Local Economy & Jobs: Solomon Islands’ new GREAT Coalition policy pushes a “productive economy” with a Local Content Protection Policy reserving government contracts under SBD50 million for indigenous businesses, aiming to boost local capacity, jobs, and lower business costs. Infrastructure Quality Control: CAUSE II and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development commissioned Solomon Islands’ first Universal Testing Machine to independently test concrete and steel for safer public works. Mining Governance: Government, UNDP and the UK reaffirmed plans to strengthen transparency and coordination as Solomon Islands moves to rejoin EITI, targeting corruption and revenue leakages. Agriculture Recovery Support: MALD received New Zealand farming tools for cyclone recovery in Western and Choiseul, helping farmers restore food production and livelihoods. Education & Skills: Government launched 1,958 scholarships under SITESP 2027, including a first-time arrangement for study in China. Health & Community Services: Australia and Solomon Islands handed over the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre in Honiara, highlighting local jobs and resilient service delivery. Regional Security Shock: Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance as China launched a nuclear-capable missile test into the Pacific, with Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale calling for a regional security pact and intelligence sharing.