Prime Minister Officially Opens 2025 National Trade Fair

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Honiara, 2 July 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele today officially opened the 2025 National Trade Fair, describing it as a vital platform for economic growth, community empowerment, and rebuilding national pride. The event, held under the theme “Trade for Transformation – Rebuilding the Happy Isles,” reflects the Solomon Islands’ ongoing journey toward inclusive and sustainable development.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Manele said the Trade Fair is more than just an annual event — it is a celebration of the nation’s collective strength, creativity, and resilience. He emphasised that trade is not only about the exchange of goods and services, but about creating opportunities, strengthening identity, and building connections between rural communities, urban centres, and international markets.

“This year’s theme calls on us to transform not only our economy but also the way we think about progress — by placing sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience at the core,” the Prime Minister said.

He acknowledged the challenges Solomon Islands continues to face and urged citizens to focus on building new pathways where opportunities are limited. “If there may be limited opportunities, let us work towards creating opportunities for ourselves — and the National Trade Fair is one such opportunity,” he said.

The Prime Minister explained that the Trade Fair builds on the Government of National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) economic transformation pillar. It also contributes to Objective 1 of the National Development Strategy, which calls for sustained and inclusive economic growth. In addition, the Trade Fair supports efforts to promote local goods and services, grow small and medium-sized enterprises, and strengthen the visibility of Solomon Islands-made products in domestic markets.

He said the 2025 Trade Fair brings together producers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to showcase a wide range of talent and enterprise across agriculture, handicrafts, tourism, technology, and public services. “This Trade Fair is a testament to our nation’s capacity, creativity, and resilience,” Prime Minister Manele said. “It is a platform for forging connections, bridging communities, opening market pathways, and celebrating our people’s talent and innovation.”

He also reaffirmed the importance of empowering women in business, youth entrepreneurs, and rural artisans, saying that their contributions are essential to building a thriving and inclusive economy. “It’s about enabling our women in business, our youth, and our artisans to find their voice, space, and market,” he said.

The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting business growth by improving infrastructure, expanding access to finance, advancing digital transformation, and implementing regulatory reforms that reduce barriers to local enterprise. “Together, we can make it easier for our local businesses to thrive and compete successfully,” he stated.

He thanked the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Trade Fair Committee, and all development partners for their support in making the 2025 National Trade Fair a success. He also acknowledged the private sector for its innovation and resilience, and encouraged government agencies to ensure policies result in practical and meaningful outcomes for the people.

Prime Minister Manele urged Solomon Islanders to support local businesses beyond the Trade Fair itself, and to embrace trade as a path to national transformation.

“Through trade, we share our stories. Through our private sector and small businesses, we grow our economy and shape our future,” he said. “Let us remember — this is about more than trade. It’s about who we are, what we can offer, and how we move forward as a united nation. Together, through trade and enterprise, we can rebuild our Happy Isles.”

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