HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS-The Government–Private Sector Advisory Group met in Honiara today to review progress on joint initiatives and align strategic priorities to drive business growth and economic development for 2025–2026.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI).

As the peak representative body of the private sector, SICCI continues to play a central role in facilitating policy dialogue and partnership between business and Government, ensuring that private-sector perspectives are reflected in national reform and development agendas.

Stakeholders used the meeting to highlight progress on several joint initiatives, including preparations for the 14th Australia–Solomon Islands Business Forum (ASIBF 2025), implementation of the SICCI–PNG–Solomon Islands Business Council (PNGSIBC) Memorandum of Understanding, outcomes of the National Business Forum 2025 Communiqué Validation, progress on the SME Bill and Smooth Transition Strategy, and early planning for the 2026 Business Excellence Awards (9^th BEA).

SICCI Vice Chairman, Mr. Gordon Denty, in his welcome remarks - acknowledge the commitment by stakeholders and emphasized that the Government-Private Sector Advisory Group is critical to the overall economic development of Solomon Islands. It’s the platform where policy are discussed and ideas were shared with regards to the real challenges faced by our private sector. 

SICCI CEO James Dolarii briefed the Committee on preparations for the 14th ASIBF, to be held from 17–19 November 2025 in Brisbane, Australia, which will bring together Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, key Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, state-owned enterprise representatives, and business and investment leaders from both countries. Mr Dolarii said the Forum represents a flagship platform for high-level policy dialogue and business engagement that connects Solomon Islands to broader regional trade and investment networks.

On the SICCI–PNGSIBC MOU, Vice Chair Gordon Denty confirmed that preparations are advancing for the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Business Investment Forum, scheduled to take place in Honiara in early 2026, aimed at strengthening private-sector linkages and promoting trade and investment opportunities between the two neighbouring economies.

The Committee also noted progress on the National Business Forum 2025 Communiqué, with MCILI confirming that its recommendations will inform continued policy dialogue between Government and the private sector. The Communiqué will provide a basis for identifying priority reform areas and advancing collaborative actions under a joint SIG–SICCI framework to create a more enabling environment for business growth.

SICCI welcomed updates on the SME Bill, which is currently progressing through the Office of the Attorney-General. The Chamber emphasised the Bill’s importance in providing a framework to address the challenges faced by local and indigenous businesses. SICCI reaffirmed its readiness to continue dialogue with Government to ensure the Bill supports SME growth and sustainability.

As the peak private-sector organisation in Solomon Islands, SICCI reaffirmed its commitment to working in close partnership with Government to advance a coordinated, private-sector-led growth agenda that supports national development, inclusive economic progress, and policy reform.