BY LORETTA B MANELE

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Peter Shanel Agovaka highlighted the critical role of international and regional trade in driving Solomon Islands’ economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing national resilience.

A statement from the ministry says the Minister spoke about this when he officially opened the 18th National Trade Development Council (NTDC) Meeting on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Heritage Park Hotel.

Agovaka who is also the NTDC Chairman, acknowledged the council’s pivotal role in shaping national trade policy and ensuring that trade contributes meaningfully to Solomon Islands’ broader development goals.

He said the forum provides an essential platform for the government, private sector, and civil society representatives to come together, share insights, and agree on collective priorities.

Agovaka, in regards to evolving global and regional trade landscape, reiterated that strengthening Solomon Islands’ participation in international and regional trade arrangements remains key to unlocking economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing national resilience.

MFAET said at the meeting, members received updates on major initiatives including;

-The Solomon Islands National Export Development Policy, which is now in its final draft, outlining sixteen targeted actions to diversify exports, strengthen resilience, and prepare for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.

-Phase 3 of the WTO Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Project, which aims to secure funding support through the development of the Country Development Programme.

-Updates from the Tourism and Investment Task Force, supporting efforts to improve the enabling environment for tourism and investment.

NTDC members also had the opportunity to reflect on progress they’ve made through trade-related initiatives, provide updates on ongoing programmes and identify areas where challenges remain and where greater coordination and support are required.

This meeting reaffirms a shared commitment to inclusive trade development and one that benefits the people, empowers the private sector and supports sustainable economic transformation.

The Foreign Affairs Minister encouraged all members to actively collaborate, share progress of ongoing initiatives, and identify areas requiring further support.

He said successful implementation of our trade initiatives depend on our collective commitment to coordinate and cooperate effectively.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Australia is funding 57 new community-driven projects under its Community Partnership programme, injecting over SBD 13 million into local communities.

The ceremony, held at the Mendana Hotel on Thursday, marks the second round of grants for 2025, bringing the total of funded initiatives this year to 108, with a combined value exceeding SBD 25 million.

Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel emphasised Australia’s commitment to locally-led development during the event.

“Australia believes in locally-led development—and tonight is a powerful demonstration of Australia putting that belief, that commitment into action.

“These projects aren’t just delivered to communities—they’re delivered by communities for communities.

“Local teams build the infrastructure, local leaders set the priorities, and local pride drives the outcomes.

“This is development that’s community-driven, transparent, and built to last,” he stressed.

Schloeffel highlighted Australia’s role in supporting major infrastructure in Solomon Islands, including the Coral Sea Cable, runway upgrades in Gizo and Taro, security outposts along the eastern and western borders, the Tina River Hydropower Project, and the nearly completed Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre.

He noted that smaller-scale projects in rural areas also have a profound impact, fostering personal and lasting changes.

The Acting High Commissioner stressed the economic benefits, stating that the 57 projects alone will pump more than SBD 13 million directly into the Solomon Islands economy, creating jobs and keeping benefits within the country.

He also praised the involvement of local businesses, ensuring that families, workers, and communities share in the gains.

Schloeffel expressed gratitude to the Members of Parliament collaborating on the program, which now covers every province and constituency in Solomon Islands.

“Your leadership, your vision, and your commitment to your communities is what make these projects possible,” he said, citing contributions like labor, project expansions, and alignment with local needs.

Congratulating the project recipients, Schloeffel called them “the champions of your communities,” urging teachers, health workers, builders, and business owners to bring the initiatives to life.

He envisioned the outcomes; children learning in new classrooms, patients in well-lit clinics, families accessing clean water, and communities gathering in halls built with pride.

Australia, stands as a trusted partner for long-term progress.

“Our commitment is to support 100 projects every year.

“I’m proud we’ve achieved that in 2024 and 2025,” Schloeffel concluded, celebrating the achievements and looking ahead to future collaborations.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Solar light project recipient and Project Coordinator, Arther Poloso of North New Georgia’s Ward 14 welcomes the funded project by the Australia Government under its Australia-Solomon Island Partnership community programme.

Speaking to Island Sun earlier this week at the official project award night presentation at the Mendana Hotel, he said the project will deliver 100 Solar Street lights covering three communities includes Tamarae, Paele and Jerico village.

He also referred to this project as the “first of it’s kind” and “first aid” received from any donor partners.

“Our constituency has always left out of any development or donor funded projects in the past as this is the first of its kind to be delivered directly to our people to experience and witness the impacts of development in the communities.

“It is an honor to express my gratitude on behalf of the people of North New Georgia constituency.

“We offer our sincere thanks to the Australian Government and its citizens for selecting Ward 14’s for the street lighting project in Western Province.

“Your ongoing dedication via the Australia-Solomon Islands Partnership program has encouraged concrete improvements in health, education, infrastructure, and security,” he said.

He described the funding as more than a monetary input, portraying it as a pivotal force for bolstering local institutions, elevating communities, and cultivating shared respect, trust, peace, and stability in the area.

“Representing our constituency and all beneficiaries, I reiterate our thanks for this method of service provision.

“Let this alliance deepen as an exemplar of collaboration and solidarity among our Pacific family,” Poloso said.

The coordinator underscored the initiative’s value for rural dwellers, stating that the lights will offer illumination and protection on roads that are presently shrouded in darkness.

