The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) acknowledges Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare and his Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) for recognizing the Chamber’s role as the main private sector representative organization in the country.
Speaking during the Business Excellence Awards (BEA) 2019 on Saturday 30th November, Prime Minister Hon Sogavare stressed that the Government recognizes the role that SICCI plays in the private sector.
“SICCI is a genuine and trusted friend who pushes for growth of the private sector in this country. The Government treasures and values this friendship with SICCI and the Government will continue to nurture this partnership,” the Prime Minister said.
Hon Sogavare said the theme for this year’s BEA, ‘Partnership for a shared future’, is fitting and one that should guide us as we continue to work closely together for a prosperous future.
SICCI Board Chairman, Mr. Jay Bartlett, in elaborating on why the Chamber decided on this theme for this year’s BEA: “Now more than ever, the country needs all the decision-makers from the private sector, from Government and its partners working together to realise stronger economic growth.
“The Solomon Islands has a rapidly growing population that will demand more resourcing of services; thus, any investment today should be for sustained growth,” Mr Bartlett said.
Prime Minister Hon Sogavare agrees with the sentiments shared by the SICCI Chairman.
“Our rapidly growing population is a cause for concern.
“It is, therefore, imperative that substantial and sustained private sector development is vigilantly pursued in order to address our pressing issues of servicing our growing population,” he said.
The Prime Minister also reiterated the Government’s support for SICCI and the work that it does in the country.
“I wish to reiterate the Government’s support for SICCI. SICCI has a platform with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Ministry of National Planning and Aid Coordination and the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
“We have an agreement that was signed in 2017. What we need to do now is to align the Government policies with the vision of the private sector as well. We need each other more than ever,” he said.
He said the DCGA Government values SICCI partnership in driving reforms in the public sector as well.
“The Government is willing to listen to SICCI whenever SICCI wants to talk. There is no other similar body such as SICCI in this country. SICCI is a trustworthy and credible institution that has carried itself with integrity over the years.
“On this note allow me to congratulate the Chairman of SICCI, Jeremy Bartlett, CEO Atenasi Ata and your team for the hard work and the wonderful effort that you have put into helping the Government build this beloved nation of ours,” he said.
SICCI regards the Solomon Islands Government as its key stakeholder and the Chamber’s continuous collaboration and engagement with the Government is critical to working towards a conducive business environment where the private sector can grow and jobs are created for our growing population.
– SICCI Media
