BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Business Council (PNGSIBC) and Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) comes with five strategic objectives.
SICCI Vice Chair Gordon Denty highlighted this during the PNGSIBC and SICCI, meet & greet event held at the Honiara Golf Club following the signing in Honiara last week.
“The number one is to facilitate the expansion of bilateral trade by reducing trade barriers and enhance the flow of Solomon Islands traditional exports such as cocoa, coconut and tuna into PNG markets while also expanding access for PNG goods and services here in the Solomon Islands.
“Number two is to promote cross-border investment by developing a transparent pipeline of opportunities connecting Papua New Guinea investors with high potential sectors such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and renewable energy,” Mr Denty said.
According to the SICCI Vice Chair the number three is enabling knowledge exchange by strengthening reciprocal learning and shared expertise, particularly in financial services.
He further said that number four objective is to advocate for shared interests through both country’s united voice to champion policies and regulations that foster a more favourable and seamless cross-border business environment between the two nations.
He said that fifth objective is the policy and framework collaboration which enables continual dialogue on policy frameworks and joint programmes that support priority sectors, particularly SME sector.
“Now to our SICCI members, this MoU is your gateway,” he said.
He said that the MoU opens new doors to partnership, reduces costs of doing business and provides reliable and trusted regional partners.
“I encourage all our members to remain engaged with SICCI, to explore and access the range of opportunities that will emerge through this collaboration.
“Together we can turn this agreement into tangible results for your enterprises.
“To our government, we deeply appreciate your continued support and vision and we look forward to working closely with you to ensure this private sector led initiative receives the enabling environment that it deserves to flourish.
“This partnership has long been a call for SICCI and we are delighted that it has finally come to fruition,” Mr Denty concluded.
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