Dear Editor – Thank you for publishing the article about the observed unfair practices of shipping agents.
A couple of weeks ago, I called in person to the Point Cruz Office of TRADCO Shipping which I know deals with international freight to and from Solomon Islands.
I had wanted to ship stuff to Europe in a container and wanted to have some idea how much it would cost.
After waiting for more than 4 weeks for the company to respond to my email inquiry, I decided to call to TradCo Office in person. I was told that the information is “secret” and that I need to have a business licence in order to ship anything of value from Solomon Islands.
What laws in the books is TRADCO SHIPPING applying? The Solomon Post which is SOE does not required one as long as the exporter pays the relevant taxes and customs duties.
There are many commodities which are produced locally that is exported to overseas markets.
This include marine products, sawn timber, cocoa and coconut products. If one or two exporters connive with a shipping agent like Tradco then they can control the export of these products not only by imposing high freight charges on other exporters but also frustrate attempts by producers and exporters to sell directly to their customers overseas.
I agree with the suggestion that the government should immediately commission an inquiry into the charges imposed by local shipping agents on local exporters and noncompetitive and discriminatory practices.
One suggestion is to allow only SIPA to act as agent for overseas shipping companies in Solomon Islands. This will ensure a more transparent and level playing field for local producers and exporters.
James Dungu
Honiara
