Honiara–PNG economic push: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea signed a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation in Port Moresby, with plans to deepen trade, investment, security, infrastructure and mining links. Regional leadership: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged PNG to keep leading on Pacific challenges and flagged stronger Melanesian Spearhead Group engagement. Pacific security and industry support: Australia’s Defence Industry minister Pat Conroy said strategic competition with China is permanent, while stressing practical support like infrastructure with local-content requirements for Solomon Islands businesses. Ports and trade capacity: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) commissioned the Kulabule Jetty and says it will expand the Honiara Domestic Port with a new wharf, loading ramps, and possible reclamation near the Central Market to ease congestion. Climate risk for business and services: Green Climate Fund officials warn Solomon Islands must prepare for a 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” with El Niño conditions already declared and water shortages a key threat. Maritime labour spotlight: PacTow marked the International Day of the Seafarer theme “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks,” highlighting tug crews’ role in keeping Pacific ports moving.
AGP Executive Report
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Pacific Defence Industry: Australia’s Defence Industry and Pacific Island Affairs Minister Pat Conroy says strategic competition with China is “permanent,” but Pacific nations still choose their own paths, pointing to infrastructure, local content and labour mobility support including a Solomon Islands road partnership tied to Solomon Islands companies. Bilateral Trade & Mining: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale meets PNG PM James Marape in Port Moresby, signing a development and economic cooperation framework, discussing a tailored free-trade concept and pushing mining cooperation. El Niño Risk: A Green Climate Fund official warns Solomon Islands faces a tougher 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” urging decisive political action as the Meteorological Service declares El Niño conditions and expects impacts through year-end. Ports & Logistics: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) commissions the Kulabule Jetty and outlines plans to expand the Honiara Domestic Port with a new wharf and ramps, plus future reclamation near the Central Market. Maritime Skills & Trade: Day of the Seafarer coverage highlights Pacific Towing’s tug crews as a key link for safe port access and faster movement of fuel, cargo and construction materials. Food Security Scholarship: Solomon Islands student Hannah Bilello named a 2026 Borlaug Scholar for research on water and sanitation’s role in food security. Drug Trafficking Link: Australia’s record 2.7 tonnes cocaine seizure is linked to a shipment allegedly routed via the Solomon Islands, with authorities describing an organised network and a detained “mother vessel.” Energy Innovation: Reporting on solar-powered canoes from Ecuador’s Amazon notes expansion to the Solomon Islands, aiming to cut fuel costs and pollution.
Maritime Recognition: PacTow seafarers were honoured under the International Maritime Organisation’s “Day of the Seafarer” theme, “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks,” spotlighting tug crews that keep Honiara’s port-linked supply chains moving safely. Climate & Water Planning: Solomon Islands Meteorological Services says El Niño impacts will vary by rainfall and local water availability, with prolonged dry spells risking water shortages that can ripple into health, education and other services. Domestic Port Expansion: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) says it will expand the Honiara Domestic Port with a new wharf, extra loading ramps and planned reclamation near the Central Market to ease congestion and boost capacity. Self-Financed Infrastructure: SIPA also highlighted how careful saving and reinvestment—plus support from partners like the World Bank and ADB—has helped fund upgrades including Berth One and new port facilities. Fuel Crisis Lessons for Industry: A Pacific-wide review of the fuel crisis shows how import dependence drove sharp rises in fuel and electricity costs, pushing governments to seek renewable energy options like solar to reduce future shocks. Agriculture & Fisheries Training: Solomon Islands youth and officials completed a climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries seminar in China, focused on climate-smart models and stronger regional cooperation. Security & Trade Risks: Australia’s record 2.7 tonnes cocaine seizure is linked to a shipment routed through the Pacific, with an alleged “mother vessel” detained in the Solomon Islands—raising pressure on maritime monitoring and logistics controls.
El Niño Water Worries in Solomon Islands: Met Services Director Alick Haruhiru says impacts will vary by rainfall and local water access, with prolonged dry spells (often 2–3 months) risking wells, dams and water tanks running dry—raising knock-on risks for health and schooling. Pacific Fuel Crisis Timeline: A new look at how the fuel crisis hit island economies shows governments scrambling for supply, pushing up diesel and electricity costs, and turning to renewables like solar to avoid future shocks. Solomon Islands Climate Adaptation Training: A Solomon Islands delegation (youth, rural development officers and private sector) completed a climate-resilient agri and fisheries seminar in China, focusing on climate-smart aquaculture and fisheries management. Solomon Airlines Under Pressure: Prime Minister Matthew Wale tells the airline it can’t rely on open-ended government support without a serious change plan, citing unreliable schedules, high fares and costly freight. Regional Crime and Shipping Links: Australia’s record 2.7 tonnes cocaine bust is tied to a shipment route involving the Pacific, with authorities alleging a “mother vessel” detained in the Solomon Islands and a Belize-flagged cargo vessel used in the operation. Sports Infrastructure Boost: Honiara’s National Tennis Centre is recognised by the ITF as a White Level Facility, unlocking more funding and technical support for athletes and coaches.
Fuel Crisis Watch: A new regional look at how the Pacific fuel crunch is driving sharp diesel and electricity cost hikes, pushing governments to seek budget help and faster renewable energy options. Maritime & Trade Security: Australia’s biggest cocaine bust—2.7 tonnes worth about A$816m—was found in underground bunkers beneath shipping containers in Sydney, with investigators linking the operation to a vessel detained in the Solomon Islands and a route via Queensland. Local Governance & Transport: Prime Minister Matthew Wale tells Solomon Airlines it can’t rely on open-ended government support, citing unreliable schedules, high fares, and costly freight, and demanding a serious turnaround plan. Ports & Inter-island Trade: Solomon Ports commissions a new jetty, aiming to strengthen movement of goods and people across islands. Climate-Resilient Industry Skills: Solomon Islands youth and officials complete a China training seminar on climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries, focused on smart farming, aquaculture, and building practical resilience. Indigenous Business & Procurement: PM Wale urges indigenous firms to push back on inefficiencies and calls for policy changes to better support local businesses in government procurement. Sports Infrastructure: Honiara’s National Tennis Centre earns ITF White Level Facility recognition, unlocking wider coaching and development support. Climate Risk Messaging: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts, stressing early action to protect families and livelihoods.
Solomon Islands Finance & Investment: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says the country must break the cycle of “earning wealth only to spend it,” pushing for a domestic capital market and a Sovereign Wealth Fund to turn logging and fishing income into long-term savings. Prime Minister & Business Climate: PM Matthew Wale tells the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry to “get up and agitate,” criticising high costs of doing business and calling out expensive projects like the Tina River Hydropower Project while urging better procurement support for indigenous firms. Transport & Rural Trade: CEMA’s “Farmers First” plan moves toward short-haul landing crafts to cut freight costs and improve collection of copra, cocoa and other rural commodities. Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Solomon Islands youth and officials complete a 14-day seminar in China on climate-smart agriculture and fisheries, with plans to apply lessons in Malaita. Sports Infrastructure: The National Tennis Centre earns ITF White Level Facility status, opening doors for ITF funding and coaching support. Regional Security & Illicit Trade: Australia’s record 2.7 tonnes cocaine bust links an alleged shipment route through Queensland and a “mother vessel” detained in the Solomon Islands, underscoring Pacific transit risks. Climate Risk Watch: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts after it was declared underway.
Solomon Islands Finance & Investment: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says the country must break its “bad money” cycle of earning from logging and fishing fees then spending quickly, pushing reforms like a domestic capital market and a Sovereign Wealth Fund to save and invest for future generations. Solomon Islands Aviation & Business Climate: Prime Minister Matthew Wale tells Solomon Airlines it can’t keep relying on government support without a serious turnaround plan, citing too few aircraft, unreliable schedules, high fares, expensive freight and weak service, and urging measurable progress. Climate-Resilient Agriculture Training: Solomon Islands youth and officials complete a 14-day climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries seminar in China, focusing on climate-smart farming, aquaculture and practical ways to strengthen resilience. Rural Transport for Farmers: CEMA’s “Farmers First” plan moves toward using short-haul landing crafts to cut freight costs and improve collection of copra, cocoa and other rural commodities. Pacific Fuel & El Niño Readiness: SPREP urges communities to prepare for El Niño impacts, while regional leaders coordinate responses to the ongoing fuel crisis. Sports Infrastructure: Honiara’s National Tennis Centre earns ITF White Level Facility recognition, unlocking greater ITF funding and support for athlete and coach development. Transnational Crime Link to Solomon Islands: Australia’s record 2.7 tonnes cocaine seizure in Sydney is tied to an alleged network using a Belize-flagged vessel, with authorities saying the “mother vessel” was detained in the Solomon Islands.
