The small business advocacy group, Small and Medium Enterprise Working Group (SMEWG), is on a
mission to make life easier for Solomon Islands’ entrepreneurs.

A subcommittee of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), SMEWG met on
Thursday 1st February to chart a course for 2024, focusing on key challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

A statement from SICCI says key priorities discussed during the meeting are as follows:

• Taming Prices: SMEWG is engaging with the Price Control Unit to address concerns about price
  control measures and advocate for an incubation period for new businesses to establish themselves.
• Taxing Issues: Two position papers will be drafted to address the Value Added Tax Bill and Income
  Tax Rewriting, seeking favourable outcomes for SMEs.
• MSME Bill Boost: SMEWG is pushing for the swift passage of the MSME Bill through 12th
  Parliament, collaborating with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry Labor and Immigration.
• Fair Play with HCC: A roundtable discussion is planned with the Honiara City Council (HCC) to
  understand and address concerns regarding business licenses and fees imposed on SMEs.

Vice Chair of SMEWG Joyce Indu says SMEWG is actively working to create a more supportive environment for small businesses in the Solomon Islands by tackling issues like price control, taxation, and regulatory hurdles, they aim to empower SMEs to thrive and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

SICCI is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of businesses in the Solomon Islands.

It was established in 1958 and is dedicated to promoting and developing commerce and industry in the
country. SMEWG pushes to make life