“This will greatly assist our rural population by ensuring not just visibility but also safety, enabling freer movement and security,” he explained.

The streetlight project is one of the 57 small scale projects funded by the Australian Government to Solomon Island Nationwide.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele joined Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel to congratulate new beneficiaries and coordinators of small-scale community projects funded by Australia during a signing ceremony in Honiara.

Speaking at the Australia Community Partnerships Awards Night ceremony at the Mendana Hotel earlier this week, Prime Minister Manele emphasized the enduring partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia, describing it as a cornerstone of national development.

Australia, Solomon Islands’ largest development partner, aligned its efforts with the country’s five National Development Strategy objectives through various programs, including the Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships.

The Solomon Islands-Australia Development Partnership Plan 2024-2029 targets 100 community projects annually under this initiative.

In 2024, 100 projects with a combined value of SBD 23.62 million were funded.

The first round of 2025 saw 51 projects worth SBD 11 million across eight provinces and 33 constituencies.

The second round, celebrated at the event, added 57 new projects totaling SBD 13 million, bringing the cumulative total to 208 projects valued at SBD 47.62 million.

Manele applauded the Acting High Commissioner’s leadership in surpassing the annual target of 100 projects and expressed optimism for the program’s continuation into 2025.

“I am really impressed with the progress this partnership has delivered for communities nationwide.

“This program will continue, and I urge Members of Parliament to co-fund and collaborate with the Australian High Commissioner to maximize its impact,” he said.

He calls on project beneficiaries and coordinators to work closely with the High Commission in implementation, ensuring proper maintenance of infrastructure for long-term community benefits.

Manele also extended gratitude to Australian High Commissioner, Rod Hilton and his team for their efforts in improving living standards.

In a personal note, Manele thanked outgoing High Commissioner Freya for her extensive travels across the provinces, including visits to his constituency.

“Freya, thank you for the job well done,” he remarked.

“Though these projects are small, their impacts on livelihoods can be tremendous. Let’s continue collaborating to enhance the lives of our people,” he noted.

The ceremony highlighted the program’s role; fostering sustainable development, with Manele stressing the importance of joint efforts to support communities across Solomon Islands.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Takataka Eco-Village Conservation Foundation (TEVCF) in East Are’are, Malaita province has received its Solar Power Hub and Solar Street Lights.

The handing over ceremony held on Wednesday, October 29 at the TEVCF was attended by representatives from Australian High Commission and Solomon Islands Government officials.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our partners and supporters for the successful handover of the Takataka Solar Power Hub and Solar Street Lights.

“We sincerely thank Mr. Andrew, Acting Australian High Commissioner, and team for gracing this occasion with your presence. Our deep gratitude also goes to His Excellency Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner, and the Government of Australia for your continuous partnership and generous support towards our community.

“We also acknowledge with deep appreciation the presence and encouragement of Hon Polycarp Paea, Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Hon Danny Waneroa, Minister of Rural Development, Dr Christopher Vehe Sagapoa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification and Hon. Peter Junior Kenilorea, Member of Parliament for East Are’Are,” TEVCF said.

This support and collaboration continue to inspire TEVCF journey towards sustainable community development and renewable energy transformation in Are’are.

This solar system will enhance the lives of TEVCF women and youth, create opportunities for small businesses, support education and health services, and strengthen their community’s climate resilience.

“It symbolises the light of collaboration, unity, and a shared vision for a sustainable and thriving Are’are community,” TEVCF said.

The TEVCT also acknowledged Superfly team, Save the Children, Mai-Maasina Green Belt, Dr. Edgar Pollard of the Island Knowledge Institute and Lysa Winny of Nia Tero, Agneta, Off-Grid Renewables Portfolio Coordinator, Masupa Village, church leaders, and the tribal chiefs, and leaders and people of the Kira Forest Biodiversity Protected Area.

Photo: Supplied

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Malaita Province’s rural timber milling operators are calling on the Ministry of Forestry to seek seek alternatives that can help them, especially with marketing.

Due to lack of support for these hardworking timber millers, they have shifted their mindset to taking a shortcut route by selling timber to locals and Chinese buyers in Auki and Honiara at a very low price. 

A concerned timber milling operator, Alex Wemani, stressed that selling their milled timber to the locals is easy and provides quick payment, but it is cheap and does not reward their efforts, struggles, and the labour of those who helped them during their operations.

He stated that the small income they receive from their sales does not fulfill their long-term goals but only satisfies their labour and essential basic needs.

“Every day we work in the bush, we have labourers to help us during our milling operations, and what we gain at the end doesn’t meet our plans and expectations.

“See, we have labour costs, expenses on fuel, food, and transportation hiring. We need markets where we can sell our timber and get a good income, he said.

He said they find it very difficult to reach local buyers, and it can take them a month before their timber is sold.

Wemani appeals to the government, through the Ministry of Forestry, to seek alternatives for them to sell their milled timber overseas.

He mentioned that supporting local timber milling operators will not only help them earn a good income and contribute to the economy of the country, but it will also improve the lives of people in rural areas without causing any destruction to the environment, unlike logging.

“We will not only earn income, but it will also improve our lives and contribute to the country’s economy.

“Also, focusing on timber milling, it will not cause destructive issues to our natural resources, like logging companies do,” he said.

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