander.
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Transparency SI urges tougher action on absenteeism after audit reveals nearly $1 billion lost in public service inefficiency Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) welcomes the release of the Auditor General’s audit report Solomon Islands Government Attendance Management Policy. TSI as a tax-payer is gravely concerned with the findings of this report. The findings show a public [...]
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Gov’t determined to reverse heavy reliance on imported food
The GREAT Coalition Government says it is determined to reverse the heavy reliance on imported food products.
Agriculture Minister Franklyn Wasi said to address this, the government will establish germplasm and collection centres throughout the provinces to preserve and multiply resilient traditional crops, and will also expand commercial rice initiatives and strengthen school partnerships.
Read more⤵️⤵️
https://theislandsun.com.sb/govt-determined-to-reverse-heavy-reliance-on-imported-food/
BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), Franklyn Wasi during his response to the speech from the throne in parliament on Wednesday said a successful agricultural sector requires strong institutions and effective governance.
In this regard, he said the GREAT Coalition Government will prioritise implementation of the National Agriculture Development Plan 2026-2030 and take on important legislative and policy reforms that will strengthen the ability of the Ministry to serve farmers and stakeholders throughout the country.
“Ministry will continue work towards new legislation, including the Solomon Islands National Agriculture and Livestock Act, the re-establishment of a Research Center for Agriculture and Livestock, the Agriculture National Advisory Council Act and review of the Biosecurity Act 2013 and the Biosecurity Regulations 2015 to allow for a more effective biosecurity enforcement throughout the whole country,” Wasi said.
The minister said the reforms will ensure there is greater coordination, accountability and strategic direction for the agriculture sector.
Wasi said more importantly, they are also committed to posting agriculture officers in all 50 constituencies so that farmers can access technical services closer to home.
“This is a practical step that will bring government services directly to our rural communities,” he said.
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BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Telekom network outage in Auki, Malaita Province disrupted business operations, electronic payments and communications, leaving thousands of customers without reliable service for several hours.
The disruption began at around 11am and lasted until about 4pm today.
According to Our Telekom, the outage was caused by fibre damage resulting from external contractor works in Auki.
In a public message, the company said its technical teams were working to restore services as quickly as possible.
“Dear valued customers, due to fibre damage in Auki caused by external contractor works not related to Telekom, some Telekom services in Malaita are temporarily disrupted,” the company said.
“Our teams are working to restore services. We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”
The outage affected businesses that rely on internet and mobile connectivity for daily operations.
The manager of Goshen Enterprise, Levite Maesimae said the disruption significantly affected commercial transactions, particularly online payments and customer services.
“It affects our commercial services, which our business clients depend on,” he said.
“Online payments were interrupted, making it difficult to serve customers efficiently.”
A teacher, Movin Kutai also expressed frustration, saying the outage prevented people from carrying out their normal activities.
“During the five-hour outage, we couldn’t make any calls or communicate with people,” he said.
Market vendor Patty Sirilo said the disruption affected traders and families who depended on mobile services for communication.
“The network was working well in the morning, but around 11am we couldn’t make any calls because there was no service,” she said.
She added that important messages could not be delivered and prepaid call plans were wasted because the network was unavailable.
The incident highlights the growing dependence of businesses and the public on reliable telecommunications services, with even a few hours of disruption causing financial losses, interrupted business transactions and communication difficulties across Auki.
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BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Member of parliament for South Guadalcanal Rollen Seleso has offered government with an alternative to the planned pay rise for public servants.
Mr Seleso said rather than a pay rise for public servants, government could consider lowering their taxes.
The pay-rise plan is beyond what the economy can afford, he said.
The speech from the Throne by the Governor General on Tuesday this week had mentioned a planned ‘comprehensive remuneration reform, including a phased public service pay rise, a review of salary structures and strengthened non-cash benefits’ by government.
Giving his reply today in parliament, MP Seleso cautioned that this plan risked worsening inflation and national deficit within Solomon Islands’ fragile economy.
“A salary increase is not free money. Every increase in the public service wage bill must ultimately be financed by the taxpayer, by economic growth, by improved revenue collection, by grants, or by borrowing. There is no fifth source,” Seleso said.
