The Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Business Council (PNGSIBC) and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI”) acknowledges the commitment by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the Honorable James Marape and the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands the Honorable Matthew Wale and the valuable contribution by government leaders and public officials from both countries. Their participation showed the importance of the bilateral relationship and the shared commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses and investors.
The first ever Investment Conference between two Melanesian Nations was designed to deliver sustainable outcomes to support the PNG-Solomon Islands Economic Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation 2026-2030 signed in June 2026.
PNGSIBC and SICCI also extends their sincere appreciation to the sponsors, speakers, delegates, exhibitors and stakeholders for their support and participation in the Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Investment Conference.
The Conference theme “From Opportunity to Investment – Building the PNG-Solomon Islands Growth Corridor” brought together representatives from government, the private sector, investors, financial institutions, development partners and business leaders from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and the Region to strengthen commercial relationships and identify practical opportunities for increased trade, investment and economic cooperation between our two countries.
We are particularly thankful to the sponsors and corporate partners, whose generous support made the Conference possible. Their commitment reflects the growing confidence of both countries to convert opportunities through a stronger PNG–Solomon Islands economic engagement.
We also thank speakers and panellists for sharing their experience, knowledge, and perspectives. The discussions highlighted opportunities across key sectors including infrastructure, mining, telecommunications and digital services, financial services, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, energy, resources, professional services, including Youth and MSME development agenda.
The strong participation by stakeholders proved their appetite for greater business-to-business and business-to-government engagement and investment between our two Melanesian countries supported by right strategic and sustainable policy framework from both governments.
The Conference reinforced an important message: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands have significant opportunities to gain experience within and together.
Our geographical proximity, Melanesian heritage, longstanding people-to-people relationships, and complementary economic opportunities provide a durable foundation for deeper commercial cooperation.
PNGSIBC and SICCI will build on the momentum generated by the Conference by working with governments, development partners, and the private sector to advance several priorities, including:
- Increasing bilateral trade and investment;
- Facilitating business and investor connections between PNG and Solomon Islands;
- Supporting joint ventures and partnerships between businesses in both countries;
- Promoting opportunities for MSMEs and local businesses;
- Addressing barriers affecting the movement of businesspeople, skills, goods, and investment;
- Encouraging greater private-sector participation in major development and infrastructure opportunities; and
- Developing a continuing platform for dialogue between government, investors, and the private sector.
We will also continue to advocate for practical measures that make it easier to do business between Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
The Investment Conference should therefore be regarded not simply as an event, but as the beginning of a stronger and more structured economic partnership between the private sectors of our two countries focused on delivering mutually beneficial outcomes for both countries. A work-plan is being developed to capture key outcomes from the conference supported by relevant practical recommendations to address the issues raised. A report card from the Joint Organising Committee will be tabled at future conferences.
On behalf of PNGSIBC and SICCI, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Conference.
We look forward to working together to turn the relationships, discussions and opportunities identified during the Conference into real investment, real businesses, real jobs, and sustainable economic benefits for the people of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Gordon Denty, Vice-Chair, SICCI, stated that the support from both Governments and the Private Sector towards a sustainable development agenda is welcomed and that the Inaugural Conference exceeded expectations.
