A VISIT by business leaders to the SolTuna cannery and Trimarine processing facility in Noro last weekend marked a historical new level of outreach to the western province for the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Chamber CEO Jerry Tengemoana and the full board membership led by chair Tony Koraua made visits to a variety of businesses houses in Noro, Gizo and Munda.
The Chamber also hosted its monthly ‘After 5’ Business forum outside of Honiara for the very first time.
The event formed the platform for SICCI to formally launch its national outreach program to the business communities outside of Guadalcanal.
The event was attended by the Provincial Secretary for the Western Province Adrian Tony and CEO’s from many prominent companies that operate in the Solomon Islands.
“The strategic planning for outreach to the provinces has been happening for some time now, especially given the developments by businesses in the capital providing services to the provinces, the emergence of the Tourism sector, and the focus on entrepreneurship and income generation away from the capital,” Mr Tengemoana said.
“With the Solomon islands being a model for Pacific nations looking to retain more revenues from fishing in country, the chance to visit the onshore processing facility in Noro was invaluable as was showing our business leaders the value of ventures such as these which involve significant and bold investment in order to reap economic benefits”.
The Chamber extended an open invitation to business houses within the Western Province and the event was well attended with over 20 local businesses attending and several prominent businesses making the trip west for networking opportunities.
