BY NED GAGAHE
The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has stepped in to coordinate private sector concerns over the recent increase in Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) management fees, positioning itself as a key link between industry and government.
In a statement yesterday SICCI says it recently facilitated a dialogue among its members to consolidate views from businesses affected by the fee adjustment, particularly those in the cocoa and copra sectors.
The Chamber described the engagement as part of its ongoing role to ensure that private sector voices are clearly communicated to policymakers.
Chief Executive Officer James Dolarii said SICCI remains committed to working constructively with both government and industry stakeholders to support a regulatory environment that enables businesses to grow.
“Private sector is the engine of growth and ensuring it functions through policies that support the broader objective of expanding our narrow private sector base is critical to Solomon Islands,” Mr Dolarii said.
SICCI acknowledged the government’s willingness to engage on the issue, saying that open dialogue is essential in addressing concerns raised by businesses and producers.
The Chamber also highlighted that while regulation is necessary, policies must strike a balance to avoid placing undue pressure on farmers and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), which form a significant part of the country’s export economy.
SICCI said cocoa and copra industries remain vital contributors to livelihoods across the Solomon Islands, supporting thousands of rural households.
SICCI also reiterated its call for meaningful consultation, stressing that collaborative discussion between government and stakeholders is key to ensure that policies are both practical and sustainable.
The Chamber said it will continue to engage with all parties as discussions on the CEMA fee increase progress.
Photo: Supplied
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