Speaking during the Business Excellence Awards (BEA) 2019 on Saturday 30th November, Prime Minister Hon Sogavare stressed that Government recognizes the role that SICCI plays in the private sector.
SICCI Board Chairman, Mr Jay Bartlett, in elaborating on why the Chamber decided on this theme for this year’s BEA:
Prime Minister Hon Sogavare agrees with the sentiments shared by the SICCI Chairman.
“Our rapidly growing population is a cause for concern.
“It is, therefore, imperative that substantial and sustained private sector development is vigilantly pursued in order to address our pressing issues of servicing our growing population,” he said.
The Prime Minister also reiterated the Government’s support for SICCI and the work that it does in the country.
“I wish to reiterate the Government’s support for SICCI. SICCI has a platform with Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labor and Immigration, Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Ministry of National Planning and Aid Coordination and the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
“We have an agreement that was signed in 2017. What we need to do now is to align the Government policies with the vision of the private sector as well. We need each other more than ever,” he said.
He said the DCGA Government values SICCI partnership in driving reforms in the public sector as well.
“The Government is willing to listen to SICCI whenever SICCI wants to talk. There is no other similar body such as SICCI in this country. SICCI is a trustworthy and credible institution that has carried itself with integrity over the years.
“On this note allow me to congratulate the Chairman of SICCI, Jeremy Bartlett, CEO Atenasi Ata and your team for the hard work and the wonderful effort that you have put into helping the Government build this beloved nation of ours,” he said.
SICCI regards the Solomon Islands Government as its key stakeholder and the Chamber’s continuous collaboration and engagement with the Government is critical to working towards a conducive business environment where the private sector can grow and jobs are created for our growing population.