DBSI to improve social, economic livelihoods for all Solomon Islanders

One of the goals of the revitalized Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) is to “support the government’s strategic objectives of improving the social and economic livelihoods for all Solomon Islanders.”

This is according to the Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, MP during his address to officially launch the DBSI.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Prime Minister stated that in supporting the Government’s strategic objectives, the government expects DBSI to contribute regularly and be part of government’s long-term economic planning and development especially in rural areas, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism and infrastructure.

This means that the Bank will carry out its own assessment of the support that Government needs and lend to the sector or other initiatives on its own terms and conditions.

“My Government will put in place mechanisms to ensure that whilst working with the Bank, the Bank’s integrity and independence will be protected,” the Prime Minister stated.

Prime Minister Sogavare further stated that by investing in economic and social wellbeing in an environmentally sustainable manner, the government expects DBSI to develop suitable lending products.

This will support the productive and resource sectors such as agriculture, livestock, agro-forestry, aquaculture, marine resources and fisheries including small-scale rural fisheries, tourism, forestry and reforestation, mining and energy.

DBSI is also expected to develop value chain financing mechanisms and lending products in support of value adding aimed at increasing exports and to support any infrastructure and utilities proposal that will promote or improve production in the productive sectors

Other goals of the DBSI include investing in our people through developing the highest standards of service integrity and professionalism in the delivery of services, and for the bank itself to become profitable in a sustainable manner.