BY PRIESTLEY HABRU
CREATING more jobs for Solomon Islanders is an important task for the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) which it will seek to discuss at the 10th Australia-Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane.
The two-day forum hosted by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council in partnership with the SICCI begins at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre this afternoon.
Chief Executive Officer of SICCI Mr Dennis Meone said his team is looking forward to exploring more opportunities for business investment in the country. He is one of the speakers in the forum.
“There is a sense of desire for the country to realize its full potential across numerous sectors and this forum provides the opportunity for Australian businesses to tap into these sectors,” the SICCI CEO says.
“The private sector drives Solomon Islands’ economy, and as the peak body representing the private sector in our country, SICCI strive to improve the ease of doing business in the Solomon Islands.
“We have publicly stated recently that Solomon Islands is ready for foreign direct investment, and as a chamber we are committed to work with potential and genuine investors,” Meone said.
Meanwhile SICCI Chair, Jay Bartlett and Mr Gary Clifford, President of the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council will welcome delegates today followed by key note addresses from Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Rick Houenipwela and a representative from the Australian Government.
Dr Luke Forau, Advisor to Governor’s Office, Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) will also give an overview of the economy of Solomon Islands on Wednesday.
SICCI CEO, Dennis Meone will tomorrow present to the Forum a progress report on how business and government are working together to building the pathway to sustainable economic growth in the Solomon Islands.
Meone will be highlighting the significant Public Private Partnership (PPP) MoU signed between SICCI and the Solomon Islands Government.
He said the private sector drives Solomon Islands’ economy, and as the peak body representing the private sector in our country, SICCI strive to improve the ease of doing business in the Solomon Islands.
“We have publicly stated recently that Solomon Islands is ready for foreign direct investment, and as a chamber we are committed to work with potential and genuine investors,” Meone said.
Tomorrow, the Forum will have sessions on Resources for national economic growth; Working for improved business, economic and social outcomes; Developing economic infrastructure (undersea cable); Supporting young entrepreneurs and emerging leaders; Ports, roads, aviation, land utilisation; Opening up tourism opportunities in Western Province; and Solomon Islands’ access to the Australian Labour Market.
SICCI Chair and CEO are joined by other SICCI members and Solomon Islands government representatives at the Forum.
