Minister Kuma opens national trade fair: “Innovate today for a greater Solomon Islands tomorrow”

Honiara, 9 September 2026 – The 2026 Annual National Trade Fair was officially opened yesterday at the SINU FOPA Village, Honiara, by the Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Harry Kuma, under the theme: “Innovating Today for a Sustainable Greater Solomon Islands Tomorrow.”

Speaking at the opening, Minister Kuma said the Trade Fair reflects the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to developing and promoting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of Solomon Islands’ economy.

Minister Kuma told exhibitors and the public that the theme is a “strategic roadmap and national calling” as the country prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status in 2027.

“Graduation means we have progressed, but the special treatment we have enjoyed will no longer be there. How do we continue to stand and progress? The answer is innovation,” the Minister said.

He challenged Solomon Islanders to move beyond exporting raw resources like logs, fish, and minerals.

“Innovation means doing what we already do, but doing it smarter, faster, and more sustainably,” he said.

Examples highlighted included rural farmers producing packaged chocolate, designers using traditional patterns in modern apparel, and young people using digital technology to reach markets.

Minister Kuma outlined the GREAT Coalition’s priorities to support businesses:

• Improving connectivity – roads, maritime, aviation and digital networks to link producers to markets
• Supporting MSMEs – simplifying business registration, improving access to finance, and reforming government procurement
• Building the digital economy – promoting online marketing, digital payments and e-commerce so businesses in provinces can sell globally
• Green and sustainable growth – ensuring innovation respects the environment and traditional knowledge

“Economic growth without sustainability is a house built on sand. The innovation we celebrate must be green and responsible,” he said.

The Minister called on all Solomon Islanders to play their part:

• Farmers: produce more and connect to markets
• Entrepreneurs: innovate and take smart risks
• Youth: learn, create and lead
• Women: continue building and growing businesses
• Investors: invest wisely and think long-term
• Public: buy local, support local

“When we support one Solomon Islands business to grow, we are supporting families, employees, suppliers, farmers, transport operators and communities,” Minister Kuma said.

He emphasised that youth, women, people with disabilities, and rural producers must be central to the vision of a “Greater Solomon Islands Tomorrow.”

Minister Kuma said the Fair should deliver new business partnerships, investments, products, jobs, exports, skills and confidence.

“Let this Trade Fair be remembered not just as a place to show what Solomon Islands can make, but as a moment when we recommitted to building a stronger future for our nation,” he concluded.

The Ministry acknowledged SINU, development partners including Australia, New Zealand and China, the private sector, sponsors, and all exhibitors for their support.

The 2026 week-long Annual National Trade Fair runs this week and closes at SINU FOPA Village, Honiara Wednesday next week.

PS Riley Mesepitu at the opening ceremony

Minister Kuma and Chair of the National Trade Fair cuts the cake to make the opening of the major event

-ENDS-