It is vital that businesses of all sizes, including small medium enterprise (SME’s) are honored to note their impact on community development said Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s secretary general Dame Meg Taylor.
In her remarks during Saturday night’s Business Excellence Award (BEA) night at Coral Sea, she emphasised on the importance that small businesses impacted on the national economy.
“I want to acknowledge the diversity in the awards categories on offer – and I particularly note the emphasis given to size,” she addressed the more than 100 business house attending the event.
Dame Taylor in her remarks that night stressed the need for social inclusion and united leadership in support of a common vision as a way forward in our post conflict country.
She then applauded Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) for their invitation and time spent with the private sector during her visit.
“I found that the challenges shared, including access to finance; the need for a national platform for youth to share their ideas, vision and vigour for change; support mechanisms for small business owners by government and financial institutions; challenges of getting products to market; high cost of utilities, etc are prevalent in our region.
“These are very real issues which I’m sure many here tonight are aware of.
“The efforts of the Government to assist the private sector are to be commended.
“The Chamber of Commerce has a key role to play as the representative of the private sector,” the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s secretary general said.
She then assured SICCI about her organizations readiness to support Pacific Trade & Invest offices in Australia, China, Europe, New Zealand and Tokyo.
About top 10 local business houses were awarded and commended for their services to the national economy on that night.
Other businesses also received awards.