Cocaine Smuggling Crackdown: Australian Federal Police charged six men after a record 2.7 tonnes of cocaine was found buried in underground bunkers beneath shipping containers in Londonderry, Sydney, with police linking the haul to an organised network allegedly moving drugs via Midge Point in North Queensland; authorities say the drugs were worth about A$816 million and the case is part of “Operation Minjiang,” with an alleged “mother vessel” detained in the Solomon Islands. Aviation & Freight Costs: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale told Solomon Airlines it can’t keep relying on government support without a serious turnaround plan, citing unreliable schedules, high fares, and expensive freight that hurt businesses and passengers. Climate-Resilient Farming Training: A Solomon Islands delegation completed a 14-day seminar in China on climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries, focusing on climate-smart aquaculture, fisheries management, and practical ways to strengthen rural livelihoods. Indigenous Business & Resource Policy: PM Wale urged the business community to “get up and agitate” against inefficiencies and warned that past forestry practices left the country with little to show, while new policies aim to better protect national interests in mining and procurement. Rural Transport for Copra/Cocoa: CEMA announced it will introduce its first two short-haul landing crafts to cut freight costs and improve collection of copra, cocoa and other rural commodities for farmers.
Cocaine Smuggling Link to Solomon Islands: Australian police say they seized a record 2.7 metric tonnes of cocaine hidden in underground bunkers beneath shipping containers at Londonderry, west of Sydney, part of “Operation Minjiang,” arresting two men (21 and 25) and charging them with possessing a commercial quantity; authorities allege the drugs were imported via Midge Point in North Queensland and that a “mother vessel” tied to the operation has been detained in Solomon Islands. Maritime & Trade Infrastructure: Honiara’s new Kulabule Jetty was commissioned this week, named for late Captain Judah Kulabule, with officials saying it will boost domestic shipping capacity, reduce port congestion, and improve safety and handling for passengers and cargo—supporting movement of agricultural produce and fisheries products. Skills for Industry: Australia handed SINU TAFE training equipment worth over SBD170,000 to support building construction, carpentry and joinery students, aiming to improve work-ready skills for the workforce. Climate-Resilient Agriculture: A Solomon Islands delegation completed a 14-day climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries seminar in China, with youth and rural development participants focused on climate-smart farming and aquaculture. Drought Preparedness: NDMO activated Solomon Islands’ national drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, setting up a drought advisory group to monitor rainfall, water stress, agriculture and food security. Local Business & Costs: PM Matthew Wale urged Solomon Airlines to present a serious change plan to justify government support, while also calling on indigenous businesses to “agitate” against inefficiencies and warning against costly, poorly valued projects. Rural Transport for Farmers: CEMA announced plans to introduce its first two short-haul landing crafts to cut freight and transport expenses for copra, cocoa and other rural commodities under its “Farmers First” approach.
Solomon Islands–China Skills & Food Systems: A Solomon Islands delegation finished a 14-day climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries seminar in Wuxi, with youth and MRD staff learning climate-smart farming, aquaculture and fisheries resilience to strengthen Pacific food security. Honiara Port & Trade: The newly commissioned Kulabule Jetty at Honiara’s domestic port honours late Captain Judah Kulabule and is expected to boost berthing capacity, reduce congestion, and improve safe handling of cargo and passengers—key for moving produce and building materials between provinces. Education for Construction Jobs: Australia handed SINU TAFE training equipment worth over SBD170,000 to support about 190 students in building construction, carpentry and joinery, strengthening work-ready skills for the local workforce. Road Safety Push in Honiara: MID, with World Bank support, wrapped up road safety training, council meeting and a national conference to set up the National Road Safety Council framework and improve crash prevention across the country. Drought Readiness: NDMO activated Solomon Islands’ national drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, setting up a drought advisory group to monitor water, agriculture and health risks. PM Wale on Business & Costs: PM Matthew Wale urged indigenous businesses to “get up and agitate” against inefficiencies and criticised high-cost power from the Tina River Hydropower Project, while calling for stronger support through procurement and better resource management. CEMA “Farmers First” Transport Plan: CEMA proposed introducing its first short-haul landing crafts to cut freight costs and improve collection of copra, cocoa and other rural commodities from outer islands and remote pickup points. Australia–Solomon Islands Link in Crime Case: Australian police say a record 2.7 tonnes of cocaine seized in Sydney is tied to an organised network that allegedly involved a “mother vessel” detained in Solomon Islands, with two men charged after the drugs were found in underground bunkers under shipping containers.
