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2025 Trade Fair showcases innovation, local products, and partnerships to boost Solomon Islands’ economy.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele described the 2025 Annual National Trade Fair as a platform for economic empowerment, innovation, and inclusive growth, urging stakeholders to build on its momentum to help transform the Solomon Islands economy.
Speaking at the closing event of the 2025 Annual National Trade Fair and Business Forum, Manele reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting trade and economic development.
Held under the theme “Trade for Transformation – Rebuilding Our Happy Isles”, the week-long event showcased a wide range of local products and services — from cocoa, copra, and handicrafts to food, fashion, technology, and creative industries. More than 250 exhibitors took part between 2nd–10th July at the Solomon Islands National University Village.
“It is a reminder that our nation is rich not only in natural resources, but in talent, creativity, and entrepreneurship,” Manele said.
Daily attendance at the Trade Fair averaged around 1,500 visitors, with organizers estimating over $3.1 million was injected into the local economy through direct sales, visitor spending, and new business connections. Local service providers — including food vendors, transport operators, and accommodation providers — saw benefits, with youth-led enterprises, rural producers, and women entrepreneurs playing a strong role.
Manele acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, the organising committee, business community, youth, NGOs, and provincial producers. He stressed that the Trade Fair’s success must now lead to policy action, deeper partnerships, and expanded production.
He reiterated government support for strengthening value chain infrastructure, revitalizing CEMA, expanding commodity exports, and supporting MSMEs, SMEs, and youth enterprises. He also noted the importance of working closely with provincial governments to ensure inclusive economic participation.
Citing an example from the Trade Fair, Manele shared the story of a local producer who brought 60 bamboo pork dishes to sell at $100 each — all of which sold out within 15 minutes. The producer planned to use the earnings to support church building efforts in his home community. “That is the spirit of self-reliance we must carry forward,” Manele said.
The Trade Fair also included the National Business Forum 2025, co-organised by the Ministry of Commerce, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), and the Solomon Islands National University. Held under the theme “Partnership and Innovation for Resilience: Adapting to a Changing Economy”, the forum brought together public and private sector voices for dialogue on future economic development.
Manele thanked the Ministry of Commerce, SICCI, and SINU for co-hosting the event.
A highlight of the closing evening was the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Solomon Islands Government and SICCI. The agreement, which runs until 2027, reaffirms their shared commitment to fostering private sector-led growth.
Manele concluded by saying that now is the time for implementation: “Together, we are building a strong, smart, and sustainable Solomon Islands.”
SOURCE: PMO PRESS RELEASE
