THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has acknowledged the Honiara City Council (HCC) for reducing fees and charges for 2025.
SICCI made their acknowledgement following the Honiara City Council’s (HCC) announcement of its reduction of fees and charges for 2025 as part of the HCC (2025 Fees, Rates and Charges) Ordinance 2024.
The ordinance was gazetted on 30 December 2024 and came into effect 1 January 2025.
In a statement, SICCI said it is believed that the previous sharp rise in fees and charges contributed to constraints in doing business and placed significant financial pressure on private sector businesses in the country.
“Addressing the business constraints in our environment needs our collective actions and initiatives. The reductions of HCC fees and charges will have a significant benefit for private business operations in the country – allowing businesses to broaden investment and services through out the country.
“Solomon Islands as country with a huge SME sector approximate 70 per-cent-80 per-cent needs this kind of initiative that supports growing the private sector. This initiative indicates the common goal and commitment both private and public sector have for the economy of Solomon Islands.
“SICCI sincerely see the previouse increased tax fees and charges as one of the key components burdening the smooth running of private businesses in the country. Adding other conditions such as poor infrastructure, traffic congestion and others constraints, really affect business operations and successful deliveries of goods and services.
“Thus, the HCC’s decision to reduce its fees and charges for 2025 is a welcoming news for private businesses and is essential for efficient business operations in the country,” SICCI said.
SICCI said the private sector contributed so much to the country’s economy through the paying of tax and other responsibilities.
It said it wishes to see more private sector growth initiatives accorded to businesses from respective institutions in Solomon Islands to foster a steady business growth in the country.