Honiara, 19^th August, 2024 - The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry [SICCI] has acknowledged the Governor General, His Excellency Reverend David Tiva Kapu for emphasizing private sector’s needs during his speech in Parliament.

SICCI also congratulates Reverent Kapu for his appointment as the new Governor General and His Majesty the King’s representative of Solomon Islands.

In his maiden speech, the Governor General highlights some of the key issues that SICCI on behalf of the private sector continues to advocate over the years.

This includes; the importance of enhancing infrastructure for better connectivity, add value to agriculture products for export, investments in strategic economic sectors to pump prime export production and manufacturing, investment in trade activities, good policies as well as industrialization aiming to diversify the economy.

Other key areas include;

Fisheries: Promoting sustainable practices and enhancing the economic potential of our marine resources including bringing to fruition the Bina Harbor Tuna Processing Project.

Agriculture: Developing the sector to meet the growing demand for food and harnessing our workforce's potential.

Tourism: Capitalize and develop our historical, natural and cultural assets and draw on a proximity to large tourism markets.

Commerce: Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation through industrialization to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities. SME Financial Schemes including Credit line facility with DBSI, Small Business Loan Guarantee Scheme with CBSI, Export Finance Facility with DBSI. Government will support CEMA to provide market access to the smallholder farmers.

“We are fortunate to be blessed with a wealth of diverse cultures, natural resources and a youth population, which is an asset to this country. We must be vigilant as custodians of our natural resources and be upstanding mentors to our children and youths. It is of paramount significance that we would and shape our young generation with the right values and virtues. They are the cornerstone of our future,” His Excellency Rev. Kapu said.

In the meantime, SICCI is happy that the Governor General had made mention of the need to have a comprehensive building code to ensure all constructions meet rigorous safety and quality standards, Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises Bill 2024 – two of the important legislation that SICCI continues to advocate.

In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer of SICCI, Mr. James Dolari said, “I on behalf of SICCI board and members, I congratulate and also acknowledge His Excellency Reverend David Tiva Kapu on his appointment and also highlighting some of the key issues and aspiration of the private sector in parliament.

He said the sentiments made by the Governor General speak volume of the challenges that needs to be address to encourage positive growth in both the private sector and the local economy.

Mr. Dolarii said SICCI is fully aware of the country’s private sector landscape and that greater partnership and collaboration is paramount going forward.

He said SICCI is looking forward to working with the Office of the Governor General and the national government.