The success of local businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), will be critical to creating jobs, increasing household incomes and driving economic growth in Solomon Islands, according to Permanent Secretary Riley Mesepitu of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI).
Mesepitu made the remarks on September 14 while opening the National Business Forum 2026 at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Lecture Theatre.
The forum brought together business leaders, development partners, women and youth entrepreneurs, government agencies and academics for discussions on strengthening the country’s business and enterprise sector.
“These are not simply Government issues or private-sector issues. They are national development issues,” Mesepitu said.
He said the forum’s program is centered on four priorities: strengthening local enterprises, improving access to finance and capital, promoting youth and women entrepreneurship, and connecting businesses to markets, standards, compliance and trade opportunities.
Mesepitu called on participants to use the forum as a platform for practical and open discussions that can lead to concrete solutions.
“I encourage all participants to use today’s forum not only to listen, but also to speak openly, share ideas, challenge existing approaches and identify solutions that can be taken forward beyond this gathering,” he said.
Partnership needed
Mesepitu said greater participation by young entrepreneurs and women in business is essential to developing a more inclusive and dynamic private sector.
He also stressed that the government cannot improve the business environment on its own and called for closer cooperation among businesses, financial institutions, educational institutions, development partners, civil society and international partners.
“Government cannot do it alone. We need the commitment and participation of businesses, financial institutions, educational institutions, development partners, civil society and our international partners,” he said.
Mesepitu thanked SINU for hosting the forum and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) for its role as the key private-sector partner.
He said the government expects discussions at the forum to translate into stronger collaboration and practical measures to support local businesses.
The Permanent Secretary formally welcomed participants and expressed hope that the forum would produce productive discussions and actionable outcomes for Solomon Islands’ business sector.