“Our national budget and our low GDP cannot sustain large wage increases without risking inflation or deepening the deficit, the very deficit the IMF has already flagged.”
Seleso questioned government’s salary reform plan if it satisfied the following:
– fiscally affordable within the medium-term fiscal framework;
– sustainable beyond the term of any one Government;
– linked to productivity and to service delivery;
– supported by proper workforce planning;
– fair as between Honiara and the provinces; and
– accompanied by genuine performance and accountability.
Seleso then offered an option he said would be less costly – lowering tax on public servants.
“Rather than an across-the-board increase financed from an already strained recurrent budget, I urge the Government to examine targeted tax reform including the categorisation of personal income tax by income level among public servants so that relief is directed to the lower-graded officers who need it most, and so that the reform eases pressure on the household budget without adding unsustainably to the wage bill.
“That is a reform which costs the State far less than a general pay rise, and which delivers more to the nurse at Marau, the teacher at Avu Avu and the police officer at Tetere than a headline percentage ever will.
“Our public servants deserve more than a political promise. They deserve a sustainable remuneration system,” Seleso said.
The matter of public servants’ salary increase is listed in GREAT government’s policy under the Ministry of Public Service as one of its four objectives – “D. Public Service Pay Rise: Advance transformation of Public Service with pay rise for public servants, nurses, para-medics and doctors”.
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M-SELEN, the Solomon Islands’ leading mobile money platform, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Rocket Remit, enabling Solomon Islanders living in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to send money directly to family and friends in the Solomon Islands quickly, securely, and conveniently.
The partnership marks another significant milestone in M-SELEN’s commitment to expanding access to digital financial services and strengthening international remittance channels for Solomon Islanders living overseas.
Through Rocket Remit, customers in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom can now send money directly to M-SELEN wallets anytime, anywhere—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing recipients across the Solomon Islands to receive money instantly and access it through M-SELEN’s extensive nationwide agent network or use it for digital payments and other mobile money services.
Speaking on the partnership, Majidul Haque, Head of M-SELEN , said:
“Many Solomon Islanders living overseas regularly support their families back home. This partnership with Rocket Remit provides them with a fast, secure, and affordable way to send money directly to their loved ones. We are excited to make remittances more accessible while continuing our mission of advancing financial inclusion throughout the Solomon Islands.”
The new service eliminates many of the traditional challenges associated with international money transfers, providing greater convenience for both senders and recipients.
Recipients can receive funds directly into their M-SELEN wallets and immediately use the money to:
Send money to family and friends
• Pay utility bills and services
• Purchase mobile airtime and data
• Buy Goods & Services
• Withdraw cash from M-SELEN agents nationwide
Harold Dimpel, CEO of Rocket Remit said:
“We are delighted to partner with M-SELEN to connect Solomon Islanders in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom with their families back home. Together, we are providing a reliable digital remittance solution that makes supporting loved ones easier than ever.”
The partnership reinforces M-SELEN’s vision of creating a more connected and financially inclusive Solomon Islands through innovative digital financial solutions.
Customers can learn more about the service by visiting M-SELEN service centres, authorized agents nationwide, or through M-SELEN’s official communication channels.
About M-SELEN
M-SELEN is the Solomon Islands’ licensed mobile money service operated by Telekom Digital Limited. The platform enables customers to send and receive money, pay bills, purchase airtime, make merchant payments, and access a growing range of digital financial services through their mobile phones.
About Rocket Remit
Rocket Remit is a digital international money transfer service that enables customers to send money quickly and securely from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to several countries across the Pacific and beyond, supporting families and communities through affordable remittance solutions.
[end]
M-SELEN statement
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PM Matthew Wale says reforms will end elite capture and build a stronger, middle-income Solomon Islands economy PRIME Minister Hon. Matthew Wale says a small and narrow economy is not the destiny of Solomon Islands, but the result of decisions made and avoided over many years. Responding to the Speech of the Throne in Parliament [...]