Maritime Infrastructure: Solomon Ports Authority has commissioned the new Kulabule Jetty at Honiara’s Domestic Terminal, named for late Captain Judah Kulabule, with the facility expected to ease congestion and boost domestic shipping for passengers and cargo, including agricultural produce and fisheries. Skills for Industry: Australia handed SINU TAFE training equipment worth over SBD170,000 to support about 190 students in building construction, carpentry and joinery. Road Safety Management: MID, with World Bank support under SIRAP2, concluded a national road safety action plan training and conference in Honiara, setting up the groundwork for a National Road Safety Council. Disaster Preparedness: The National Disaster Management Office activated a drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, with a drought advisory group monitoring rainfall, water, agriculture and health impacts. Customs & Shipping Compliance: Solomon Islands Customs introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest data requirements for shipping and airline agents, including extra importer details and carrier TINs. Telecom Costs: PM Matthew Wale urged Our Telekom to lower service charges to help ease the cost of living. Central Banking & Construction: CBSI launched procurement for an eight-storey headquarters in Honiara designed to meet Australian/New Zealand and local seismic and building standards.
Maritime Infrastructure: Solomon Ports Authority commissioned the new Kulabule Jetty at Honiara’s Domestic Terminal, named for late Captain Judah Kulabule, expected to ease congestion and boost domestic shipping and inter-island trade, including movement of agriculture, fisheries and building materials. Skills & Jobs: Australia handed SINU TAFE training equipment worth over SBD170,000 to support about 190 students in building construction, carpentry and joinery. Road Safety Push: MID, with World Bank support under SIRAP2, wrapped up a national road safety action plan training, council meeting and conference in Honiara, setting up the National Road Safety Council framework. Climate & Water Security: NDMO activated a national drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, with a drought advisory group monitoring rainfall, water, agriculture and health impacts. Trade & Shipping Compliance: Solomon Islands Customs introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest requirements for shipping and airline agents, including extra importer details and carrier tax identification numbers. Telecom Costs: PM Matthew Wale urged Our Telekom to lower service charges to help ease the cost of living. Central Banking Modernisation: CBSI launched procurement for an eight-storey headquarters in Honiara, designed to meet local and Australian/New Zealand building and seismic standards.
Maritime Infrastructure: Solomon Ports Authority commissioned the new Kulabule Jetty at Honiara’s Domestic Terminal, named for late Captain Judah Kulabule, with officials saying it will boost domestic shipping capacity, cut congestion, improve passenger and cargo handling, and strengthen trade links for goods like agricultural produce and fisheries. Skills & Construction Jobs: Australia handed over SINU TAFE training equipment worth over SBD170,000 for about 190 students in building construction, carpentry and joinery, aiming to deliver more work-ready skills. Road Safety Governance: MID, with World Bank support under SIRAP2, wrapped up a national road safety action plan training and conference in Honiara, setting up the groundwork for a National Road Safety Council. Disaster Preparedness: NDMO activated Solomon Islands’ drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, with a drought advisory group monitoring rainfall, water stress, agriculture and health impacts. Telecom Costs: PM Matthew Wale urged Our Telekom to lower service charges as part of wider cost-of-living pressure. Customs & Shipping Compliance: Solomon Islands Customs introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest requirements for shipping and airline agents, including extra notify details and carrier identification.
