BY INDY MAEALASIA
THE Premier of Choiseul Province, Harrison Pitakaka, has praised the potential economic benefits of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill 2024 but raised concerns over the limited role and influence provincial government would have if enacted.
Speaking before the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) yesterday, Premier Pitakaka cited clause 22 which stated that developers within SEZs are required to submit copies of their development plans and approvals to both the SEZ authority and the provincial executive before proceeding.
Despite this procedural requirement, the Premier emphasized that overall management and administration will be under the authority.
Premier Pitakaka cautioned that this would run “risk” of making provincial governments in host provinces to become bystanders instead.
He highlighted provisions in the bill that allow provinces to engage in joint ventures with reliable investors to operate processing or manufacturing businesses in the SEZs.
While these provisions offer some opportunity for involvement, the premier underscored the need for clearer definitions of the roles and functions of host provinces and the SEZ authority.
The SEZ Bill 2024 aims to establish and regulate special economic zones in the Solomon Islands, fostering business growth, attracting investment and generating employment to drive national development.
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