MCILI launches E-commerce Implementation Unit
The National Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) has launched the E-Commerce Implementation Unit (EIU) with a new home at the Late Sir David Kausimae Building in East Honiara, this week.
The launch marked an important milestone in the government’s journey towards digital transformation and economic innovation by building the systems, structures, and capacity that support a growing digital economy in Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the launch, Permanent Secretary Riley Mesepitu said E-commerce is not just a trend, but it is a key enabler of economic growth, job creation, innovation, and social inclusion in the modern world.
Permanent Secretary Riley Mesepitu speaking at the launch on Wednesday 25 June
He highlighted that for a geographically dispersed country like the Solomon Islands, e-commerce presents real opportunities to connect people, especially youths, women, rural entrepreneurs, and MSMEs, to local, regional, and international markets.
“It has the potential to reduce trade barriers, lower business costs, and promote financial inclusion,” Mr Mesepitu said.
The establishment of this office reinforces the important role of the E-commerce Implementation Unit in coordinating the delivery of the National E-commerce Strategy, which has 7 key priority areas.
These included the Policy framework and institutional coordination, ICT infrastructure and services, Trade logistics, Legal and regulatory framework, Digital payments, Skills development, and Access to finance.
“It is through this Unit that we can bring together the efforts of all line ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure we move forward in a coordinated and effective way,” Mesepitu said.
PS Mesepitu (c), EIU Staff and Guests at the launch
Mesepitu said collaboration is critical to the development of e-commerce, which requires the Government, private sector, development partners, and civil society to support in addressing challenges and harnessing the opportunities e-commerce brings.
The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) remains committed to advancing digital transformation in Solomon Islands that aligns with the National Development Strategy 2016–2035 and the broader Digital Transformation Agenda.
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GCU statement