Commerce Minister emphasises stronger collaboration for a resilient economy

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Honiara, Solomon Islands — The Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration, Honorable Trevor Manemahaga, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the Government, the Private Sector, and Civil Society to build a resilient and sustainable national economy in the face of rapid global challenges.

Speaking at the National Business Forum 2025 early this month, Hon. Manemahaga said the Forum, which gathered business leaders, policy makers, entrepreneurs, academia, and civil society representatives, provided a critical platform for information exchanges and networking, which is vital to move the country’s economy in the face of the changing landscape of economic development.

Hosted under the theme “Partnership and Innovation for Resilience: Adapting to a Changing Economy,” the Forum explored ways to address pressing national economic issues and chart a course toward a resilient future.

The theme highlights the need for strong government support to help businesses innovate and adapt to changing market dynamics, technological advancements, and global challenges.

The key focus areas of the Forum included:

• Partnership: The potential for economic growth in the Solomon Islands is immense and can be realized through strong collaboration between the public and private sectors.

• Sustainable Business Practices: Exploring strategies for integrating sustainability into business models.

• Technological Disruption: Examining the impact of Automation, Artificial intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, E-Commerce, Digital Marketing, Big Data, Analytics, Remote Work, Cybersecurity Threats, Blockchain Technology, and the Internet of Things on business operations.

• Entrepreneurial Resilience: Sharing success stories and strategies from businesses that have thrived despite challenges;

• Diversity and Inclusion: Your unique perspectives drive innovation and growth; we want to highlight this importance.

• Trade and Global Market Trends: analysing emerging trends and opportunities in international markets.

Minister Manemahaga highlighted that the Solomon Islands has approximately 70% SME business operators in diverse sectors of the economy.

“To drive and contribute to the economy, the need to empower and fuel growth in the SME sector in the Solomon Islands is eminent,” he said.

The Minister acknowledged that in recent times, the nation and the world have experienced unprecedented economic shifts.

From rapid technological advancements and digital transformation to global disruptions such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainties while the landscape we operate within is continually evolving.

According to Manemahaga, “these changes challenge us, yet they also present unique opportunities for growth, renewal, and innovation”.

“As we reflect on these developments, it is clear that key to navigating this new terrain lies in fostering strong, strategic partnerships across all sectors. Government, businesses, academia, civil society, and international partners must collaborate more closely than ever before,” Manemahaga said.

In addition, Manemahaga said “It is through these partnerships that we can pool our resources, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions grounded in our local contexts but capable of competing on the global stage,”.

The Minister further highlighted that embracing new technologies, fostering entrepreneurial spirit, and investing in research and development are essential to transforming challenges into opportunities.

“We must nurture an environment where new ideas can flourish, where startups can thrive, and where established industries can adapt to remain competitive,” he said.

This forum offered an invaluable platform for open dialogues, strategic networking, and the exchange of best practices.

Manemahaga pledged the Government’s commitment under its transformative agenda to fostering a conducive environment where businesses, academia, government agencies, and civil society can work together, leveraging innovation to adapt and thrive amidst change.

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