Prime Minister Manele delivers keynote address at 14th Australia–Solomon Islands Business Forum
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele delivered the Solomon Islands’ keynote address at the 14th Australia–Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane, a platform for companies to engage directly with ministers, senior officials, and business leaders.
The forum, held from 17–19 November, brings together senior government officials, business leaders, and investors from Australia and the Solomon Islands. Organised by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), it is the premier annual event for companies exploring trade and investment in the Solomons.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Manele highlighted the resilience of the Solomon Islands economy and the government’s commitment to diversifying growth beyond logging into mining, agribusiness, infrastructure, and services.
He emphasised that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for investment.
Following the government’s assumption of office in May 2024, a National Economic Summit was held with strong private sector participation.
At its core was the formulation of a strategic economic roadmap for a shared vision of sustainable and inclusive growth.
“The roadmap is now guiding our development priorities, resource allocation, and policy direction, with a focus on infrastructure investment, industry development, and the productive and resource sectors,” the Prime Minister said.
He called on businesses to actively explore opportunities, engage with government agencies, and forge partnerships that deliver tangible benefits.
The forum provides a space for companies to identify priority sectors, explore joint ventures, and strengthen trade and investment ties.
Prime Minister Manele urged participants to translate discussion into action.
“Let us not merely talk about development — let us deliver it together.”
He also acknowledged the vital role of SICCI in supporting private sector development, highlighting its contributions in convening businesses, championing enterprise, advising government, and raising standards of corporate practice.
He encouraged all participants, including Australian–Solomon Islands businesses, government agencies, and development partners, to seize the opportunities of the forum and ensure its outcomes translate into enduring jobs, thriving industries, resilient communities, and a brighter future for Solomon Islanders.
The forum offers Australian–Solomon Islands businesses opportunities to collaborate in construction, renewable energy, ICT, agribusiness, infrastructure, and finance. It is expected to drive sustainable growth, create jobs, and strengthen bilateral economic ties.
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Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat