BY INDY MAEALASIA
Newly appointed Minister of Commerce, Industries, Labour & Immigration (MICILI), Trevor Manemahaga, has pledged to lead with “an open heart and clear purpose”.
Delivering his first official address at the National Business Forum on Wednesday, Manemahaga reflected on his experience before entering Parliament and his previous role as Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
He emphasised on lessons learned from years of engaging directly with local chiefs, small business owners, workers and entrepreneurs across the country.
“I have listened to your challenges. I have heard your aspirations. I now step into this responsibility with an open heart, a clear purpose and a bold belief in our government’s vision, grounded in national unity, inclusive economic transformation and resilient development across the country,” he said.
Speaking on this year’s forum theme, “Partnership and Innovation for Resilience: Adapting to a Changing Economy,” Manemahaga stressed that the theme aligns with the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) key policy pillars and reaffirms the collective responsibility to build an economy that can withstand shocks and seize opportunities.
“Let me be clear—we will not build this economy in isolation. Our partnership with the private sector is not optional; it is fundamental,” he said.
The minister highlighted the importance of empowering businesses across the country.
“You are all part of this journey. We need you and we must empower you—because 85% of our population lives in rural and remote areas and they deserve access to the same opportunities as anyone else,” he added.
He also acknowledged the progress already made under the current government, describing it as evidence of leadership and delivery.
“The progress is evident. Look around—new roads have been opened, existing roads are being maintained and expanded, airports are being upgraded and new routes are under construction to connect our islands. Mobile towers are reaching areas that were once unreachable,” he said.
Addressing public criticism, Manemahaga admitted that though past promises may have fallen short, he stressed that there have been changes.
“To the skeptics, I understand—you’ve heard promises before. But now the results are visible. These are not theoretical plans. These are real developments unfolding across our nation,” he said.
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