SICCI HOSTS PIF LEADERS FOR LUNCH

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Members of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) hosted a luncheon yesterday afternoon with the visiting Pacific Islands Forum leaders as part of the weeklong RAMSI Farewell celebrations.

The luncheon was hosted by SICCI on behalf of the private sector proudly sponsored by ANZ, BSP and Solomon Airlines for leaders and delegates of PIF nations in the Regional Mission Assistance to Solomon Islands.

The lunch was attended by the Hon Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, General Secretary of PIFs Dame Meg Taylor, 16 PIFs leaders, Diplomatic Corps, SIG and RAMSI officials, and members of the chamber.

SICCI Chair Jay Bartlett opened the occasion with a moving speech reflecting on the achievements of the mission but also looking forward to opportunities that lay ahead for the Solomon Islands.



“It’s important that we view these opportunities and challenges not from a business or political point of view, but as a united country with a common vision that translates to shared benefits for every single citizen of our country,” said Mr Bartlett.
“The importance of economic growth and job creation through the private sector moving forward, will play a pivotal role in sustaining the investment RAMSI and the contributing nations have made over the last 14 years.

“Now more than ever, Government and businesses need to continue to proactively work together,” he said.
The Chair announced that the Chamber on behalf of the private sector will formally enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Solomon Islands Government on 6th July, 2017.

The MOU is a joint initiative by the Government and SICCI, the first of its kind for the public and private sectors, in venturing into a formal agreement to create a needed platform for policy dialogue on key issues and opportunities to sustain economic growth, stability and peace.

“I would like to acknowledge our Honourable Prime Minister [Manasseh Sogavare] for his recognition in the importance of the relationship shared between the Government and businesses and I look forward to the signing.”

Mr Bartlett said such arrangements is made possible by the good work of RAMSI over the years in restoring a safe and secure environment with a stable economy for our Government, businesses, communities and the people of Solomon Islands.
“A big tagio tumas to all those that have contributed or participated in the work of RAMSI especially to the following countries.”

Remarks were also made by sponsors of the luncheon; ANZ CEO Geoff Buchanan, BSP Country Manager David Anderson and Solomon Airlines CEO Brett Gerbers.
The Chamber would like to thank the Government for giving business houses the invaluable opportunity to host the PIF leaders and take part in the celebrations.

ENDS///

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