BY JOY OFASIA
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) held a Public Accountability Forum to discuss the impact of rising fuel prices on the country’s economy and businesses on Friday 9th October at the at Lokol Fusion, Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum Campus. With the theme “Navigating the Surge: Economic Impacts of Fuel Price Volatility on Solomon Islands Industry,” the forum brought together representatives from the manufacturing, fisheries, maritime transport, logistics and power generation sectors.
MASI President Ofani Eremae welcomed the participants and thanked the industry representatives for taking part in the discussion. “I welcome you all to this event, which is very important,” Mr Eremae said. He said the forum provided an opportunity for participants to come together and discuss accountability issues affecting the country.
“The purpose of this forum event brings us together to talk on accountability issues in our country,” he said. Mr Eremae said that the event was the third forum in the series, providing a platform for public discussion on fuel prices and their impact on the economy. The panelists included Qila Tuhanuku, representing Solbrew in manufacturing; Adrian Wickham of Soltuna in fisheries; Kitchener Wheatly, Vice Chair of the Solomon Islands Maritime Transport Association; John Wanofafia of Cabit in logistics; and Joshua Tuasulia, Chief Financial Officer of Sol Power, representing power generation.
During the forum, the representatives were asked to explain how rising fuel prices had affected their operational costs and what immediate adjustments their businesses had made in response also including two concrete policy recommendations or interventions for the Government and industry stakeholders to consider.
The discussions focused on challenges facing businesses, including increased operating costs, supply chain disruptions and financial pressures associated with fuel price increases. The forum provided a platform for the industry representatives to share their experiences and contribute to discussions on addressing the economic effects of fuel price volatility in Solomon Islands.
