The National Parliament of Solomon Islands has passed the Special Economic Zones Bill 2024 on Monday 26th May 2025, through the Committee of the Whole House without amendments.
During the proceedings, the Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Jamie Lency Vokia, submitted a list of corrections under Standing Order 58(2) for Parliament’s official record.
These corrections will be made to the Bill before it is forwarded to the Governor-General for assent. The list outlines identified errors in the Bill and details the necessary revisions.
The Bill was subsequently passed in its third reading.
The Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Bill 2024 seeks to establish and regulate special economic zones across the Solomon Islands. The legislation is designed to promote business growth, attract investment, create employment, and ultimately support national economic development.
The Bill comprises 101 clauses and four schedules, which outline the following:
- Schedule 1 – Criteria for assessing whether the designation of a special economic zone or the granting of a zone licence aligns with the objectives of the Act.
- Schedule 2 – Investment incentives for infrastructure development.
- Schedule 3 – Investment incentives for production for sale within the customs territory.
- Schedule 4 – Investment incentives for production for export markets.
The passage of the SEZ Bill 2024 marks a significant step toward strengthening the Solomon Islands’ economic framework and enhancing investor confidence in the country.
–Parliament Media