Need to rethink on how to address undeniable high cost of doing business in SI

By Timothy Inifiri Jr

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) Riley Mesepitu has said that there needs to be a rethink by all stakeholders in the government and the private sectors on how to address the undeniable high cost of doing business in the country.

PS Mesepitu made this statement during the inaugural Manufacturing Industry Symposium hosted by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) in Honiara this week.

“To do this, there first needs to be real impractical discussions between the government and the manufacturing sector to really understand where the constrains are. This will provide a solid foundation on which to formulate strategies that will provide long term adequate solutions”, said PS Mesepitu.

With similar high cost challenge highlighted by some of the businesses during the event, the PS mentioned that his ministry is now progressing a number of policies and also looking at reviewing a number of legislations that is belated in supporting the growth of private sectors in the country.

“We hope from the symposium, that all have a good understanding on what it takes to operate the manufacturing business so that we can really look to wether we are addressing the right areas to enable growth “.

“As we are aware, the manufacturing industry is constantly evolving and it is important for manufacturers to keep up with the changing trends to remain competitive in the market”, said Mesepitu.

The Permanente Secretary also said that he hopes the symposium will bring out some strategies and new ways of working together that will help the manufacturing sector to be better and responsive.