Local Business Finance: New Zealand boosts Solomon Islands SME lending via Business Link Pacific, adding SBD2.3m wholesale capital to DBSI (plus matching funds) for about SBD6.4m in total, and also provides SBD14m budget support for policy reform. Mining Integrity & Jobs: Solomon Islands’ GREAT Coalition says it will not repeat logging-sector failures, pushing mining reforms, a sovereign wealth fund, stronger landowner participation, and tighter environmental assessments. Local Content Push: The government rolls out a Local Content Protection Policy reserving government contracts under SBD50m for indigenous businesses, aiming to build local capacity and cut the cost of doing business. Education & Skills: Australia announces SBD56m for education (books for primary students, rural training upgrades) and a police academy construction/training MOU as Solomon Islands and Australia begin talks on a comprehensive treaty. Infrastructure Quality: MID and CAUSE II commission Solomon Islands’ first Universal Testing Machine to improve verification of construction materials for roads, bridges and buildings. Agriculture Recovery: MALD receives New Zealand farming tools for Cyclone Maila recovery in Western and Choiseul provinces. Security Shock: China’s long-range missile test in the Pacific draws condemnation as Australia and Solomon Islands deepen ties and call for stronger regional security pacts.