https://sicci.mereka.dev Latest news, updates, and insights from the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry en-sb Tue, 30 Mar 58060 16:00:00 GMT https://sicci.mereka.dev/logo.png https://sicci.mereka.dev https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/e-commerce-information-session-held https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/e-commerce-information-session-held Tue, 30 Mar 58060 16:00:00 GMT A team from the E-Commerce Implementations Unit (EIU) under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration successfully held an information sharing session with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI). The session was acknowledged by the SICCI Members. As part of its continuous service delivery, SICCI co-hosted an information session for 40 SICCI Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/gnut-recognizes-private-sector-as-key-driver-of-economic-growth https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/gnut-recognizes-private-sector-as-key-driver-of-economic-growth Wed, 04 Jul 58057 16:00:00 GMT The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has publicly acknowledged the vital role of the private sector in driving economic development in the Solomon Islands. Speaking at the official launch of the 2025 Annual National Trade Fair on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Frederick Kologeto described the private sector as “the engine room” of Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/safety-and-stability-encourage-business-to-grow-ms-namoi https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/safety-and-stability-encourage-business-to-grow-ms-namoi Wed, 04 Jul 58057 16:00:00 GMT The Chairlady of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), Ms. Namoi Kaluae, has underscored that businesses cannot thrive without guaranteed safety and stability—a critical factor for economic progress.   Ms. Kaluae made these remarks during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SICCI and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-congratulates-sinpf-on-8-credit-rate https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-congratulates-sinpf-on-8-credit-rate Wed, 04 Jul 58057 16:00:00 GMT The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) congratulates the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) on its recent announcement of an 8% membership credit rate. SICCI welcomes this positive news on behalf of employers and acknowledges SINPF’s broad portfolio of investments and subsidiaries, which include Soltuna Limited, Solomon Housing Limited, Our Telekom, South Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/siccis-5yr-strategic-plan-unveiled https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/siccis-5yr-strategic-plan-unveiled Wed, 04 Jul 58057 16:00:00 GMT The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has officially launched its five-year strategic plan.The plan aims to strengthen the private sector and foster economic development in the country.Speaking at the launch event, SICCI Chairlady Ms. Namoi Kaluae outlined the four key components of the strategy:Creating a more enabling policy environment for the private Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-strengthens-role-in-climate-action-through-regional-training-in-samoa https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-strengthens-role-in-climate-action-through-regional-training-in-samoa Thu, 08 Oct 58054 16:00:00 GMT The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) joined regional counterparts in Apia, Samoa, in September for the Strengthening Public and Private Collaboration to Address Climate Change Impacts in the Pacific training course.  The programme brought together participants from national governments, chambers of commerce, state-owned enterprises, NGOs, and private companies to explore ways to enhance public–private Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/wpyec-expects-more-training-opportunities https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/wpyec-expects-more-training-opportunities Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT THE Western Province Young Entrepreneurs Council (WPYEC) is expecting more capacity-building training from the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) following the successful Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/cbsi-projects-economy-to-grow-by-27-percent https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/cbsi-projects-economy-to-grow-by-27-percent Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT The Central Bank has said it expects the country’s economy to grow by 2.7 percent in 2025.Governor of Central Bank (CBSI) Dr Luke Forau uttered this during the Launch of the 2024 CBSI Annual Report, o Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/is-there-hope-the-usa-will-strengthen-aid-and-support-health-and-education-services-in-the-solomon-i https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/is-there-hope-the-usa-will-strengthen-aid-and-support-health-and-education-services-in-the-solomon-i Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT Today, Sunday is a day of reflection for me and my thoughts are especially focused on the health needs of Solomon Islanders, as they are most days, and especially as my efforts to raise financial support for causes I hold dear and important are not producing the results they once did when material aid was Sol Star News https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/leveraging-sis-low-debt-to-gdp-ratio-for-economic-growth-through-deficit-financing https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/leveraging-sis-low-debt-to-gdp-ratio-for-economic-growth-through-deficit-financing Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT By Peter Forau Honiara SOLOMON Islands, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of approximately 20%, has one of the lowest debt burdens in the Pacific region, as highlighted by the World Bank. This fiscal prudence offers a unique opportunity for the country to leverage its debt capacity to spur economic growth through strategic deficit financing. In this Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-announces-strategic-plan-2025-2030 https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-announces-strategic-plan-2025-2030 Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT The SICCI (Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry) has announced its Strategic Plan 2025-2030. Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/unemployment-in-urban-and-rural-areas https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/unemployment-in-urban-and-rural-areas Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT Dear Editor – I wish to raise my deep concern about the growing unemployment crisis in Honiara, especially amongst the youth, women and those who migrating from rural areas. While Honiara is often seen as the center of economic opportunities in the Solomon Islands, the reality for many is quite the opposite. Each year, hundreds Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/corrupt-leadership-in-solomons https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/corrupt-leadership-in-solomons Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT Dear Editor – I am writing to express my growing concern over the erosion of human rights and poor governance in the Solomon Islands.  It is increasingly clear that corruption is undermining the fundamental rights of our citizens, particularly in rural areas, where people often lack access to basic services such as education and healthcare. Despite promises Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/100-days-program-and-policy-statement-launched https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/100-days-program-and-policy-statement-launched Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY INDY MAEALASIA THE Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has launched its 100- Days Program and Policy Statement prioritizing comprehensive development of the economy, good govern Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/aus-nz-give-170m-boost-to-pacific-trade https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/aus-nz-give-170m-boost-to-pacific-trade Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT Australia and New Zealand will together contribute $170 million over the next five years to support Pacific Island members of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus. The cont Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/china-wants-more https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/china-wants-more Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT This Content Is Only For Subscribers Buy This Article -Solomon Islands edges closer to trade boom with its largesttrade partner & market with completion of export promotiontalks recently-More agricu Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/foreign-affairs-minister-highlights-role-of-trade-in-driving-growth-and-resilience https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/foreign-affairs-minister-highlights-role-of-trade-in-driving-growth-and-resilience Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY LORETTA B MANELE Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka highlighted the critical role of international and regional trade in driving Solomon Islands’ economic Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/forum-dialogue-partners-will-not-be-attending-54th-piflm https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/forum-dialogue-partners-will-not-be-attending-54th-piflm Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY IRWIN ANGIKIThe Pacific Islands Forum dialogue partners will not be attending the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara this September – because they have not been invited.Prime Min Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/high-power-costs-limit-growth-sicci https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/high-power-costs-limit-growth-sicci Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY MORRIS NAFU Solomon Islands’ high cost of electricity is one of the main factors limiting growth in the private sector. This was highlighted at the 18th National Trade and Development Council (NT Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/instability-will-linger https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/instability-will-linger Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT -Opposition leader warns that PM’s leadership will continue to be challenged since govt is controlled by outside forces-GNUT announces support for PM Manele BY MORRIS NAFULEADER of Opposition Matthew Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/kava-exporters-meet-with-sicci-mal https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/kava-exporters-meet-with-sicci-mal Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY JOHN HOUANIHAU Kava exporters with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (MAL) and the Ministry of Commerce met yesterday to better understand Fiji’s import requirements. A state Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/mou-foundation-for-stronger-si-png-partnership https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/mou-foundation-for-stronger-si-png-partnership Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY JOHN HOUANIHAU The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Business Council (PNGSIBC) and Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) aims fo Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/mps-can-switch-parties-but-must-resign-first https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/mps-can-switch-parties-but-must-resign-first Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY NED GAGAHEThe Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has clarified that the Political Parties Integrity Act (PPIA) does not prevent Members of Parliament (MPs) from joining another political Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/our-energy-use-is-dictated-externally https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/our-energy-use-is-dictated-externally Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY LORETTA B MANELE When it comes to business, specifically using energy or electricity, we are dictated by what the world does says Qila Tuhanuku, from (Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce) SICCI-Ma Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/our-interest-is-the-country https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/our-interest-is-the-country Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT Gordon Darcy Lilo presents new group as poised to save country from current ‘economic and social’ problems BY IRWIN ANGIKI The new coalition set to bring down the GNUT government is doing so for the Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/partnership-and-cooperation-vital-for-fisheries-management