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总理马修·瓦尔(Matthew Wale)表示,改革将结束精英掠夺,建立一个更强大的中等收入所罗门群岛经济。
总理荣誉马修·瓦尔(Hon. Matthew Wale)表示,狭小的经济不是所罗门群岛的命运,而是多年做出和避免的决策的结果。
对此,他在国会的王座演讲中作出了回应......
这篇文章最初发布在Tavuli News(所罗门群岛)上。
BY NED GAGAHE
Foreign ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Suva, Fiji, tomorrow for the 2026 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting (FFMM) at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).
The meeting will be chaired by Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Rick Houenipwela, a statement from the PIFS this morning said.
The annual meeting will bring together Forum foreign ministers to discuss key regional priorities and matters of common interest ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
Media representatives have been invited to cover the opening session, the official family photo and the press conference at the conclusion of the meeting.
The day’s programme will begin with the official family photo at 9am on the PIFS Library Lawn. Media personnel have been advised to arrive by 8.30am to allow time for equipment set-up before the photograph.
The opening session of the FFMM will commence at 9.30am in the Main Conference Room at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
The meeting will conclude with a press conference at 5.30pm in the PIFS Library, where Forum Foreign Ministers are expected to brief the media on the outcomes of their discussions.
The FFMM serves as an important platform for advancing regional cooperation and preparing key policy recommendations for consideration by Pacific leaders.
Government targets 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations to boost agriculture and rural incomes HONIARA – The Government has unveiled plans to establish 10,000 hectares of new cocoa and coconut plantations nationwide as part of its strategy to revitalise the agriculture sector and stimulate long-term economic growth. Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development [...]
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BY JOSES SAREN
Prime Minister Matthew Wale will officially open the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands (PNGSI) Investment Conference, scheduled for August 19-20 at Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara.
He will also be the keynote speaker of the conference which will be hosted by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the Papua New Guinea–Solomon Islands Business Council (PNGSIBC), under the theme “From Opportunity to Investment: Building the PNG–Solomon Islands Growth Corridor”, a statement by SICCI on Monday this week said.
The statement said Wale’s participation reflects the GREAT Coalition Government’s Economic Transformation agenda, and follows the signing of the Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030) with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, SICCI said.
The National reported that Wale and Marape signed the agreement at Melanesia Haus in Port Moresby, during Wale’s first State visit since his election on May 15.
The agreement covers cooperation in investment, trade and commerce, mining and other resource sectors, fisheries, agriculture, state-owned enterprises, policing and security, maritime cooperation and regional affairs, and covers expansion of two-way investment and business activity to more than K1 billion (approximately SBD 1.85 billion at current exchange rates).
“Papua New Guinea affirms its full support behind Solomon Islands,” Marape said, according to The National.
Wale said the agreement will provide a path forward on areas of mutual interest, including through the Melanesian Spearhead Group, of which both countries are members.
Wale has welcomed PNG mining companies to explore investment opportunities in Solomon Islands, the statement said.
The Government’s Local Content Policy, which reserves government contracts below SBD 50 million for Solomon Islands businesses, will also be a point of engagement for investors at the conference.
“We are deeply honoured that Prime Minister Wale has accepted our invitation. His Excellency’s participation underscores the highest level of government commitment to strengthening our bilateral economic relationship with Papua New Guinea and building a prosperous Melanesian economic corridor,” SICCI Chairlady Namoi Kaluae said.
Other confirmed speakers include Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Harry Kuma, Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Derrick Manuari, and Mike Wate, General Manager and CEO of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund. Organisers said additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Communities in North Malaita are planting more than 2,000 mangroves seedings to protect the coastline around the Malu’u Market, combining nature-based solution with major infrastructure investment.
The initiative is led by the North Shore Mangroves Committee, which coordinates the transplanting of seeding to coastal rehabilitation sites around the market, a statement by the Australian high commission (AHC) on Tuesday this week said.
Local conservation specialists, Fera Au Conservation Association, are training communities in Kwene, Darowarau and Duruabu to establish mangroves and coastal trees nurseries, transplant seedlings, and build skills in coastal rehabilitation and management.
