The Ministry of Commerce, Industries Labor and Immigration says it is carrying out investigation into business activities of a foreigner following complaints he breached the Foreign Investment Act.
The ministry says it will investigate business activities by Malaysian businessman, Ho Lou Wen, who has been accused of involving in poultry farming, a business area reserved for Solomon Islanders only.
This follows complaints made in a letter to the Ministry by the President of Malaita Ma’asina Forum (MMF) Charles Dausabea alleging, Wen was in breached of the country’s labor laws by involving in poultry farming.
Newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, George Kosui said he had received the letter and investigations will be instigated to prove the allegations.
Kosui said under the Foreign Investment Act 2009, regulation 2006, it is stipulated that service industries are reserved for indigenous Solomon Islanders while foreign investors are restricted to manufacturing industries.
He pointed out that foreigners can only engage in poultry and piggery farming if they are exporting the products but not for sale at local domestic markets.
Kosui said the same goes to taxi and bus services, retail shops, food restaurants and beverage outlets.
By EDDIE OSIFELO