https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/partnership-and-cooperation-vital-for-fisheries-management Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT By Loretta B Manele Partnership and cooperation have been stressed as vital components for fisheries management in the region and more broadly, globally. Dr Darius Campbell, Secretary of the North-E Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/pif-secretary-general-dame-meg-taylor-to-deliver-keynote-address-at-business-excellence-awards-2017 https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/pif-secretary-general-dame-meg-taylor-to-deliver-keynote-address-at-business-excellence-awards-2017 Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT PACIFIC Islands Forum (PIF) Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor will be the keynote speaker at the Business Excellence Awards (BEA) 2017 set to take place on Saturday, November 4, at the Coral Sea Resor Milton Ragaruma https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/png-si-business-council-and-sicci-sign-mou https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/png-si-business-council-and-sicci-sign-mou Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY JOHN HOUANIHAU Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Business Council (PNGSIBC) & Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yes Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/png-si-mou-comes-with-five-strategic-objectives-sicci https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/png-si-mou-comes-with-five-strategic-objectives-sicci Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY JOHN HOUANIHAU The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Business Council (PNGSIBC) and Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) comes w Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/police-says-no-pact-yet-with-us-for-police-training https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/police-says-no-pact-yet-with-us-for-police-training Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT By EDDIE OSIFELO SOLOMON Islands will need to sign a security agreement with United States of America to allow the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to train local police officers this year. Roy Eddie Osifelo https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/seanut-traders-enterprise-to-launch-beach-trading-operations-by-2026 https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/seanut-traders-enterprise-to-launch-beach-trading-operations-by-2026 Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY CHRIS ALEX Seanut Traders Enterprise has announced the commencement of its beach trading operations by 2026. This strategic initiative aims to expand the company’s reach to more remote coastal co Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-announces-hosts-for-business-excellence-awards https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-announces-hosts-for-business-excellence-awards Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) has announced the return of four-time running host Millicent Barty for this year’s Business Excellence Awards (BEA) along with SICCI’s very o Milton Ragaruma https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-business-excellence-awards-2017 https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-business-excellence-awards-2017 Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT DEAR Editor, Quoting the SIBC news last night, 6 November 2017, businesses large and small, including those tech-focused and those agriculturally based, were recognized at the recent Solomon Islands Milton Ragaruma https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-proposes-sme-innovation-fund-to-boost-s-digital-access https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-proposes-sme-innovation-fund-to-boost-s-digital-access Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY INDY MAEALASIA CHAIRLADY of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), Namoi Kaluae has proposed the creation of a SME Innovation Fund aimed at helping rural businesses adopt di Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-ready-to-work-with-govt-through-proposed-mou https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/sicci-ready-to-work-with-govt-through-proposed-mou Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT By Loretta B Manele Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) is ready to work with the government through a proposed MOU. Namoi Kaluae, SICCI chairlady assured government of this dur Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/trade-union-backs-nurses-strike-notice-urging-govt-to-act-responsibly https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/trade-union-backs-nurses-strike-notice-urging-govt-to-act-responsibly Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT BY MORRIS NAFUThe Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) has announced its full support for the Solomon Islands Nurses Association (SINA) and its members following the issuance of a 28-day in Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/us-offer-of-police-training-welcomed https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/us-offer-of-police-training-welcomed Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT By EDDIE OSIFELO Solomon Islanders have welcomed the announcement that United States of America (USA) will send the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to train local police officers this year. Th Eddie Osifelo https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/waneoroa-sworn-in-as-new-minister-for-rural-development https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/waneoroa-sworn-in-as-new-minister-for-rural-development Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT North Malaita MP, Daniel Suilea Waneoroa, was officially sworn in this evening as the Minister for Rural Development at Government House in Honiara.The ceremony was officiated by the Governor-General, Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/rising-unemployment-in-solomon-islands https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/rising-unemployment-in-solomon-islands Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT Dear Editor – Unemployment is a serious concern in our country, especially among young people who have recently graduated and those who have dropped out of school. Many people are without jobs, and the economic growth also slows down, which affects the overall progress of the country. The government should take the lead by