The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), together with private sector representatives, joined the first-ever EUโPacific Business Forum held in Nadi, Fiji, from 4โ5 September 2025.
The Forum brought together high-level policymakers, investors, development partners, and private sector leaders from across the Pacific and the European Union to deliberate on strengthening economic ties, accelerating sustainable development, and driving economic diversification in the region.
For Solomon Islands, the discussions reaffirmed both the opportunities and challenges of accessing the EU market.
Compliance with EU standards and requirements remains one of the most significant hurdles facing Solomon Islandsโ Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in the agriculture sector.
โOur Solomon Islands Government will need to work closely and consistently support the private sector to meet EU market standards. The requirements are high, and costs continue to rise. Without stronger partnership and commitment from Government, many of our SMEs will remain excluded from these opportunities,โ said SICCI CEO, James Dolarii.
Approximately 80% of Solomon Islandsโ businesses are MSMEs, many of which are the primary suppliers of exportable commodities such as cocoa, timber, ginger, and coconut products. These businesses represent the foundation of the countryโs export sector and are vital for generating employment, boosting rural livelihoods, and contributing to economic growth.
SICCI highlighted several priorities that must be addressed for Solomon Islands to unlock its export potential into the EU market: Government investment in trade-enabling infrastructure, including roads, ports, and storage facilities; Accessible financial products and support mechanisms tailored for MSMEs to help them meet export requirements and absorb compliance costs; Capacity-building and training programs to ensure businesses can meet stringent EU regulations, particularly in quality assurance and sustainability standards, and Strengthened policy frameworks and coordination to align national strategies with international trade requirements.
โThe private sector is the engine of growth and the driver of sustainable economic development for Solomon Islands. For it to thrive, Government must step up its commitmentโinvesting in the right infrastructure, ensuring predictable policies, and providing targeted support to our MSME sector,โ Mr. Dolarii added.
The Solomon Islands delegation included private sector representatives from SICCI, Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), Kokonut Pacific, Cathliro, SolTuna, and LG Marine Enterprise, alongside officials from the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC).
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