BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) officially opened its office in Noro, Western Province on Friday, August 9, 2025.
Making history, this is the first ever MoFT office established in the provinces since Solomon Islands gained independence.
Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma and Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo were given the honour to declare the stunning office building open.
Delivering his keynote address, Kuma described the office complex as significant milestone which reflects the government’s commitment to expand and bring services closer to the people.
He said MoFT is one of the essential agencies of government which provides strategic fiscal and economic advice to ensure the government implements its mandatory obligations and to drive economic development and growth forward.
“Today marks a remarkable day in history as a government province, the ministry and communities and business houses here in Noro and nearby centres. It is indeed a great pride and deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to officially open the new Minister of Finance and Treasury office here in Noro,” Kuma said.
He explained that the decision to build and establish MoFT office at Noro is to cater for the growing economic activities happening with Western Province.
Kuma said Noro commercial hub is crucial and that the establishment will support other sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and tourism to grow.
“Today you witness that government services have long been centralized in Honiara, creating obstacles for citizens in our provinces to participate in any forms of business activities in some of our provinces, like in our situation here in Noro, we have growing demand of government services, but our presence is very minimal.
“This is why, under the ministry’s corporate plan, we have committed to embrace this need by prioritizing targeted investment in service delivery closer to where the needs are.
“This new office is not just about infrastructure; it’s about empowering people and empowering our businesses to meet their plans.
“By bringing services closer to communities, we will enhance local participation, enhance regulatory responsibilities and promote inclusive decision making,” he said.
Kuma said, the completion and handing over of the MoFT office demonstrates that the government listens to and meets the needs of every citizen and business.
Veo acknowledged MoFT and Solomon Islands Government for recognising the need for the project and prioritising it.
“It is indeed another facelift to Noro, the country’s second industrial hub and very fittingly so,” he said.
Veo said, the facility is a significant investment that contributes in the development of Western Province and the country.
He strongly believes that the investment is wise as Noro hosts numbers of key investments and infrastructures with the growing need of customs and exercise, biosecurity, immigration and other services.
Veo said MoFT has led the way in infrastructure development to support its services in the provinces.
He calls on other government ministries to follow MoFT’s footsteps.
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