SICCI CONCERNED OVER LACK OF SUPPORT FOR PRIVATE SECTOR

Jerry Maiki Tengemoana highlighted the chamber is displeased. Photo: flickr.com

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SICCI, is concerned at the lack of support for the private sector in major Trade Negotiation consultation process.

This includes the Non-State Actors, NSA’s, Dialogue on the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations,PACER Plus held in Auckland recently.

Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Maiki Tengemoana highlighted, the chamber and its members were not pleased with the consultations and expressed displeasure- there was no proper explanation on what the private sector stands to gain from the agreement.

He stated, the private sector should be included in the negotiation stages and recommended that Trade officials provide regular updates and clarification to the private sector on current negotiations.

Mr Tengemoana stressed, positions should be thoroughly discussed with the private sector before trade officials leave for negotiations.

He added, the exclusion of the private sector from negotiations has prevented trade officials from being informed of the efficacy of policies and the needs of the private sector.

The Chamber boss advised, the way forward would be to formalise the engagement of the private sector through a Memorandum of understanding between the Chamber and External Trade as the private sector are the end users of the rules negotiated under trade agreements.