Policy Alignment for Rural Growth: OPMC and Western Province completed a policy alignment assessment in Gizo, aligning provincial plans with national GREAT Coalition priorities, with a focus on boosting the productive sector and improving rural services. Labour Mobility: Japan says its ageing population and agriculture labour shortages are creating opportunities for skilled Pacific workers, while also warning that immigration must be managed carefully. Airport Upgrade for Trade and Services: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Communication and Aviation opened and handed over the new Communication and Aviation Complex at Honiara International Airport (cost about USD 5.77m), bringing MCA, CAASI and Customs/Immigration/Quarantine under one roof. Shipping Costs Hit Businesses: Maersk announced a peak season surcharge on dry-container shipments from Southeast Asia to Oceania from 1 Nov 2026, including USD 500 (20ft) and USD 1,000 (40ft) for routes to Australia, PNG and the Solomon Islands. Climate Finance Pressure: PM Matthew Wale says wealthy countries make climate funding too hard, pushing Solomon Islands to borrow for clean energy, including an extra USD 35m needed for the Tina River Hydropower Project. Energy Affordability Push: Solomon Power launched the 2026–2028 non-fuel electricity tariff framework, aiming to reduce charges while sustaining investment in renewables and reliability. Agriculture and Food Security: MALD’s rice trial (MAL 1 and MAL 2) enters final field trial stage ahead of harvest; meanwhile, ADRA’s SEAS project supports cocoa farmers and urges more cocoa planting to lift livelihoods. Fisheries Regulation: The beche-de-mer fishery is set to close from 31 October 2026, with all harvesting, processing, selling and export activities to stop from that date. Community Support: Belu Company donated 40 roofing pieces to Rufoki’s community kitchen project, backing local infrastructure. Regional Humanitarian Visit: Indonesia’s KRI WSH-991 will visit Honiara 18–22 Oct for healthcare, food and agricultural support, plus community infrastructure activities.