Solomon Islands Trade Policy Framework officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, led by Director of Trade Mr Barrett Salato, and Forum Secretariat have held a one day consultation in Buala, Isabel province.
The consultation involved key stakeholders from around the province. The Ministry of Foreign affairs sort the views on the development of the country’s Trade Policy Framework.
The Country presently does not have a Trade Policy framework and these consultations will lead to the formulation on a comprehensive framework for the country.
Last year the team undertook consultations in Guadalcanal and Western Province. The intention is to cover as many parts of the country as possible and to engage range stakeholders including representatives from the private sector, NGO’s, government ministries and provincial administrations.
The framework lays out the main principles that will guide trade policy in Solomon Islands over the forthcoming years including domestic laws and policies that affect trade and the negotiation of trade agreements.
It aims to integrate the trade-related aspects of existing development and sector policies and provide for the development of an institutional framework to facilitate the coordination of national policies that may affect trade. The ultimate aim of the framework is to enhance economic growth, human development and well being of the Solomon Islands.
The Trade Policy Framework will be the first comprehensive trade policy document for the country. It is intended to provide a basis for securing additional Aid for Trade from Solomon Islands development partners in priority areas.
It will also Solomon Islands to understand the production and supply-side constraints that need to be addressed to allow the expansion of export trade.
After their return from Isabel the team will also travel out to Temotu Province to hold another round of consultations there.
Source: Press Release, Government Communications Unit