Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation, with trade, investment, transport and resource development taking centre stage during talks between Prime Minister James Marape and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
The discussions, held in Port Moresby in June, reviewed progress in bilateral trade, shipping and aviation connectivity, labour mobility, and opportunities to deepen collaboration in mining, fisheries and agriculture.
While regional security and cooperation were also discussed, both leaders underscored the importance of expanding commercial links and improving the movement of goods, services and people between the two neighbouring Melanesian nations.
The talks highlighted a broader push towards greater regional economic integration, with Papua New Guinea regarded as Solomon Islands' largest Melanesian economy and an increasingly important source of investment, technical expertise and commercial partnerships.
The two governments said improved transport links and streamlined trade arrangements could reduce business costs, strengthen supply chains and create new opportunities for exporters, importers and tourism operators.
Mining emerged as a key area for future collaboration. Marape said Papua New Guinea was prepared to share its expertise in developing a modern mining industry and welcomed greater participation by PNG companies in future resource projects in Solomon Islands.
Such cooperation could create opportunities for engineering firms, contractors, training providers and professional services companies with experience in the mining sector.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in fisheries, recognising the industry's importance to economic growth and food security across the Pacific.
Closer collaboration in fisheries management and downstream processing is expected to support export growth, generate employment and add value to marine resources.
Although trade between the two countries remains relatively modest, both governments expect commercial activity to increase as transport connectivity improves and businesses expand beyond their domestic markets.
The leaders said stronger bilateral engagement would also complement wider regional initiatives under the Melanesian Spearhead Group and the Pacific Islands Forum, where economic resilience, trade and private sector development remain key priorities.
For Papua New Guinea, stronger commercial ties with Solomon Islands reinforce its role as a leading economy in Melanesia while supporting greater regional investment and cross-border business partnerships.
