Economy Archive November 2024

International buyers and local tourism operators at the successful 'Mi Save Solo 2024' event in Honiara.

‘Mi Save Solo 2024’ Impresses International Buyers

Tourism Solomons’ ‘Mi Save Solo 2024’ Industry Buyer/Seller Meet has been hailed a resounding success, with Australian and New Zealand buyers giving the event an impressive satisfaction score of 4.8 out of 5.
Items handed over includes a generator (plus drum fuel), ICT equipment, and furniture which will ensure a comfortable learning environment and enable students to continue their studies during power outages.

Bethesda Disability and Support Centre Receives Essential Equipment

The Bethesda Disability and Support Centre in Guadalcanal have received essential equipment and furniture from Australia enabling them to deliver inclusive training for its students.
Ten women from the communities of Valekocha in Bahomea and Pamphylia in Malango completed the six-week program, setting the stage for broader community development.

First Graduates of Tina River CBSP Literacy Program Celebrate Milestone

The Literacy and Numeracy Training Program under the Tina River Hydropower Community Benefit Sharing Project (CBSP) has successfully graduated its first group of participants, marking a significant milestone in the initiative's journey.
For the first time, Malaita’s largest cocoa buyer will partner with Australia to increase export volumes and strengthen its supply chain across the remote Northeast and Fouia region.

Australia Strengthens Cocoa Production and Market Access in Malaita

Local business LF & Sons Enterprises has announced it is expanding cocoa supplies and improving market access to support livelihoods in remote areas of Malaita.
The coral measures 34 metres wide, 32 metres in diameter and 5.5 metres high, which is about the size of five tennis courts.

National Geographic Scientists Discover 'World's Largest' Coral on Expedition to Solomon Islands

Scientists say they have discovered the world's largest coral — measuring longer than a blue whale — on an expedition in Solomon Islands.
MOFT, through the Treasury Procurement Unit (TPU) and the Central Tender Board (CTB) has noted with great concern the increase in the number of procurements, bid waivers and contract variations awarded by ministries without obtaining approvals as required in the PPR 2021 and SIGPCAM 2022.

MOFT Warns Vendors: Only Authorized Government Procurements Will Be Paid

The Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) reminds vendors that unauthorized procurements or commitments to deliver goods and services to the Government are serious violations of the Public Financial Management (Procurement) Regulations 2021 (PPR 2021) and the SIG Procurement and Contract Administration Manual 2022 (SIGPCAM 2022).
While deafness is one of the most common forms of disability reported in Solomon Islands, both said they faced obstacles when it came to accessing education and employment.

New Children's Book Promotes Solomon Islands Sign Language

Lilly Simon and Jonathan Bia face daily challenges in the Solomon Islands as people who are deaf — often ignored, misunderstood or made fun of.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, Central Islands Provincial Premier Hon. Michael Salini affirmed the province’s readiness to support the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) and its vision, confident that this will draw in committed investors.

Central Province Seeks to Drive Development and Investment with National Government Support

The Central Islands Provincial Government has expressed a strong interest in attracting genuine business investments and contributing to national development initiatives.
The new facilities are a key element of their strategy to improve post-harvest processing and increase the supply of value-added cocoa products, such as nibs, chocolates, and roasted beans.

Empowering Women Owned Cocoa Businesses

Australia’s support for Solomon Islands’ cocoa sector continues to grow with the announcement of its latest partnership with Tupaghotua Cocoa Plantation (TCP), a local woman-owned business in Guadalcanal.
As a key hub for maritime trade and fisheries, the modernization of Noro Port is expected to enhance logistics efficiency, accommodate larger vessels, and expand the port's capacity to support Solomon Islands' growing role in regional trade networks.

Noro International Port Redevelopment Design Underway

Australia has commenced crucial design work to support Solomon Ports’ redevelopment of the ageing wharf facilities at Noro International Port, which is a national infrastructure pipeline priority project for the economic development of Solomon Islands.
"This training has given me the technical knowledge and specialised skills to build, support and advocate in our communities to invest in clean renewable energy resources like solar energy”, Ms Kina Tabo said.

