HONIARA, Solomon Islands –Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Matthew Wale, will attend as the Keynote speaker who will officially open the landmark bilateral PNGSI Investment Conference, scheduled for 19–20 August 2026 at Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara.
The conference, hosted by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the Papua New Guinea–Solomon Islands Business Council (PNGSIBC), will bring together government leaders, investors, and business executives under the theme “From Opportunity to Investment: Building the PNG–Solomon Islands Growth Corridor.”
Prime Minister Wale’s participation underscores the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to Economic Transformation—a key pillar of its national development agenda. His attendance directly advances the Government’s vision of creating local economic opportunities and enabling more Solomon Islanders to participate meaningfully in national prosperity.
“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 Ms Namoi Kaluae stated.
The conference follows the historic signing of the Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030) with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.
The agreement demonstrates the shared commitment of both leaders to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, mining, fisheries, and infrastructure development. Prime Minister Wale has welcomed Papua New Guinea’s mining companies to explore investment opportunities in Solomon Islands, affirming that the two nations must work side by side as Melanesian neighbours with shared ancestry and history.
Prime Minister Wale’s presence at the conference will provide investors and businesses with a unique opportunity to engage directly with the nation’s leader on projects that can drive economic growth and create employment. His Government’s Local Content Policy, which reserves government contracts below SBD 50 million for Solomon Islands businesses, further demonstrates the administration’s commitment to empowering local enterprise.
Other confirmed speakers include Hon. Harry Kuma, Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration; Hon. Derrick Manuari, Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification; and Mike Wate, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund.
The conference will take place on 19–20 August 2026 at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara. Additional speaker announcements will be made in the coming weeks.