prioritizing Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/call-for-sustained-kava-supply-ahead-of-export-plans-for-2026 https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/call-for-sustained-kava-supply-ahead-of-export-plans-for-2026 Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT [Published on Saturday, Jan 31] Admin https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/agriculture-minister-sets-ambitious-targets-to-revive-poultry-industry https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/agriculture-minister-sets-ambitious-targets-to-revive-poultry-industry Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT Government through the Ministry for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD)  has announced a series of national targets aimed at revitalising the poultry industry in the Solomon Islands over the next three years. Part of the target is to reduce retail prices of eggs and chicken by the end of this year or early next year. The current price per packet of egg is Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/austs-support-sbd60m-road-upgrades-in-malaita https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/austs-support-sbd60m-road-upgrades-in-malaita Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT Three local companies will undertake major road improvement projects in Malaita under the SBD60 million Australian-supported National Transport Fund project. The four projects include the Busurata Road delivered by Exodus Trade Development, the Northeast Malaita Road (Fataleka – Subobono) by FT Builders Construction, and two sections of the Malaita South Road – tar sealing of Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/emalaita-cocoa-copra-farmers-get-support https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/emalaita-cocoa-copra-farmers-get-support Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT Local cocoa and copra farmers in Ward 16, East Kwara’ae Constituency, Malaita Province, received essential materials this week from their Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA), Honorable Preston Billy Farobo.  The assistance, which included empty drums and nets, aims to support farmers in building sheds for drying cocoa and copra, which is vital to maintaining product Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/east-choiseul-to-benefit-from-fisheries-project https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/east-choiseul-to-benefit-from-fisheries-project Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT The people of East Choiseul Constituency (ECC) are poised to benefit significantly from the nearly complete Korasa Fisheries Project, a major initiative by the ECC envisioned to boost local livelihoods, improve fishery management, and open new economic opportunities for rural coastal communities. This project is an initiative of the constituency office, spearheaded by the Honourable Solomon Star News https://solomonstarnews.com https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/ifc-bred-banks-partner-to-boost-business-jobs https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/ifc-bred-banks-partner-to-boost-business-jobs Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT The International Finance Corporation (IFC) on Tuesday 23rd December announced a partnership with BRED Bank Vanuatu and BRED Bank Solomon to help commercial customers access financing for their businesses and productive assets, supporting growth and job creation in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Vanuatu Daily Post reported that IFC, a member of the World Bank Group Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/issues-affecting-private-sector-highlighted https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/issues-affecting-private-sector-highlighted Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT Issues affecting the private sector was raised by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry [SICCI] during the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting [PIFLM] held in Tonga on 26th to 30 August. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SICCI, James Dolarii was amongst representatives of private sectors who addressed the international and regional leaders Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/logging-approval-given https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/logging-approval-given Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT COL reveals approval for Gizo’s Mile 6 logging operation given three years ago, says whatever happens thereafter is a matter for WPG to decide THE forestry plantation located at Mile Six in Gizo, Western Province, has been given the ‘Grant of Profit for Logging’ approval by the Land Board to conduct timber felling and milling Sol Star News https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/minister-wasi-agriculture-cornerstone-of-si-economy https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/minister-wasi-agriculture-cornerstone-of-si-economy Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT Agriculture has been promoted as the cornerstone of the national economy. Minister for Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL), Franklyn Derek Wasi took the opportunity of the opening of the three-day World Food Day celebration in Honiara on Wednesday to underscore its importance. Delivering the keynote address at the occasion held at the FOPA Village Moffat Mamu https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/u4c-to-encourage-growth-of-private-sector https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/u4c-to-encourage-growth-of-private-sector Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT LIKE any other political party preparing for an election, UMI For Change Party is advocating its policy intentions for the country, one of which is developing a robust private sector economic plan to stimulate economic growth. This was highlighted by the President of the UMI For Change Party Daniel Suidani when launching his party’s manifesto Sol Star News https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/whither-goeth-western-province https://sicci.mereka.dev/news/whither-goeth-western-province Fri, 12 Jan 58052 16:00:00 GMT Commentary By Nelson H U Boso In Noro In the mid-1970s, politicians in the Western Solomons agitated for statehood status. It’s a long story but ever since leaders have one way or the other been negotiating through consultative meetings and resolutions on Federal Government in the Western Province.  The issue is as agonizing as its own sunset – Moffat Mamu