HONIARA, – Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Hon. Harry Kuma and, Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Hon. Derek Manu’ari are confirmed to join the inaugural Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Investment Conference this month in Honiara.
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and the Papua New Guinea–Solomon Islands Business Council (PNGSIBC) confirms that these two senior Cabinet Ministers will attend the historic 1st PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference, scheduled for 19–20 August 2026 at the Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara.
Hon. Kuma and Hon. Manu’ari will join the government delegation led by Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale, who is also confirmed as the keynote speaker for the official opening.
Hon. Derek Manuari holds the portfolio covering mining and energy – sectors identified as priority areas for bilateral cooperation. He has championed key reforms, including the ongoing amendment of the Electricity Act, the introduction of a Water Resources Bill, and the development of the Solomon Islands Energy Roadmap 2026–2030. Representing Solomon Islands at the 16th Session of the IRENA Assembly, he has called for tailored financing for renewable energy projects in Small Island Developing States. His participation underscores the Government’s commitment to advancing resource sector partnerships with PNG investors and progressing major projects like the Tina Hydro development.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, under the leadership of Minister Kuma, has delivered significant reforms that are transforming Solomon Islands’ trade and investment landscape.
The Ministry has launched a new Border Management System backed by an SBD$18 million investment to strengthen border security and streamline travel, while also developing Solomon Islands’ first-ever National Employment Policy to create a more resilient and inclusive labour market. hrough the “Farmers First” rural economic reform agenda, the Ministry is ensuring fair pricing and improved market access for the 74% of Solomon Islanders living in rural areas.
The Ministry has also championed investment policy reform to establish an Investment Promotion Authority, promoted downstream processing and value addition for local products, supported youth entrepreneurship initiatives, and advanced minimum wage reform to build a fairer system for workers and employers.
The Ministry previously led a Solomon Islands delegation to Papua New Guinea for a fact-finding mission on investment strategies and Special Economic Zone arrangements – a visit that has paved the way for deeper bilateral cooperation. Minister Kuma’s attendance at the conference reinforces the Government’s focus on strengthening the investment policy framework and attracting responsible foreign investment.
The two-day conference, themed “From Opportunity to Investment: Building the PNG–Solomon Islands Growth Corridor,” meanwhile will bring together government leaders, investors, business executives, and development partners to advance trade and investment between the two Melanesian neighbours. Key sectors for discussion include mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and financial services.
The event follows the historic signing of the Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation (2026–2030) between Prime Ministers Wale and Marape, which commits both nations to deepening cooperation in trade, investment, and resource development.
PNG remains the largest foreign investor in Solomon Islands, with PNG companies holding substantial investments in banking, telecommunications, hospitality, and agriculture.
With 16 more Days to go, registration for the 1st PNG SI Investment Conference is open until 11 August 2026 through the SICCI website at solomonchamber.com.sb. Visit for more information.