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 1...

The Aviation Complex Building at Henderson has reached a major completion milestone, with physical construction substantially completed under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2). The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) with financial and technical support from the World Bank. Const...

The Fijian government will provide 1,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships to citizens as part of efforts to expand digital skills and participation in the country’s growing digital economy. The scholarships were announced jointly by the Ministry of Policing and Communications and the Ministry of Industries, Commerce and Business Development durin...

Fiji, Guangdong, China, Manoa Kamikamica, Fiji Government, Fiji-China Relations, Guangdong Products Roadshow, Smart Manufacturing, Green Development, Renewable Energy, Green Technology, Technology Transfer, Manufacturing, Trade and Investment, Pacific Islands, Pacific Trade, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, Business Development, Foreign Investmen...

Chemonics Australia says its acquisition of advisory firm 35 South and regional delivery specialist JID will strengthen its ability to support infrastructure, public-sector reform and development programmes across Pacific countries. The acquisitions, announced Sept. 2, expand the organisation’s capacity to work with governments, development partners an...

The Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) Coalition has outlined policies aimed at expanding local businesses, reducing import dependence and preparing Solomon Islands for its planned graduation from least developed country status in 2027. Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Minister Harry Kuma announced t...

Solomon Islands and Serbia are seeking to translate growing bilateral ties into practical development outcomes, with potential cooperation identified in renewable energy, education, digitalisation, sports, tourism and community development. The areas of cooperation were discussed by Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination Peter Keni...

Fiji has taken another step toward overhauling its competition and consumer protection framework, with nationwide consultations completed on legislation that would replace the country’s 2010 competition law and establish a modern framework for regulating market conduct and protecting consumers. Fiji’s Ministry of Commerce and Business Development (MCBD...

Leaders of the four countries of the Realm of New Zealand have held their inaugural meeting in Auckland, strengthening cooperation on shared economic, security and regional priorities while reaffirming each partner’s distinct constitutional arrangements. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown joined New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Niue Pr...

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has concluded the country's participation in the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau, with major commitments for the upgrade of Penrhyn's port and new investment in ocean conservation. The Cook Islands secured significant support for two key national priorities during the week-long regional ...

The Solomon Islands government has ordered the immediate cessation of import operations at sufferance wharves that do not comply with international maritime security requirements, citing risks to national revenue and border security. Minister of Finance and Treasury Rexon Ramofafia directed the immediate closure of all sufferance wharves without accred...

Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper economic cooperation, with business groups from both countries describing the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference as the starting point for a more structured commercial partnership. The Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Business Council (PNGSIBC) and Solomon ...

Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands are seeking to deepen economic cooperation, increase cross-border investment and develop stronger business-to-business partnerships as the two Melanesian neighbours work to translate longstanding political ties into economic gains. PNG Prime Minister James Marape made the call during the inaugural Papua New Guinea-S...

A decade-long partnership between the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises and Development (FRIEND) and Motibhai Group of Companies is helping rural Fijian producers turn locally made products into commercially viable businesses, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica said. Speaking at the partnership’s 10th anniversary celebration in Wal...

Fiji's emerging innovation ecosystem is entering a new phase, with the government calling for deeper collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and development partners to turn ideas into businesses, jobs and new economic opportunities. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public En...

Fiji has opened a new innovation hub in Suva aimed at helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses, jobs and new economic opportunities. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises Manoa Kamikamica officially opened the Fiji Innovation Hub Space at the Reserve Bank of Fiji. Kamikamica ...