The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) and other private sector representatives were privileged to meet the Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao in Honiara this week.
According to SICCI Chair, Jay Bartlett the visit by Mr Nakao to Solomon Islands “signifies and reinforces ADB’s ongoing high-level support to Solomon Islands”.
“Because of our smallness and economic vulnerabilities, it is in our interest as a country that we work with and alongside important stakeholders such as ADB to drive economic development and private sector led growth,” says the Chair.
The Chair also acknowledges the tremendous support of ADB through the Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) in establishing its office in the country and for working closely with the Solomon Islands Government in reforming the business environment.
The work of ADB through PSDI includes undertaking business law reform, assist modernising the Customs and Excise law, State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) reforms including work on economic empowerment of women.
The President was briefed on the constraints facing private sector by SICCI, and was also fortunate to hear about the work of the West Are’Are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA) and the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA).
The Chamber acknowledges ADB as among the country’s leading grant and loan providers and applauds notable projects that has directly benefitted the private sector.
