CEMA represented at China-South Pacific Island Countries Cooperation Forum

SHANGHAI, China – The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA), trading as Solomon Commodities, was represented at the Third China-South Pacific Island Countries Cooperation Forum in Shanghai on November 6, 2025.

The forum brought together leaders and experts from the Pacific and China to deepen cooperation in trade, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchange.

As a panel speaker, Director of the CEMA Sub-Committee, Simon Chottu, shared insights on the challenges facing Solomon Islands’ commodity exports, including high logistics costs, inconsistent supply volumes, limited downstream processing, and land tenure issues.

Despite these challenges, he emphasised the potential for growth through government reform and international partnerships.

A key focus of his remarks was the importance of youth involvement in agriculture and technology.

He stressed that empowering young people with tools, training, and market pathways is crucial for transforming the commodity sector.

“Our youths are our greatest untapped economic asset,” he said. “If we empower them, we can build our commodity sector stronger than ever.”

The forum expressed strong interest in deepening future collaboration with the Solomon Islands, particularly in agricultural trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

Director Chottu welcomed China’s continued support for Pacific Island economic transformation and encouraged stronger partnerships aligned with the Solomon Islands Government’s development agenda.

Group photo of international delegates at the Forum in Shanghai.

Simon Chottu joins other panelists at the forum.

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