Solomon Islands Strengthens Trade Negotiation Capacity Through WTO Seminar

Solomon Islands is strengthening the capacity of government officials to engage effectively in bilateral, regional and multilateral trade negotiations through a five-day national seminar on the WTO trade negotiations.

The National Seminar on Solomon Islands’ 4th Trade Policy Review Follow-up and WTO Trade Negotiations is being held from 28 September to 2 October 2026 at the Outback Resort Hotel and is coordinated by the department of External Trade under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET).

Opening the seminar on monday, MFAET Supervising Permanent Secretary Hickson George said the training marked an important milestone following Solomon Islands’ successful completion of its Fourth WTO Trade Policy Review in December 2024.

“This training marks a significant milestone following Solomon Islands’ successful completion of its Fourth WTO Trade Policy Review in December 2024,” Mr George said.

The TPR provided an opportunity to assess Solomon Islands’ achievements and ongoing challenges, while identifying areas where targeted technical assistance and capacity building are needed to strengthen national institutions and policy implementation.

Mr George said the TPR had also provided important insights into Solomon Islands’ trade policy framework and identified recommendations to support the country’s continued participation in the rules and principles of the multilateral trading system.

The seminar is being delivered in partnership with the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat, with participants drawn from the Department of External Trade, line ministries and other relevant stakeholders.

Mr George acknowledged the WTO Secretariat’s support, saying the specialised training demonstrated its continued commitment to strengthening Solomon Islands’ trade policy and negotiation capacity.

“We are grateful to the WTO Secretariat for responding to these needs through this specialised training programme which has not happened in country for some time now,” Mr George said.

The five-day programme provides participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the WTO system, its decision-making processes and the negotiation techniques required for effective participation in global trade.

Participants will examine the findings and recommendations of Solomon Islands’ Trade Policy Review, WTO decision-making processes and tariff negotiations, including a regional case study involving PACER Plus. The programme will also cover negotiation theory, negotiating techniques and practical negotiation exercises.

A major component of the programme is a negotiation simulation exercise, which will allow participants to apply negotiation techniques in a practical setting before reviewing the outcomes and key lessons.

Mr George said the practical focus of the training would help strengthen Solomon Islands’ ability to participate confidently in international trade negotiations.

“Over the next five days, participants will engage in practical exercises, simulations, and discussions designed to enhance their ability to represent Solomon Islands confidently in bilateral, regional, and multilateral negotiations,” he said.

The initiative also aligns with the GREAT Coalition Government Policy under the International Trade and Economic Diplomacy Programme, which identifies the negotiation of trade agreements that advance Solomon Islands’ economic interests and strengthen its integration into the global trading system as a national priority.

Mr George said the training was therefore directly relevant to the Government’s broader trade and economic diplomacy objectives.

He said effective participation in trade negotiations would require officials to combine technical knowledge with strategic thinking and collaboration.

“The skills developed through this training will equip participating officials with the knowledge, expertise and practical tools required to contribute directly to building a stronger, more capable public service equipped to engage confidently and constructively with international partners,” Mr George said.

Mr George also acknowledged the participation of line ministries and agencies, noting that trade cuts across a range of government responsibilities.

“I am confident that the outcomes of this training will not only enhance our negotiation capacity but also reinforce our broader efforts toward sustainable economic growth and international cooperation,” Mr George said.

The training is expected to contribute to a stronger and more capable Trade negotiators, equipped with the knowledge and practical skills required to engage effectively with international trading partners and advance Solomon Islands’ economic interests.

The workshop which ends on Friday is conducted by WTO’s facilitators, Dr Usman Ali Khilji and Dr Edwini Kessie.

—MFAET PRESS RELEASE

Participants of the National Seminar on Solomon Islands’ 4th Trade Policy Review Follow-up and WTO Trade Negotiations.

MFAET Supervising Permanent Secretary Hickson George speaking at the start of the seminar.

A facilitator of the seminar Dr Usman Ali Khilji from WTO.