BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) is on track to reviving the country’s agriculture.

This was the highlight message for prime minister Jeremiah Manele when CEMA Cabinet Sub-Committee Director Simon Chottu met with him.

Mr Chottu said the objective of the meeting was to update the PM on the steps going forward for CEMA.

He discussed CEMA’s steps to improve its export capabilities and foster sustainable growth for local farmers, contributing to both the rural and national economy.

One of the agendas discussed between the Director and PM at the PM office was CEMA’s progress on copra and cocoa exports to international markets, including shipments to Barry Callebaut and Holland Commodities International. 

Amongst some of the top priority areas discussed are the ongoing consultations regarding the establishment of refineries in Noro and Russell which is supported by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) macro projects. 

Chottu also briefed Prime Minister Manele about the ongoing efforts to settle land agreements, such as the transfer of the Noro land title, and coordination with provincial governments on further agricultural developments. 

He also told the PM of the Challenges related to funding, market exposure, and infrastructure, along with the actions taken to address these constraints. 

According to the Director, CEMA remains committed to its mission of revitalizing the nation’s agricultural sector, enhancing the visibility and market reach of commodities like coconut and cocoa, and exploring other products listed under Schedule 1 of the CEMA Act.

He assured the PM of CEMA’s commitment to work closely with government stakeholders and international partners to secure necessary funding and support for the successful implementation of these projects.

NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) has welcomed the government’s tripartite policy, initiated by the Office of the Commissioner of Labour, which promotes cooperation among the government, employers, and unions.

SICTU in a statement yesterday said this collaborative approach is expected to enhance dialogue, advise and guide the Government in addressing ‘industrial issues’ more effectively for the benefit of all parties involved

The tripartite cooperation is between the Government, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), and SICTU.

SICTU said Solomon Islands is grappling with several industrial challenges that impede economic growth, investment, and overall development.

The statement said problems like labour disputes, insufficient labour laws, limited access to information on employee rights, and inefficiencies within the business environment have created a tough situation for both employers and employees.

The Council of Trade Union said it is committed to maximizing tripartite cooperation to enhance dialogue, collaboration, and effective problem-solving among the government, SICCI, and SICTU.

SICTU said this approach aims to tackle industrial issues in a comprehensive and sustainable way. By joining forces, these stakeholders can cultivate an environment that supports business growth, protects employees, and fosters economic development.

SICTU has urged the Government, via the Office of the Commissioner of Labor, to promote dialogue and communication among the government, SICCI, and SICTU in order to pinpoint key industrial issues and challenges including;

• Review and strengthen strategies and initiatives to address these issues collaboratively and proactively.
• Enhance the enforcement of labour laws and regulations to protect the rights of employees and promote fair labour practices.
• Improve the business environment to attract investment, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
• Build trust and mutual understanding among all stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the tripartite cooperation.

“SICTU is calling for regular meetings and consultations between government officials, SICCI and SICTU representatives to discuss industrial issues and solutions.

SICTU further call for joint review, research and analysis-based outcome to address key industrial challenges facing the Solomon Islands.”

• Develop and implement programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening and addressing specific issues such as skills development, workplace safety, and labour rights.
• Provide training and capacity building opportunities for employers, employees, and government officials to enhance their understanding of industrial issues and best practices.
• Collaborate on advocacy efforts to promote policies and regulations that support a conducive business environment and fair labour practices.

“A tripartite cooperation between the government, SICCI, and SICTU has the potential to address industrial issues in the Solomon Islands comprehensively and effectively. By working together, these stakeholders can create positive outcomes that benefit businesses, employees, and the overall economy. It is essential to foster this collaboration and commitment to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for all.” SICTU statement said.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

We are always the losers when it comes to resource operations.

Rick Hou, member of Parliament for Small Malaita constituency stressed this in parliament last week.

He said what has been happening in the country is when operators fly in, they harvest resources and leave the rest to land owners, resource owners and the government to deal with.

“And what is the rest? The rest is the mess.”

Hou said the mess left behind is environmental damage, revenue shortfall and of course, a load of litigation cases in court between land owning groups.

