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 growth, creating jobs, and enhancing national resilience.
A statement from the ministry says the Minister spoke about this when he officially opened the 18th National Trade Development Council (NTDC) Meeting on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Heritage Park Hotel.
Agovaka who is also the NTDC Chairman, acknowledged the council’s pivotal role in shaping national trade policy and ensuring that trade contributes meaningfully to Solomon Islands’ broader development goals.
He said the forum provides an essential platform for the government, private sector, and civil society representatives to come together, share insights, and agree on collective priorities.
Agovaka, in regards to evolving global and regional trade landscape, reiterated that strengthening Solomon Islands’ participation in international and regional trade arrangements remains key to unlocking economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing national resilience.
MFAET said at the meeting, members received updates on major initiatives including;
-The Solomon Islands National Export Development Policy, which is now in its final draft, outlining sixteen targeted actions to diversify exports, strengthen resilience, and prepare for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
-Phase 3 of the WTO Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Project, which aims to secure funding support through the development of the Country Development Programme.
-Updates from the Tourism and Investment Task Force, supporting efforts to improve the enabling environment for tourism and investment.
NTDC members also had the opportunity to reflect on progress they’ve made through trade-related initiatives, provide updates on ongoing programmes and identify areas where challenges remain and where greater coordination and support are required.
This meeting reaffirms a shared commitment to inclusive trade development and one that benefits the people, empowers the private sector and supports sustainable economic transformation.
The Foreign Affairs Minister encouraged all members to actively collaborate, share progress of ongoing initiatives, and identify areas requiring further support.
He said successful implementation of our trade initiatives depend on our collective commitment to coordinate and cooperate effectively.
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