Honiara, 28 July 2026: The Great Coalition has advanced its reform agenda with the Prime Minister’s Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PIMEU) holding its second round of consultations with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration.
The consultation was led by PIMEU’s Legislative and Policy Reform Subcommittee, supported by the Productive Sector Unit within the Prime Minister’s Office. Senior management and representatives from all nine divisions of the Ministry took part.
The Ministry oversees Business, Cooperatives and SME, Industry development, immigration, labour, trade disputes, foreign investment, companies, charitable trusts and other key regulatory functions. It plays a central role in shaping the legal and policy environment to attract investment, support business growth, create jobs and drive sustainable economic development.
Discussions focused on reviewing each division’s work programme, identifying legislative and policy priorities, and aligning reforms with the Government’s agenda.
Permanent Secretary Mr Riley Mesepitu welcomed the initiative.
“This is a practical and constructive approach to improving the pace of reform,” Mr Mesepitu said.
“With closer collaboration and direct legal and policy support from the Prime Minister’s Office, our reform programmes can finally gain the momentum they need.”
Mr Mesepitu said effective reform requires Government ownership and adequate resources.
“This committee is an important first step. Going forward, this support must be matched with adequate resourcing and timely budget funding so reforms can be implemented without unnecessary delays.”
He highlighted several priority reforms, including:
Modernising immigration services through electronic passport and visa systems
Amending laws on foreign investment, companies and business regulation
Reviewing labour legislation and wage policies to support growth while protecting workers’ rights
“Our objective is to create a modern, efficient and investor-friendly regulatory environment,” he said.
“We welcome responsible investment into the Solomon Islands and are committed to ensuring our systems are responsive and supportive of business. We also recognise the Great Coalition Government’s emphasis on promoting indigenous participation in the economy and moving into the digital age.”
Head of the Productive Sector Unit, Mr Nixon Kua, also welcomed the outcome.
“It is encouraging to see every division actively reviewing its work programme against Government priorities,” Mr Kua said.
“These consultations are about ensuring ministries receive the support they need to deliver reforms more effectively and ultimately improve services to our people.”
The Legislative and Policy Reform consultation programme will continue across Government ministries as part of the GREAT Coalition’s commitment to strengthening governance, modernising legislation, improving service delivery, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth and private sector development.