Disaster Preparedness: Solomon Islands’ National Disaster Management Office has activated the national drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, setting up a Drought Advisory Group to track rainfall, water resources, agriculture, food security and health risks. Maritime & Trade Facilitation: Solomon Ports commissioned the new 50-metre Kulabule Jetty at Honiara’s Domestic Terminal to ease congestion and improve domestic passenger and shipping services; meanwhile, Solomon Islands Customs introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest data requirements for shipping and airline agents to tighten cargo tracking and processing. Natural Resources Accountability: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo moved to cancel previous MOUs tied to tax-exempt status for companies in forestry, fisheries and mining, amid ongoing concerns over corruption and mismanagement in extractive sectors. Cost of Living & Services: Prime Minister Matthew Wale urged Our Telekom to lower service charges, arguing telecom costs must come down as living costs rise. Agriculture & Food Security: MALD launched its 2026 Strategic Workshop on “Transforming Agriculture for Economic Growth,” reviewing progress and setting priorities for the sector. Central Banking & Construction: CBSI began procurement for an eight-storey headquarters designed to meet Australian/New Zealand and Solomon Islands building and seismic standards, aiming to modernize operations and improve resilience.
Barkcloth Revival: Tahiti artisans are bringing back tapa-making, using mulberry bark and traditional tools, as the craft shifts from near-loss to cultural and skills renewal. Local Economic Resilience: North Guadalcanal leaders say they must move beyond the Constituency Development Fund by backing savings, agriculture and community income plans as funding may change. Trade Opportunities with China: Pacific Trade Invest China highlights how Chinese demand is moving toward higher-value products, urging Solomon Islands exporters to target value-added, low-volume goods. Road Safety Push: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, with World Bank support, wrapped a three-year road safety training and conference in Honiara, setting up the National Road Safety Council framework. Ports Upgrade: Solomon Islands Ports Authority commissioned the 50-metre Kulabule Jetty at the Honiara Domestic Terminal to ease congestion and improve inter-island passenger and shipping services. Customs Compliance: Solomon Islands Customs introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest data rules from June 16, requiring extra importer and contact details plus carrier TINs to improve cargo tracking. Telecom Costs: PM Matthew Wale urged Our Telekom to lower service charges amid rising cost of living. Extractives Accountability: UNDP says it will support Solomon Islands to rejoin EITI, while Transparency Solomon Islands and West Rennell landowners press for justice over unpaid royalties and environmental harm. Central Banking Modernisation: CBSI launched procurement for an eight-storey headquarters in Honiara designed to meet Australian/New Zealand building and seismic standards.
Australian–Solomon Islands Infrastructure Talks: Australia’s High Commissioner Jeff Roach met Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare, stressing Australia’s investment in roads, aviation and skills, and highlighting labour mobility like the PALM program as a route to more local jobs. Road Safety Push: Honiara hosted the end of a three-year road safety training and conference (June 2–4) supported by the World Bank, bringing ministries, police, transport operators and stakeholders together to set up the National Road Safety Council framework. Ports & Shipping Upgrades: Solomon Ports commissioned the new 50-metre Kulabule Jetty at Honiara’s Domestic Terminal to ease congestion and improve inter-island passenger and cargo services. Customs Tightens Cargo Data: Solomon Islands Customs introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest requirements from June 16, adding more details in waybills for better shipment tracking and carrier identification. Telecom Costs Under Pressure: PM Matthew Wale urged Our Telekom to lower service charges as part of broader cost-of-living reforms. Extractives Accountability Moves: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo moved to cancel tax-exempt MOUs for forestry, fisheries and mining, while UNDP backs Solomon Islands’ return to EITI and civil society training to monitor extractive payments. Aviation Complex Nearing Finish: Work continues on the Honiara International Airport Aviation Complex Building under SIRAP2, with major façade installation and stormwater drainage works underway.
Education Policy: Solomon Islands’ push for “free education” is sparking a reality check: tuition may be covered, but the real question is who pays for the full cost—teachers, materials, transport, meals and tertiary living—so no student is still priced out. Customs & Trade Facilitation: Solomon Islands Customs has rolled out new ASYCUDA World manifest data requirements for shipping and airline agents, including extra “Notify” details and carrier TINs, to improve cargo tracking and clearance. Banking & Construction: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has started procurement for an eight-storey Honiara headquarters designed to meet Australian/New Zealand codes and local building rules, with climate-resilient and security-focused features. Aviation Infrastructure: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion under SIRAP2, with façade installation and access road progress reported. Extractives Governance: UNDP says it will support Solomon Islands to rejoin EITI to strengthen transparency in mining and extractives, while civil society training is also underway. Resource Sector Oversight: Opposition and government voices are clashing over Attorney-General Gabriel Suri and APID-linked bauxite shipments, raising fresh questions about conflict of interest and integrity. Minimum Wage Debate: The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry urges an evidence-based minimum wage review, warning against changes without solid cost-of-living and business capacity data. Rural Transport & Agriculture: Malaita and Guadalcanal projects are boosting farm-to-market access—tar-sealed road works in Malaita and truck handovers in North Guadalcanal—aimed at lifting rural productivity and incomes.