Australia is supporting the nature-based initiative to restore and protect the coastline around the SBD15 million market, increasing the project’s resilience to climate change, AHC said.
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said Australia is proud to support practical, locally led solution that enhance the resilience of its investments in Solomon Islands.
“Together with the seawall being constructed in front of the market, this nature-based initiative demonstrates how local knowledge and leadership can help protect both the environment and the infrastructure we are building together,” he said.
Mangroves play a critical role to reduce the impacts of rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
Recent global research shows that mangrove coverage has shifted from net loss to net gain since 2010, driven by stronger protection, conservation efforts and natural regeneration.
Organisers say the Malu’u initiative reflects this momentum at the local level, combining community-led action with targeted investment to restore coastal protection.
Once established, the mangroves will work alongside the seawall to reduce erosion, absorb wave energy, and improve water quality and marine habitats.
Chairman of the North Shore Mangroves Committee, Cameron Inomae said the project is delivering valuable skills and opportunities for local communities.
“The training provided through this project has given us the confidence and knowledge to establish nurseries and carry out mangrove restoration in our own communities,” Mr Inomae said.
He said the initiative has created short-term employment opportunities and increased the Committee’s visibility at national, regional and international levels.
“This project has opened many doors for our community and created opportunities to connect with organisations that share our commitment to protecting the environment,” he said.
Inomae also noted that environmental changes along the Malu’u coastline are becoming more visible, including increased erosion and mangrove loss.
“Mangroves are a natural barrier protecting our shoreline. They also provide important habitat for marine life,” he said.
More than 60 community members took part in the one-day planting activity, demonstrating strong local ownership.
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The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) will deploy agricultural officers to all 50 constituencies, marking a historic first in Solomon Islands’ history and demonstrating the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to bringing agricultural services closer to rural communities.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Hon Franklyn Derek Wasi during his response to the Speech from the Throne in Parliament, where he outlined the Ministry’s priorities to strengthen service delivery and transform the agriculture sector.
Minister Wasi said the initiative is a major reform aimed at ensuring farmers across the country have direct access to technical advice, extension services, and modern farming knowledge without having to travel long distances to provincial centres.
” We are committed to posting agriculture officers to all 50 constituencies so that farmers can access technical services closer to home. This is a practical step that will bring government services directly to our rural communities. Every constituency will benefit from the presence of an agricultural officer dedicated to supporting farmers and rural communities” he said.
The deployment forms part of the Ministry’s implementation of the National Agriculture Development Plan 2026–2030 and complements broader reforms, including strengthening agricultural institutions, expanding farmer training, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and improving research and innovation.
Agricultural officers will play an important role in providing technical assistance, promoting improved farming practices, supporting disease and pest management, and linking farmers with government programmes and market opportunities.
The initiative is also expected to improve communication between the Ministry and rural communities, ensuring agricultural policies and programmes respond to the needs of farmers throughout the country.
Minister Wasi reaffirmed that agriculture remains the backbone of the rural economy and a key driver of national development.
He said the deployment of agricultural officers to all constituencies reflects the Government’s determination to build a modern, productive and resilient agriculture sector that benefits every Solomon Islander.
End//
– MALD Press Release
The post Minister Wasi Announces Historic Deployment of 50 Agricultural Officers to All Constituencies first appeared on Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) .
Premier Atu dismayed by PM Wale’s absence at Guadalcanal province’s second appointed day celebration
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu has expressed disappointment at Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s absence at the province’s Second Appointed Day celebrations on Monday this week.
PM Wale did not attend, rather had sent his deputy, Francis Sade, who conveyed Wale’s apologies and reassurance that Wale was present in spirit. This was not enough for Guadalcanal province.
Premier Atu in a statement yesterday said Guadalcanal province deserves better as the island that hosts the national capital and the headquarters of the national government.
The celebrations this year marked the first-ever Guadalcanal second appointed day to be hosted in Honiara. And it was not without purpose.
“The reason why the celebrations were held in Honiara was because the Guadalcanal Provincial Government wanted the prime minister to attend,” Atu said.
