Minister of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Harry Kuma meeting his counterpart His Excellency Budi Santoso, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia.
Minister Kuma Leads Solomon Islands Delegation to Trade Expo Indonesia
The Minister of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Harry Kuma is in Indonesia to attend the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia, a major international trade event organised by the Government of Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade in partnership with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The annual expo promotes Indonesian exports, showcases local products and services, strengthens international trade partnerships, and facilitates business matching between Indonesian enterprises and international buyers.
During his visit, Minister Kuma paid a courtesy call on his Indonesian counterpart, His Excellency Budi Santoso, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia.
Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade relations and exploring new opportunities for commercial cooperation.
Both ministers agreed to work towards establishing a biennial Business Commission involving Solomon Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
The proposed initiative is intended to provide a platform for regular engagement on trade and business opportunities among the participating countries.
As an immediate priority, both sides agreed to formalise a trade gateway linking the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry with its Indonesian counterpart.
The proposed arrangement is expected to strengthen business-to-business connections and create opportunities for greater commercial exchange.
Discussions also explored the possibility of extending existing trade corridors from Lae, Papua New Guinea, to Solomon Islands, potentially creating a more direct and transparent route for trade between the two countries.
Recognising the existing trade imbalance between Solomon Islands and Indonesia, both ministers expressed their commitment to encouraging greater two-way trade and expanding commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Minister Kuma’s delegation includes the Prime Minister’s Political Private Secretary, Wayne Maepioh; Moses Waririu, Deputy Director for Marketing and Promotions at the Ministry; and two Solomon Islands business representatives, Simibule Paul of Exceed Enterprise Limited and Jeremiah Fono’ota of Exodus Trade Development Ltd.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured several factories and business enterprises to explore potential commercial opportunities, gain industry insights and establish connections with Indonesian businesses.
Solomon Islands’ Ambassador to Indonesia, Her Excellency Gladys Isihanua, also joined the delegation and supported its engagements during the visit.
The Solomon Islands delegation led by Minister of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Hon. Harry Kuma.
—Government Communication Unit