Central Banking & Construction: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) has started procurement for an eight-storey Honiara headquarters, designed to meet Australian/New Zealand building codes and seismic standards plus Solomon Islands requirements, with reinforced concrete, steel and engineered timber planned for a ~12,000 sq m facility. Customs & Trade Facilitation: Solomon Islands Customs introduced new ASYCUDA World manifest data rules for shipping and airline agents, effective June 16, requiring extra “Notify” details and carrier TINs to improve cargo tracking and clearance. Aviation Infrastructure: Work on the Aviation Complex Building at Honiara International Airport is nearing completion under SIRAP2, with the external façade installed and access road works about 80% done. Mining Governance & Integrity: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare is pushing Attorney-General Gabriel Suri to recuse himself from APID-related matters tied to questionable bauxite shipments, as investigations and court processes continue. Extractives Transparency: UNDP says it will support Solomon Islands to rejoin EITI, backing civil society training to strengthen monitoring and reporting in the extractive sector. Agriculture & Rural Livelihoods: SOLKAS is expanding youth climate-resilient livelihoods in Malaita, while North Guadalcanal received 13 trucks to boost market access for farmers. Energy & Climate: A Pacific-wide push is growing for faster fossil fuel phase-out, with Solomon Islands among signatories calling for a just transition. Regional Fisheries Shock: Tokelau has been removed from the PNA tuna management scheme, risking major revenue as it loses Vessel Day Scheme access. Logistics Safety: A new circular flags risks in safe shipment of nickel ore from the Philippines and Solomon Islands, urging better handling to reduce cargo incidents.
Customs Modernisation: Solomon Islands Customs rolled out new ASYCUDA World manifest data requirements for shipping and airline agents, effective June 16, including extra “Notify” details and carrier TINs to improve cargo tracking and clearance. Banking & Construction: The Central Bank of Solomon Islands launched procurement for an eight-storey Honiara headquarters, designed to meet Australian/New Zealand building codes and seismic standards, with climate-resilient infrastructure and improved security. Aviation Infrastructure: Work on the Honiara International Airport Aviation Complex Building under SIRAP2 is nearing completion, with major progress on the external façade, access road, and internal drainage and partition works. Resource Governance: UNDP says it will support Solomon Islands to rejoin EITI, while also running training for civil society on EITI monitoring and reporting to strengthen transparency in mining and extractives. Minimum Wage Review: The Labour Division is surveying provinces for the national minimum wage review, with analysis to follow once data is collected. Road & Rural Transport: TTC began tar-sealing a 5km road section in Malaita, supported by the National Transport Fund, aiming to boost market access for farmers. Extractives Oversight: The government warned illegal loggers and miners they will face strong action, while saying it welcomes credible investors. Regional Fisheries Shock: Tokelau was removed from the PNA tuna scheme, risking major fisheries revenue as it loses access to the Vessel Day Scheme.
UNDP & EITI Push: UNDP says it will back the new Solomon Islands Government on governance, elections and climate resilience, and will support the country’s return to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to strengthen accountability in mining and extractives. Resource Sector Integrity: Opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare urges Attorney-General Gabriel Suri to recuse himself from APID-related matters as investigations begin into questionable bauxite shipments, raising conflict-of-interest concerns. Mining Compliance Checks: The Mines Division has started compliance verification of gold dealer licence holders, with inspections underway in Guadalcanal and further actions planned after full assessments. Transport & Aviation Upgrades: Work on Honiara International Airport’s Aviation Complex Building is nearing completion, while Malaita’s TTC begins a 5km tar-sealed road from Kwaibala to Oibola. Labour & Wages: SICCI calls for a data-driven minimum wage review, as the Labour Division surveys provinces and analysis is set to guide the next rate. Agriculture & Food Security: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distribute 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in Honiara to boost nutrition and small-scale income. Energy Resilience Angle: A Pacific fuel crisis story highlights how imported oil shocks hit Solomon Islands and the region, reinforcing the need to scale renewable energy.
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