PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has addressed the 10th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane yesterday.
Prime Minister Hou said the events of the forum are a culmination of a long partnership between the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC) and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI).
“It is my fervent hope that the achievements of last year’s Forum be elevated to new heights as I am certain that for us there is no other way but up,” he said.
The Prime Minister said it is also exciting to note this event also brings together senior corporate and government decision makers from both Australia and Solomon Islands who are in the pursuit of one common goal; and that is the enhancement of economic environment to allow economic growth to thrive in Solomon Islands.
He said the Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) appreciates and affirms that the private sector has always been the driving force for economic growth in the Solomon Islands and will continue to do so.
As such, he said it his Government’s intention to continue to encourage and support private sector engagement and participation in key economic areas in development of Solomon Islands.
“As some of you may know, Solomon Islands has and is enjoying a steadily growing economy over the last few years and more recently offers solid opportunities for business in areas such as infrastructure services, tourism development, sustainable forestry, agri-industry and fisheries,” he said.
Hou said the Government recognises that for the private sector to operate effectively, it needs a good enabling business environment.
“An environment that allows businesses to operate competitively, grow and prosper, an environment where investors and businesses are confident to do business. This includes employment opportunities,” he said.
The theme of this year’s business forum is “Forty years of Australian Solomon Islands Business Partnership”.
Prime Minister Hou was invited as the guest of honour at the event.
–OPMC PRESS