Women Powering up a Greener Future

Twenty women enrolled in the Green Construction Training Program are gaining practical skills in construction and solar photovoltaic system design, installation and maintenance.
The course, Building and Leading High Performing Teams by the Australian Public Service Academy, will help managers create and maintain high-performing teams where work is aligned with Solomon Islands Government priorities.

Australia Delivers Leadership Training for Public Servants

The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has delivered a leadership development course for 60 Solomon Islands public servants in Honiara, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Public Service (MPS).
Special guest at the handover ceremony was Australia’s visiting Ambassador for Gender Equality, Ms Stephanie Copus Campbell who witnessed firsthand the impact of this partnership in education.

Tabaka RTC Receives New Dormitory and Ablution Block

The governments of Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand have handed over a new girls’ dormitory and ablution block for Tabaka Rural Training Centre in New Georgia, Western Province, marking a significant development for the school.
With EU's support, Selwyn College’s upgraded water supply will soon effectively serve the school's 891 secondary students (450 males, 441 females), 121 primary students (54 boys and 67 girls), and 41 teachers and clinic staff, fulfilling critical water needs across student dormitories, the clinic, and staff housing.

European Union Representative Visit Selwyn College

In a significant step for one of the main boarding schools in Guadalcanal Province, Selwyn College, the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facility is being rehabilitated and it will be soon handed over to the community.
This collaboration will see Bilikiki Cruises’ live-aboard dive programs incorporated into Singapore-based Emperor Divers’ portfolio, which already includes popular dive destinations such as Egypt, Indonesia, and the Maldives.

Bilikiki Cruises and Emperor Divers Partner to Boost Solomon Islands Dive Tourism

Tourism Solomons has announced a new partnership that it believes will significantly boost the Solomon Islands dive industry: Honiara-based Bilikiki Cruises has teamed up with international dive boat operator Emperor Divers.
Climate change has been a significant factor in the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases worldwide, as climate-sensitive diseases spread to new regions, driven by expanding vectors and changing environmental conditions.

Solomon Islands and Gavi Strengthen Partnership to Tackle Health Challenges Amid Climate Crisis

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Solomon Islands Government recently held meaningful discussions focused on strengthening immunization efforts and enhancing the local healthcare system amidst the rising health risks posed by the climate crisis.
The signing ceremony between the Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, and PRC Ambassador, His Excellency Cai Weiming marks another milestone in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Solomon Islands and China Strengthen Ties with Visa Free Agreement

The Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China have reached another milestone with the signing of the Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Ordinary Passports holders – giving a boost for tourist arrivals from China soon.
High visibility patrols have been deployed across Honiara streets to ensure the safety and security of our city.

RSIPF Form Taskforce to Track Abduction Allegations

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is committed to the safety and security of our community.
The Mid-Term Review is conducted to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of the NEAP since it was commenced three years ago.

Consultation on Education Action Plan Concluded

In an effort to progress the improvement of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) strategy implementation process of the National Education Action Plan (NEAP) 2022-2026, a National Consultation workshop was conducted last week.
The new coin obverse features the King Charles III effigy designed by Daniel Thorne – the same effigy that appears on Australia’s coinage – along with the words Charles III Solomon Islands 2025.

First Solomon Islands Coin with King’s Effigy

The Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands was invited onto the factory floor at the Royal Australian Mint to strike its first coin featuring the King Charles III effigy.
Each tower has been equipped with advanced Ericsson mobile communications technology and is supported by hybrid solar and diesel generators, ensuring uninterrupted access to communication services.

Pelau Comunication Tower Now Online

The Pelau telecommunications tower, built under the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership, is now officially online, delivering reliable 3G and 4G connectivity to the Malaita Outer Islands.
This prestigious appointment recognises Professor Aqorau's significant contributions to the field of fisheries law, regional governance, and his enduring commitment to the advancement of scientific research in the Pacific region.

SINU's Professor Aqorau Appointed Foundation Fellow of Pacific Academy of Sciences

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is proud to announce that Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau, has been appointed as a Foundation Fellow of the newly established Pacific Academy of Sciences.
The project is part of Australia’s provincial markets redevelopment program, which has been delivered by a 100 per cent Solomon Islander workforce.

Buala Market Takes Shape

Construction of the new Buala Market is taking shape, with the foundations complete and the main scaffolding work now underway.

Economy Archive

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007