MFMR Strengthens Procurement Capacity through One-Day Refresher Training
Honiara, 28 October 2025: The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), through its Procurement Unit, successfully conducted a one-day Refresher Procurement Training on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, at the Mendana Hotel in Honiara under the theme “Improving MFMR Simple Procurement Process.”
The training brought together more than 25 officers from across MFMR divisions to strengthen their understanding of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) Simple Procurement Process, reinforce compliance with national procurement procedures, and improve record-keeping and internal control mechanisms within the Ministry.
Funding for the workshop was provided by the World Bank through the PROPER Project, supporting MFMR’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and promote good governance within the fisheries sector.
According to the Procurement Unit, the refresher training was organised in response to ongoing challenges in consistently applying procurement procedures, which have, over time, affected the accuracy of asset verification records and audit processes.
The fisheries sector remains a vital pillar of the Solomon Islands’ economy, supporting over 30 percent of the population and contributing significantly to food security and national income. Recognising its critical role, MFMR continues to invest in strengthening internal systems to ensure transparency and accountability in resource management.
The training aligns with Goal 4 of the MFMR Corporate Plan 2025–2027, which focuses on building a professional and high-performing Ministry that provides quality advice to the Government and delivers efficient services to the people of Solomon Islands.
Facilitated by Procurement Officer Mr. Kenneth Kuni and Asset Verification Officer Mr. Raymond Wate, the one-day training featured interactive sessions, group exercises, and real-life case discussions. Key topics included the procurement cycle, quotation and bid evaluation processes, annual procurement planning, and the use of procurement tracking tools such as the Gantt Chart.
Mr. Kuni said the workshop achieved its intended goal by bringing together key representatives from the seven divisions that make up the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, including the Offshore, Inshore, Provincial, Policy and Planning, Project Management, and Corporate Services Divisions.
“I believe the workshop achieved its purpose by bringing together officers from across our divisions to better understand the role of the Procurement Unit and the processes involved in procuring goods,” Mr. Kuni said.
“Often, procurement is carried out without the knowledge of the Procurement Officer, and that is one of the major hiccups we continue to face. I hope the information shared during the workshop will help officers follow proper procedures and strengthen coordination across divisions.”
Participants were guided through key procurement principles, methods, and documentation practices in line with the Solomon Islands Government Procurement Act and related regulations.
The training provided an opportunity for officers to refresh their knowledge of procurement principles, share experiences, and identify areas for improvement. Expected outcomes include enhanced staff compliance with procurement policies, improved documentation standards, and reduced procedural errors.
The Procurement Unit acknowledged the active participation and commitment of all officers, reaffirming MFMR’s dedication to fostering good governance, transparency, and efficiency across its operations.