“The National Stadium was not far from his office. Our people came to his front door out of respect, but Prime Minister Wale did not have the time to spend at least an hour with us.
“Many Guadalcanal people travelled a long way from their villages and some swam across flooded rivers to come to Honiara to listen to their Prime Minister, showcase their cultures, and share food with other Solomon Islanders. They were disappointed the Prime Minister did not attend,” Atu said.
In response, the PM Press Secretary told Island Sun last night, “The Deputy Prime Minister attended and explained the Prime Minister’s non-attendance that day and conveyed the prime minister’s apologies.”
DPM Sade in his speech on Monday had said PM Wale was unable to attend because he was busy with ‘pressing duties of State’, which the PM Press Secretariat told Island Sun had included preparations for his first parliament meeting as prime minister the next day, Tuesday, July 4.
Lamenting PM Wale’s absence, Premier Atu said, “The Guadalcanal province’s decision to hold the event in Honiara was also to remind the national government of the province’s longstanding demand for a federal system of government.
“It would have meant a lot for the Prime Minister to attend, listen to our call for federalism, our preparations for it, and respond to it in person.”
While valuing DPM Sade’s presence as alternative, Premier Atu said Wale’s presence would have been more significant because Sade was a former Premier of Guadalcanal “who, during his tenure, advocated for issues of concern to the province, including our demand for a federal system of government. Therefore, we did not expect him to address these issues in the same manner as Prime Minister Wale, the leader of the GREAT Coalition”.
Atu said several of the GREAT Coalition’s policies have implications for Guadalcanal Province and its relationship with the Government.
An example is the GREAT Coalition’s intention to table the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 and introduce mining sector reforms that are aimed at “increasing national ownership, fairer landowner compensation, and establishing a state-owned mining and mineral holding enterprise”.
This includes plans to partner with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands to build a gold buying trading framework, the G-Province statement said.
Premier Atu notes this is a promising policy but the GREAT Coalition must work closely with the Guadalcanal Province, which hosts the largest mine in the country and is the biggest contributor to incomes from the mining industry.
He said Guadalcanal Province acknowledges the GREAT Coalition’s intention to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and believes this can contribute to a sustainable future for Solomon Islands.
However, he notes this will likely be financed largely by taxes from extractive industries. Given the decline in revenues from the logging industry, fisheries and mining are likely to become the major industries funding the SWF.
According to the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, gold exports in 2025 were valued at approximately SBD 3.025 billion (US$378 million), the G-Province statement said.
From this amount, the Solomon Islands Government received approximately SBD 952 million in revenue, comprising SBD 45.375 million in royalties (1.5 percent) and approximately SBD 907 million in taxes (30 percent). It is likely that the Government will allocate part of the tax revenue to fund the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).
Furthermore, in 2025, Guadalcanal Province accounted for 26.5 percent of the country’s total log production, ranking second after Western Province (48.9 percent). In the agricultural sector, palm oil exports were valued at US$27 million in the same year.
Additionally, Guadalcanal Province contributed 74 percent of the country’s total cocoa production in 2025.
Atu said given Guadalcanal Province’s significant contributions to Solomon Islands’ economy, the least Prime Minister Wale could have done was honour the province with his presence.
“That would have been a demonstration of respect,” he said.
Premier Atu thanked national government representatives, members of parliament, the premiers, ministers and officials from other provinces, church leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and the public who honoured Guadalcanal Province with their presence.
He also thanked Solomon Islanders who came out to share cultures, food, stories, and demonstrate our country’s unity in diversity.
“Guadalcanal is proud to use this occasion to unite Solomon Islanders,” he said.
Premier Atu thanks the Guadalcanal people for their overwhelming support to the Provincial Government and administration.
Guadalcanal celebrated its 42nd second appointed day through four days starting Friday, July 31 to Monday, August 3.
The event was hosted in Honiara at the FOPA SINU village at Panatina. The grand closing was at the National Stadium on Monday.
A historic highlight of this year’s celebration was the welcoming and feeding of all other eight provinces of Solomon Islands, in which the eight constituencies on Guadalcanal hosted and fed a province each.
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