BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea have very close blood ties, connected by shared challenges and common aspirations, however the immense potential for trade and investment between two economies has been something that’s been underutilised.
Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Chairlady Namoi Kaluae highlighted this at the signing of the MoU between Papua New Guinea Solomon Islands Business Council (PNGSIBC) and SICCI.
The official signing of the MoU yesterday in Honiara was attended by SICCI and the (PNGSIBC) representatives.
Kaluae said the signing is not just a document, but forges a new pathway for prosperity for the two nations.
“We do have a lot of Papua New Guinea companies here in Solomon Islands. So, while we have very strong family and political ties, the commercial bridge between us now needs strengthening. And that’s why this MoU is very important and should be the architectural plan for this bridge to happen,” she said.
She said that PNGSIBC is very strategic to foster deeper engagement between private sectors for both countries that will serve as an essential forum for dialogue, network, collaboration and to facilitate practical opportunities for trade investment and innovation.
Kaluae said that the MoU should deepen economic cooperation with Papua New Guinea to enhance private sector collaboration to stimulate economic growth.
She said that SICCI’s perspective is to establish a framework for expansion of bilateral trade, identify and reduce trade barriers to enhance the flow of Solomon Islands traditional exports, such as cocoa, coconut and tuna, as well as new products into PNG markets, and also to expand access for PNG goods and services in Solomon Islands.
“Promoting cross-border investment. We want to develop a transparent pipeline of information for PNG and Solomon Islands investors in sectors like agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and renewable energy,” she said.
Kaluae said that SICCI remains committed to a reciprocal sharing of expertise; learning from each other’s successes in financial, SME development and digital economy integration, advocate for shared interests.
“We want to leverage this as our united voice to champion policies and regulations that create a more favourable and seamless environment for cross-border business between our two nations,” she said.
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