BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has assured the nation that the government is actively addressing the implications of the 10 percent reciprocal tariff imposed by the United States, stating that both bilateral and regional diplomatic efforts are underway.
Speaking in Parliament yesterday in response to a question from the Leader of the Opposition, Prime Minister Manele said that the Solomon Islands’ Embassy in New York is engaging with U.S. counterparts at the bilateral level.
On the regional front, he said the Pacific Islands Forum’s Troika group has also reached out to the U.S. Administration during a recent meeting in Nadi, Fiji, to initiate broader dialogue.
“The Troika has reached out to the U.S. in terms of possible dialogue between the region and the U.S., not only regarding the impact of the tariffs on individual economies, but also their implications for regional institutions such as SPC and SPREP,” he said.
Prime Minister Manele stressed on the importance of taking decisive national action in response to global trade disruptions.
“As a government, especially in terms of policy, it is important we strengthen and diversify our trade relationships. We must also reinforce domestic industries to reduce reliance on external markets,” he said.
He highlighted the need to boost regional cooperation and intra-Pacific trade to cushion against future economic shocks.
“Enhancing regional trading arrangements and investing in robust infrastructure will not only support economic growth but also build long-term resilience,” Manele added.
“We are also aware that the U.S. is currently engaged in trade talks with major partners such as China, Canada, and Mexico. Any economic impact on those nations will eventually cascade down to us through our own trade relationships,” he said.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to proactive trade policy reforms, aimed at enhancing economic self-sufficiency and mitigating the risks posed by unpredictable global market dynamics.
“As a government, we are very aware of the need to act both now and into the future to ensure we can shield our economy from external shocks and continue to grow through regional and sub-regional trade opportunities,” Manele said.
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