HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), in close partnership with key Government ministries, successfully convened the 3rd Private Sector Advisory Committee Meeting on Tuesday December 2^nd, 2025.

This gathering marks another significant step in strengthening strategic cooperation and reinforcing an open and constructive dialogue between the Solomon Islands Government and the private sector.

SICCI Chairlady and Co-Chair of the Advisory Group, Ms. Namoi Kaluae, acknowledged the presence of Mr. Riley Mesepitu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, and Mr. Brian Lenga, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning, expressing appreciation for their leadership and their continued commitment to driving private sector growth. She noted that the Advisory Committee remains an important platform where high-level partners come together to address critical enabling policies, regulatory matters, and key economic growth initiatives.

Ms. Kaluae highlighted the strong partnership and shared determination to support the nation’s economic development, reiterating that the private sector must remain empowered to create jobs, comply with regulatory frameworks, and maintain the confidence to invest and operate effectively within the Solomon Islands. She further acknowledged the Government’s ongoing support through policy dialogue and participation in major private-sector-led programs, including the meaningful involvement of Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele during the 14th Australia–Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane.

Reflecting on the year’s achievements, SICCI emphasized the importance of continuing to address systemic challenges faced by businesses. These include advancing tax reforms, improving access to finance, expanding the private sector base, and moving from identifying constraints—such as VAT readiness and high electricity costs—to achieving concrete, measurable progress on these issues. SICCI reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Government to ensure that the outcomes and recommendations from the National Business Forum 2025 and other major engagements are translated into practical actions for the benefit of the national economy.

During the meeting, SICCI also highlighted the upcoming Solomon Islands–Papua New Guinea Business Investment Forum, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. The Forum aims to deepen trade, investment, and business partnerships between the two countries, providing valuable opportunities for Solomon Islands exporters and strengthening bilateral business connections.

Local content development was a key focus of the discussion. SICCI reaffirmed its intention to collaborate with the Government in 2026 to advance a Local Content Policy, which it described as a vital blueprint for national development. Such a policy would support job creation, promote local enterprise growth, enable skill and technology transfer, and increase the participation of Solomon Islanders in major economic projects.

In concluding its remarks, SICCI emphasized that the meeting reaffirmed the strength and value of the partnership between the Government and the private sector. The Chamber remains committed to being the steadfast voice of business, ensuring that collaborative efforts continue to translate into policies that foster a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for all Solomon Islanders.