He pointed out that resource operations in the country like mining at the moment is only conducive for the operators.

“Of course, we are always the losers. The resource owners, provincial and national governments, the economy and this country is always the loser.”

He stressed that the country receives revenue from such operations but once we lose in terms of revenue from these operations; the government is left with challenges like dealing with a hospital without drugs, clinics without medicine and closure of operating theatres.

Hou said a regulatory environment conducive for advancement of our people in this area is needed.

He also urged the Minister for Mines and Energy to bring to parliament the Mineral Act.

China offers Solomon Islands zero tariff for trade: Agovaka

BY LORETTA B. MANELE

China has become the first major economy to offer zero tariff for all LDCs export (Least Developing Countries) including Solomon Islands.

This was revealed in parliament by Peter Shanel Agovaka, the minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) and Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal constituency last week.

“I’m pleased to inform the house that China has become the first major economy to offer zero tariff for all LDCs export. This was done a week ago.”

Agovaka mentioned that no other country in the Pacific or the United States has done this as they are protective of their industry.

He said this is “good for the country and can help us to graduate from our LDC status”.

Agovaka stated that his ministry is looking at other products like noni juice, cocoa and coffee, non-endangered farmed corals and copra oil.

“The ministry is also working with relevant line ministries in preparedness to trade with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and to operationalise the SPC protocol we have signed as well as to ensure that our agriculture products are properly registered and can be effectively delegated with ease in trade facilitation processes.”

Agovaka however noted that market access and mutual recognition with our trade partners on trade facilitation process alone does not automatically lead to immediate quantifiable trade gains.

Hence, the need for collective consideration in necessary work for building the capacity of productive sectors that are critical for the integration of our rural homes growing into the mainstream economy and trade.

Agovaka told parliament that Solomon Islands formalised its relationship with China five years ago, have signed the non-reciprocal agreement with China and now it is on Solomon Islands part to take up the opportunity presented.

He noted that the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) government’s 100 days policy programme calls on progress to make the sanitary protocol active so we can progress trade with China.

BY LORETTA B. MANELE

It is high time for Solomon Islands to wake up from aid dependency and think about how each and every one of us can be productive for the country.

The sentiment was voiced by Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka in parliament last week.

The Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal constituency said the country has been receiving aid since independence.

“How long are we going to depend on aid?”

Agovaka said it’s now time that each and every one of us step up and measure up to the challenge of how we can turn around this aid dependency to trade dependency.

He said as the minister for foreign affairs and external trade he signed a number of trade protocols regarding agriculture for products like roasted beans, cocoa beans, coffee and also two protocols on cultivated marine products which enables our people to work.

Agovaka stressed that people should stop wasting time on things like card games or facebook everyday but be involved in something productive for the country.

He added that people have to think about what they can bring to the table instead of talking down about the government.

“I challenge each and every one of us, citizens of Solomon Islands, leaders alike right down to the villages to create something for this country.

“What can we bring to the table? You cannot just come and say the government didn’t do any work, bring your constituency.

“Come on Solomon Islands, wake up. We cannot just talk and not do anything.  I challenge everyone in the other 49 constituencies, come up with what you can produce for this country.”

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

The country lacks the credited infrastructures vital for the trade of produces and food items.

Ricky Fuo’o, member of Parliament for Central Kwara’ ae spoke on this in parliament last week.

He said the country at the moment is not able to trade for food potential because we lack credited infrastructures to meet some trading requirements.

Fuo’o told parliament that a lot of our produces cannot be traded because we don’t have the facilities to process them.

He said if we are serious about trade then our government should start putting money into it, so that we can trade not only with China but with the rest of the world.

“We have been talking about trade for so long however we have not invested in the right infrastructures for trade.”

Fuo’o said trade is essential for fostering economic growth.

Meanwhile, he also acknowledged the previous and current governments for facilitating and signing the non-reciprocal trade agreement with China.

Fuo’o said China has some of the lowest trade requirements and this is an opportunity we should act on quickly.

“I wish to urge the government to build processing plants to enable us to meet certain standards.”