Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has hailed the 2025 Annual National Trade Fair as a powerful platform for economic empowerment, innovation, and inclusive growth.
At the same time he calls on all stakeholders to build on the momentum to transform the Solomon Islands economy from the ground up.
Speaking during a closing program to acknowledge all those who contributed to the success of the 2025 Annual National Trade Fair and Business Forum, PM Manele reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing trade and economic growth.
The week-long event held under the theme “Trade for Transformation – Rebuilding Our Happy Isles” showcased local products and services — from cocoa, copra, and handicrafts to food, fashion, technology, and creative industries.
The Trade Fair brought together over 250 exhibitors between 2nd–10th July at the Solomon Islands National University Village.
PM Manele said, “It is a reminder that our nation is rich not only in natural resources, but in talent, creativity, and entrepreneurship.”
Daily attendance at the recent Trade Fair averaged 1,500 people, with organizers estimating an injection of over $3.1 million into the local economy through direct sales, visitor spending, and business linkages generated during the week-long event.
From food and crafts to transport and accommodation, the Trade Fair created economic ripple effects that benefited a wide range of local service providers and communities.
Youth-led enterprises, rural producers, and women entrepreneurs played a standout role, reflecting a growing shift toward inclusive and grassroots-driven economic activity.
PM Manele praised the efforts of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, the organising committee, business leaders, youth, NGOs, and provincial producers who contributed to the event’s success.
He emphasized that the work has only just begun and that the energy of the National Trade Fair must now translate into policy action, partnership, and production.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening value chain infrastructure from farm to market, investing in the revitalization of CEMA and the country’s commodity export potential, supporting the growth of MSMEs, SMEs, and youth enterprises, and working closely with provincial governments and key stakeholders to ensure inclusive economic participation.
The Prime Minister recalled the story of a local producer who brought 60 bamboo pork to the Trade Fair, selling each at $100. All were sold out in just 15 minutes.
The proceeds, the Prime Minister noted, were intended to support the producer’s church building back home. “That is the spirit of self-reliance we must carry forward,” the Prime Minister said.
The Trade Fair also hosted the National Business Forum 2025, co-organised by the Ministry of Commerce, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), and the Solomon Islands National University.
Under the theme “Partnership and Innovation for Resilience: Adapting to a Changing Economy,” the forum enabled constructive dialogue between the private and public sectors to shape Solomon Islands’ future development.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the forum organizers, especially the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) for organizing and hosting the National Business Forum 2025.
A highlight of the evening’s closing program was the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Solomon Islands Government and SICCI.
The MOU, which remains in force until 2027, reaffirms both parties’ commitment to strengthening collaboration and fostering private sector-led growth.
Prime Minister Manele said now is the time to act. “Together, we are building a strong, smart, and sustainable Solomon Islands.”
