The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA), trading as Solomon Commodities has reaffirmed its commitment to re-establish operations in Tulagi. A CEMA delegation met with the Central Islands Provincial Government (CIPG) on Friday 20 September to reaffirm this commitment as part of CEMA’s ongoing determination to revitalize operations in all Provinces. This strategic initiative is set…
GNUT targets 25% reduction over three years The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has announced its goal to reduce electricity tariffs by 25% over the next three years. Currently, Solomon Islands consumers pay around 80 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), among the highest electricity rates in the world. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed this…
A World Bank report recommends that to fully leverage growth opportunities in the tourism sector, the Solomon Islands needs to invest in tourism infrastructure and improve governance. “It is critical to develop the necessary transport infrastructure, accommodation, and other tourism facilities, without infringing on land rights and environmental sustainability,” the report states. “Doing so could…
THE newly launched World Bank report suggests that modernizing the agricultural sector, combined with initiatives to raise aspirations, could lead to significant economic growth for the Solomon Islands. The report titled Solomon Islands: Country Economic Memorandum (CEM) – Unlocking New Sources of Economic Growth, examines key barriers to sustainable economic development, with a focus on…
RESEARCH carried out by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) indicates that the population of highly valued and standard size sea cucumbers have decreased due to over harvesting. Speaking to local journalists recently, MFMR Principal Fisheries Officer James Ngwaerobo said the decrease indicates the need…
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi has informed Parliament that review work on all agriculture sector policies is ongoing and progressing well. Minister Wasi revealed when he responded to the speech from the throne in Parliament last week. He said his ministry (MAL) was tasked with eight policy priorities since…
THE Australian Government through the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) on Wednesday officially handed over the upgraded Aola wharf to the Solomon Islands Maritime Security Capability. The upgrade work costs around $120million and was made possible through the longstanding partnership of the Australian Government with Solomon Islands through the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Maritime…
A WORLD Bank report recommends that Solomon Islands Government invest in post-harvest facilities to strengthen the fishery industry. The report also advocates for better information dissemination and the development of adaptive management systems. The report, titled Solomon Islands: Country Economic Memorandum – Unlocking New Sources of Economic Growth, examines the key barriers to sustainable economic…
A CHIEF from Guadalcanal has called on relevant authorities to investigate the sale of expired goods by a Bangladeshi-owned shop on the eastern outskirts of Honiara. The chief, who requested anonymity, made the call after a number of expired goods were found on the shelves of Bangladeshi-owned shop. “The community’s interests are endangered by the…
THE Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, McKinnie Dentana has highlighted a number of factors, including corruption, as challenges to doing business in Solomon Islands. Mr Dentana was speaking at the launch of the Solomon Islands Country Economic Memorandum (CEM) titled ‘Unlocking New Source of Economic Growth’ in Honiara recently. The report…