Representatives of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on Friday 14 October 2022 made a courtesy call to Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare, the first one by the private sector representative this year.

SICCI, as the peak body representing private sector in Solomon Islands, during the visit reiterated its commitment to continue growing the strong partnership it has established with the Solomon Islands Government, and to personally invite the Prime Minister to the Annual Prime Ministers Breakfast with SICCI members.

Chairman, Mr Ricky Fuo’o, who led the SICCI delegation, highlighted that continuous collaboration is important since the private sector plays a critical role for economic growth and jobs creations in the country.

Mr Fuo’o was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Natalina Hong and Board Members Dr. Lazarus Tavichikai and Namoi Kaluae.

SICCI also uses the occasion to acknowledge the Prime Minister and government’s policy decision to re-open the country’s border in July this year, the removal of PCR COVID-19 testing for arriving visitors, the exemption on fuel, the ongoing infrastructure development in the country and Payment System Bill which was passed in Parliament earlier this year.

SICCI CEO, Ms Hong said the re-opening of our borders was welcomed by a wide range of business and industry groups, including the Chamber.

“This is the light at the end of the tunnel that small business, tourism operators and the events industry were eager to see. We can now look forward to welcoming the world back to Solomon Islands,” Ms Hong said.

On fuel exemption, SICCI also reiterated it acknowledgement to Government through the Ministry of Finance and Treasury for adhering to businesses concern by putting in place such important temporary measures.

“Providing duty exemption on fuel imports to offer some stability is a timely step taken as fuel is key to determining cost of utilities in Solomon Islands, that impacts daily cost of business operations and households.

In terms of infrastructure development, SICCI maintains that the large pipeline of infrastructure projects that are currently underway or are in the pipeline as being a key factor in the country’s economic recovery.

SICCI also welcomes the Payment System Bill passed by National Parliament as a massive step towards progress towards modern digital payment system that will positively impact the private sector.

The Payment Systems Bill enables legal frameworks to ensure efficiency and mitigation of risks inherent in the payment system, right controls to protect consumers, and facilitate access to services and systems and enhanced financial inclusion.

SICCI Chairman, Mr. Fuo’o said the Chamber always looks forward to more meaningful engagement on key impediments to growth, progressing the formalised Public Private Partnership (PPP) through the MOU with the Government.

“Government remains our key stakeholder. We will maintain the current good level of collaboration with the government,” he said.

The MoU provides a platform that complements SICCI’s advocacy towards solutions to improving Infrastructure needs, tax reforms, inefficiencies caused by bureaucratic corruption, and unlocking potential economic and land resources.

“A conducive business environment where the private sector can flourish means more contribution to Government revenue, more jobs for our growing population,” Mr. Fuo’o said.