Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare acknowledges the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce (SICCI) for its partnership in promoting the government’s COVID 19 vaccination roll-out program.
Prime Minister Sogavare formally thanked SICCI during Saturday night’s Business Excellence Award ceremony, a statement issued by Prime Minister Press Secretariat said.
“I wish to reaffirm the government’s commitment to the partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce. We recognize, SICCI as the main body that represents the private sector and their interests. SICCI is an incredible and valued partner of the government in serving our country and people,” Prime Minister Sogavare stated.
He believed, the government’s commitment in this partnership has been aptly demonstrated by the engagement with the Chamber of Commerce in various activities.
Prime Minister Sogavare further stated, the global Pandemic has brought to the fore, the importance of working together especially in achieving the government’s two main policies- Keeping our country safe from COVID19 and our economy afloat.
He explained, among government response to the challenge is the reallocation of about 200 million dollars to fund COVID 19 response plans.
“That is why we are COVID 19 free today.”
He thanked the development partners for their continuous assistance in the war to protect our country and people from the pandemic.
The Prime Minister listed, government priority projects that will assist stimulate economic activities include the 2023 Pacific Games, Tina River Hydro and development project, Bina Harbor and Fisheries Project, Munda International Airport upgrade, Mining projects on Guadalcanal, Choiseul and Isabel provinces, sealing of key domestic airports and Henderson International Airport upgrade project among others.
Other projects the government and its development partners are working on include, the Henderson to White River High way road, Revitalization of the Commodities Export Marketing Authority, Tax review (to one that would enable private sector growth), National Payment system bill, improve access to Finance and other legislative reforms that enables conducive business environment for private sector growth.
With all its regulatory and administrative powers, the government has a duty to create opportunities that meet the challenges facing private sector.
On this, the Core Ministerial Coordination Committee has tasked a subcommittee to relook at government development policies to gauge if they are still relevant in this fast evolving business environment.
The Prime Minister hopes to share the work of the Committee with SICCI.
For the awards, the Prime Minister’s Business Award winner for this year was Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil.
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries Appreciation Award was won by the Government’s Oversight Committee, received on their behalf by the Chair James Remobatu.
