Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry [SICCI] has highlighted that the private sector needs proper infrastructure to grow.

SICCI made its view known during the recent National Economic Summit as the peak organization representing the country’s private sector.

In his presentation during the Summit, the Chief Executive Officer of SICCI, Mr. James Dolarii reemphasized the important role private sector played in the growth of the national economy.

He highlights some of the challenges private sector continues to face over the years and this includes; proper infrastructure, facilities as well as proper policies that encourages businesses to grow.

“Private Sector can go anywhere as long as infrastructure and facilities are made available,” Mr. Dolarii said.

He acknowledges the partnership SICCI has established with the National Government, donor partners and other stakeholders which enable SICCI to represent the country’s private sector at all-fronts.

Mr. Dolarii highlights that SICCI has over 200 members with 30 to 60 percent of its members are based in the provinces.

He adds that most SICCI members are Small to Medium Enterprises some of whom are in dare need of access to finance support and literacy.

Mr. Dolarii described the National Economic Summit as a pivotal platform to foster private sector growth, underscoring its importance in driving economic development and sustainable progress.

He said he is optimistic that the focus will remains on the identified challenges, formulating strategic policies, and leveraging opportunities to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of the private sector in the Solomon Islands.

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon Manasseh Sogavare said the summit allows that government to pick the brains of those who involve in varies sectors and to put the right efforts in driving the economy of the country going forward.

He described the summit as “very informative and good collaborative discussions that would formulate strong policy directions for Solomon Islands’.

Hon. Sogavare also said, the summit has exposed extreme economic challenges but at the same time establish opportunities towards transformative economic growth and inclusive economic development.

He stressed that the depth of ideas presented were a testament to a collective dedication coming from the private sector, development partners and various stakeholders involved in various sectors

“Your participation, your passion and your commitment in advancing our economic agendas are truly incredible. The dialog on policy framework, financial strategies, economic and legislative reforms will provide the government with a clear pathway towards growing the country’s economy. The recommendations are the cornerstone of our economic plans. We will look into five key sectors; Agriculture, Tourism, Forestry, Fishery and Mineral.

“Approaches will be inclusive and forward looking towards addressing economic inequality, sustainable development and digital transformation.

“We cannot do the same thing over and over again and expect different results, I’m confident that our permanent secretaries that present during the summit are ready to implement the recommendations coming out from this summit,” Hon Sogavare said.

He said sustainable and transformative growth is not far to reach and the approach to execute the idea is to change how policies are established and implemented.

Hon Sogavare said both the government and private sector has a role to play in shaping the economy of Solomon Islands going forward.