The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) successfully hosted its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), and also elected a new Board.
Close to hundred SICCI members turned up with sixty-eight [ 68] of overall SICCI financial members casted their votes.
SICCI’s 2025/2026 Board Members are; Ms. Namoi Kaluae [Chairlady], Mr. Gordon Denty [ Vice chair]- Ordinary members Mr. Johnson Lobo [ Board Treasurer] Mr. Daniel Tucker, Ms. Dinna Irofufuli, Mr. Oscar Vahimana, Ms. Julieth Ataria Tausinga and Ms. Sandra Fore.
In her speech Chairlady Ms Kaluae highlighted both the challenges and opportunities faced by the business community in the Solomon Islands over the past years.
However, she said the private sector has made significant progress through strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and a commitment to fostering a conducive business environment despite economic hurdles.
Ms. Namoi said SICCI made strides in advancing its advocacy efforts, securing endorsements of four critical position papers and submitting three pivotal Bills to the Bills and Legislative Committee in 2024.
The position papers include;
1. SME Tax Holiday Position Paper – Advocating for tax relief for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to encourage growth and sustainability.
2. Traffic Congestion Position Paper – Proposing solutions to alleviate congestion and improve mobility within the country’s urban centres.
3. Affordable and Enabling Environment for Manufacturing Industries Position Paper – Calling for policies that support the growth and competitiveness of local manufacturing businesses.
Ms. Namoi adds that SICCI has secured endorsements for the establishment of two key subcommittees; the Business Resilience Sub-committee, focused on strengthening businesses against economic disruptions and the Engineers Association, aimed at fostering professional development and standardization within the engineering sector.
She further highlights that the Chamber also actively engaged in legislative advocacy, appearing before the Bills and Legislative Committee on key amendments and Bills, including; the State-Owned Enterprise Amendment Bill 2024, the Constituency Constituent Assembly Sitting Amendment Bill 2024 and Special Economic Zone Bill 2024.
“These documents are a testament to our commitment to advocacy, ensuring that the private sector’s needs and priorities are effectively communicated to decision-makers,” Ms. Kaluae stated.
She said SICCI continues to play a pivotal role in policy development and business networking.
Ms Namoi said, key highlights of effective collaboration is with the government to launch the GNUT Policy Statement, organized both national and international business forums, and celebrated the achievements of local enterprises through the 8th Business Excellence Awards.
She reaffirmed SICCI’s efforts will continue to be driven by partnerships and collaboration with associations, diplomatic representatives, and the Solomon Islands Government.
“Our direction is not just for us; it is for the entire community of business operators—large, medium, and small—across Honiara and the provinces. Together, we can strengthen our economy and enrich the lives of our people.”
“With a new Board in place, SICCI remains dedicated to championing private sector growth, fostering innovation, and building a resilient economy for the Solomon Islands,” Ms. Namoi said.
– SICCI