The International Day of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) was celebrated in Honiara on Friday at the Youth Hub Center.
The first of its kind to be celebrated in the country, the event was attended by the Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), Hon. Jamie Vokia, MCILI Permanent Secretary (PS), Riley Mesepitu, officials from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), members of the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) and MSMEs owners.
The national theme, “Empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises for Sustainable Growth” is drawn from the Global theme, “Business for MSMEs Connecting the Entrepreneurs.”
In his keynote address, Minister Vokia emphasized that the day is a significant day as it is a day when the world unites to honor a force mightier than multinationals.
A day when micro-small and medium enterprises stand as light.
“Empowerment, simply meaning access to finance, affordable credit. We talk about business education and mentorship.
“We talk about digital connectivity and innovation. We talk about fair markets and value chains for our rural dwellers and rural producers.
“And above all, a policy environment that supports growth while protecting our natural and cultural resources.
“We cannot talk about sustainable future without local enterprise at the center. When we empower our local MSMEs, we empower our rural communities. We drive change from the nine provinces. We reduce dependence and build the nine provinces for sovereign economy,” Minister Vokia said.
He encouraged all MSMEs owners to think of themselves as “trailblazers”, because they are the ones who will be lighting the path for economic growth in the country.
PS Riley Mesepitu, in his speech emphasized the importance of observing the day as to recognize and champion the critical role that the MSME are playing in fostering economic growth, innovation and job creation in Solomon Islands.
“I understand deeply how integral Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the socio-economic fabric of our communities.
“In many respects, these enterprises are the backbone of our economy. In times of uncertainty, it is often our SMEs that exhibit resilience and adaptability, leading our communities toward recovery and growth,” Mesepitu said.
He added that the celebration aims to highlight the invaluable contributions of MSMEs to the national economy and to foster dialogue, innovations and collaboration among stakeholders in the sector.
MSME day is annually celebrated on June 27 to promote innovation, creativity, and sustainable business practices. Championed by the United Nations (UN) in Argentina, the International Council for Small Business declared SMEs as a bedrock for inclusive economies.
By AGNES MENANOPOSolomon Star, Honiara