Effective collaboration paramount: Ms. Tuhanuku

The Chairlady of Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry [SICCI] says effective collaboration between private and public sector is paramount when it comes to policy making.

Speaking at a panel discussion during the closing of the SCALE program last week, Ms. Tuhanuku highlighted the importance of designing policies, legal frameworks, and infrastructure that provide an enabling environment for the private sector.

Ms. Tuhanuku emphasized that the private sector plays a significant role in economic growth by creating wealth. She pointed out that the development or reform of policies and legal frameworks often overlook comprehensive private sector input, leading to ineffective systems and poor compliance.

“It’s very simple, it is not our role to create or authorize laws; this is the role of government and the national parliament. The government designs and implements policies, legal frameworks, national infrastructure, and support systems for human resources [the education system and healthcare]; in which businesses will have to operate – we are the ‘users’.”

“The private sector, as the users, have firsthand experience and insight that can indicate whether a policy or laws relating to doing business will work, more so if it will work in the context of the Solomon Islands.”

“When there is poor compliance, it suggests that the design of the policy or legal framework does not fit our context and, in essence, is not delivering what we need to build the economy.”

She urged the government to involve the private sector in any discussion about designing legal framework, infrastructure, or incentives to create an enabling environment for businesses as they are the ultimate users and can provide valuable insights into the practicality and effectiveness of these measures.

Ms. Tuhanuku acknowledged that while government engagement with SICCI has improved over the years, she stressed that it should not take a lot of effort on the part of the private sector to be heard by the government.

“The private sector plays a critical role in the economy and that is converting resources and services into money – revenue, therefore we should always have a seat at the table when it comes to any discussions on policies, plans, legislative changes, etc., relating to doing business and the economy of this country.”