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By Georgina Maka’a After three decades of discussion, Solomon Islands has formally begun public consultations on a long-awaited tax reform, including the introduction of a broad-based Value Added Tax (VAT) that the Government says will reshape how the country raises revenue. Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo officially opened the first…
A new forest carbon policy project, RISE, has launched in Solomon Islands to support stronger policies, safeguards and community leadership in the country’s emerging carbon market. RISE stands for Rights, Integrity, Safeguards and Equity in carbon markets. The project aims to promote best-practice policies and regulations for community-owned forest carbon…
The GREAT Coalition today released its Draft Formal Tax Policy Work Programme 2026–2028, inviting taxpayers, businesses and the wider public to have their say on the future direction of Solomon Islands’ tax system. The draft programme sets out the Government’s proposed tax policy and legislative priorities for the next two…
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has urged Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands to turn their long-standing Melanesian ties into a “structured, bankable economic partnership.” Wale made the call today as he officially opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara. Held under the theme “From Opportunity to Investment: Building…
Solomon Islands has an opportunity to turn its economic recovery into more jobs, higher incomes and greater resilience to future shocks, according to the World Bank Group. The World Bank’s latest report “Solomon Islands Economic Update, Harnessing the New Roots of Growth”, says this will require stronger management of public…
Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the Government has taken steps to strengthen fiscal discipline and stop long-standing leakages in public finances. In his closing remarks in response to the Speech from the Throne yesterday, the Prime Minister said Government is actively closing gaps that have allowed revenue to “quietly haemorrhage”…
by Noah Secomb of AAP in Canberra International funding and financing for the Pacific Islands has largely avoided the worst of aid cuts as Australia leads the way, according to a new report. As competition among the major powers for influence in the key region remains intense, the Lowy Institute’s…
For decades, the sound of chainsaws and heavy machinery have been a normal part of life in the rural Solomon Islands. The country’s rich, dense rainforests have been cut down, piled onto ships, and sent overseas, normally to China as the final destination. But in the last two years, the…
Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Houenipwela has begun his first official visit to China, with discussions focusing on expanding cooperation in agriculture, education, technology, skills development and renewable energy. Houenipwela commenced the visit on Friday, 10 July 2026, with his first stop in Jiangsu Province – the sister…
By Georgina Maka’a Prime Minister promises lower power costs, support for local businesses, and an economy that works for all Solomon Islanders Prime Minister Matthew Wale used this morning’s 48th Independence Day celebrations in Honiara to deliver a clear message economic growth that only benefits the capital is not enough.…
