BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
Noro has generated more than $500 million in revenue over the past three years, says the Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma.
Speaking during the opening of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) office in Noro, Kuma said the township has facilitated more than $4 billion in exports, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
“In imports alone, we recorded over SBD1.4 billion, generating more than SBD250 million in import duties. The Treasury Division has also collected more than SBD2.5 million over the same period,” Kuma said.
He described the pace of development in Noro as “extraordinary,” highlighting increasing trade activities at its international seaport, the commencement of Munda International Airport operations, expansion of the major tuna processing plant, and growth in wholesale and retail businesses.
Kuma said Noro has become a thriving hub for both social and business activities, providing opportunities for commodity exports and tourism, supported by nearby destinations such as Gizo and Munda.
He stressed that the establishment of the MoFT office in Noro is not just about infrastructure, but about empowering people and businesses to expand their ambitions.
“Currently, Noro hosts more than 100 businesses, including major industries such as Soltuna, National Fisheries Development (NFD), Marina Investment, as well as tourism enterprises and expanded state-owned enterprises (SOEs) like Solomon Ports, Solomon Power, and Solomon Telekom.
“These businesses provide more than 3,000 formal and informal employment opportunities, not just in Noro but across the country,” Kuma said.
He added that bringing government services closer to communities will increase local participation and at the same time strengthen regulatory oversight and promote inclusive decision-making.
Kuma said there is a growing demand for government services in nearby centres such as Munda, Gizo, the Shortland Islands border agency, and Taro in Choiseul Province.
