The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), a multi-donor programme which supports the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in addressing supply side constraints, continues to be an important mechanism for Solomon Islands to boost economic growth through trade and should be maintained in the future. This was reaffirmed by the Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External…
A team from the Solomon Island chamber of commerce and industry (SICCI) recently visited Western province as part of its provincial business outreach program. SICCI chief executive officer (CEO) Jerry Tegemoana described the visit as successful and comprehensive. During the tour they visited Munda, Noro and Gizo where they met with provincial government officials and…
TOURIST arrivals into the Pacific have been steady. Aspects of globalisation, such as the proliferation of a competitive airline industry and the ability to compare resorts, destinations and countries have driven down costs, making travel cheaper and helping discover new treasures in the ocean. Data is sparse across the region, however the World Bank estimates…
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) is hosting the first ever forum on mobile and branchless banking in the Solomon Islands to gauge the current trend of these new forms of banking services in the country. The forum is being chaired by the Governor of CBSI Mr. Denton Rarawa, and includes the participation of…
PNA – The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) closed its annual officials meeting Friday after discussing ways to control tuna supply and therefore increase economic returns to Pacific countries. The PNA meeting opened with presentations from key industry players in tuna in the Pacific region. Phil Roberts of TriMarine International underlined the need for…
RNZI: A judge in Papua New Guinea says asylum seekers on Manus Island are living in a cobbled-together detention centre, amid heavy security and in a very tense atmosphere, RNZI reports. Justice David Cannings and a court-appointed party visited the facility on Tuesday morning as part of an inquiry into whether asylum seekers’ basic human…
Samoa’s Chamber of Commerce has urged the Government to undertake key tax reforms to boost investment. Those recommendations were made as part of a suite of private sector suggestions to build exports during the annual Private Sector and Government Budget Forum. Chamber President, Namulau’ulu Sami Leota emphasised the need for Government to engage in…
SPC: SPC is issuing a series of country reports for the Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu covering the status of sea cucumber resources and related management recommendations. While these coastal invertebrates are generally in decline, the situation in each country calls for specific recommendations. A…
MARINE officers in Noro, Western province have ordered two tug-boats carrying logs not to sail due to the current bad weather and overloading. Reports said the tug boats were stopped early this week and the tug boats are still in Noro. They were loaded with logs and some cargoes out from a logging company which…
The increasing sales of expired goods and junk food snacks in shops in Honiara is raising a lot of concern. White River resident Gomez Tee yesterday said he was a victim of buying an expired food snacks from a shop in Honiara this week. He said most of the food snacks sold at the door…