BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
PREMIER of Western Province, Billy Veo, calls on the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transparency (GREAT) to review the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Act, saying the legislation does not adequately represent the interests of provincial governments and customary landowners.
He said Western Province disagrees with aspects of the Act because it places provinces on the sidelines of developments that directly affect their people and resources.
“The Act sees provinces as spectators.
“How can we make the owners of the land become spectators? We must change this concept beginning with the Act itself,” Veo said.
He said provinces should be active participants in the facilitation and implementation of Special Economic Zones rather than being left out of key decision-making processes.
Veo said the legislation should empower provincial governments and local landowners to play meaningful roles in developments taking place within their jurisdictions.
“The Act is supposed to encourage provinces to be active players in the facilitation and implementation of the concept,” he said.
Veo said Western Province is committed to work closely with the national government to improve services and development outcomes for the people of Solomon Islands.
“We will always consult the government and not confront any government,” he said.
The Special Economic Zones Act 2025 came into effect in August last year by the outgoing government. The legislation was introduced to stimulate industrial growth, attract foreign investment and create employment opportunities throughout the country.
The Act provides for the establishment of dedicated economic zones with the aim to promote innovation, improve the ease of doing business and enhance Solomon Islands competitiveness in the global market.
Supporters of the legislation say Special Economic Zones will become centres for enterprise, technology and sustainable growth while addressing challenges faced by investors and businesses operating in the country.
However, Veo believes further review is needed to ensure provinces and customary landowners have a stronger voice and greater involvement in the implementation of future SEZ developments.
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