PM Addresses NZ-Pacific Business Council
The Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua has assured the New Zealand-Pacific Business Council in Auckland that his Government
will prioritize reforms that will create friendly business and investment environments for foreign investors wanting to
invest in Solomon Islands.
He addressed a reception organized for him and his delegation in Auckland upon their return from the Pacific Islands
Forum Meeting at Alofi, Niue last week.
Foreign Secretary Barnabas Anga reports Prime Minister Sikua highlighted to the Council about the business and trade
opportunities that are available in Solomon Islands especially in the productive and private sectors.
He said Dr Sikua encourages members of the Council to consider investing in the potential sectors of the Solomon Islands
economy that will generate revenue for the Government and the private sector taking into account the current
unsustainable rate of logging and the significant contribution the logging industry provides to the State purse.
Dr Sikua added that his Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement Administration is aware of the need for
political stability as a better indication of confidence in the Government to its existing potential investors.
And he encouraged New Zealand entrepreneurs to visit Solomon Islands for better insights of the environment, system and
establishment of networks or contacts for sound decisions.
Meanwhile, Mr Anga reports Chairperson of the NZ-Pacific Business Council, Gilbert Ulrich emphasized the significant and
central roles of the private sector in the growth of Pacific economies.
Mr Ulrich told the Dr Sikua delegation that in this regard, he looked forward to working closely with the Government and
the private sector with the view that they exchange skills, expertise and advancement with the Solomon Islands private
sector.
New Zealand-Pacific Business Council has indicated its keen interest in co-hosting a business Expo or Visit to Solomon
Islands in 2009.
ENDS