BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Hon. Harry Kuma has called on Solomon Islanders to embrace innovation as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2027.
Speaking at the opening of this year’s National Trade Fair at the FOPA Village in Honiara, Kuma said the event’s theme “Innovating Today for a Sustainable greater Solomon Islands Tomorrow” should guide how businesses and communities plan for the future.
Trade Fair theme tied to 2027 graduation
Kuma told the audience that the theme is “more than words on banners and billboards,” pointing to 2027 as a key milestone when Solomon Islands will lose special trade and development support given to LDCs.
“Graduation means we have progressed, but it also means the special treatment we have enjoyed will no longer be there. How do we continue to stand and progress after graduation?” he asked.
His answer was innovation using local resources and skills more smartly so value and profits stay in the country instead of going overseas.
The minister highlighted that Solomon Islands has rich natural resources like timber, minerals, fish and crops but has mostly exported them in raw form.
He said government policies under the coalition aim to boost domestic production in food, fisheries, tourism and manufacturing, cut reliance on imports, improve food security and create jobs for Solomon Islanders.
Kuma stressed that innovation does not mean high‑tech labs or reinventing the wheel.
He pointed to examples visible at the trade fair are – Farmers moving from selling raw cocoa beans to producing premium, locally packed chocolate, Handcrafters and designers blending traditional patterns into modern clothing and products for wider markets, young people using digital tools and social media to reach customers beyond their local area and Micro, small and medium enterprises upgrading their operations to grow and compete.
Focus on MSMEs and local producers
The National Trade Fair brings together farmers, entrepreneurs, businesses, government agencies and community groups to showcase local products and ideas.
