An Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC) delegation visited Honiara from 2 to 6 November 2026, meeting government officials, business leaders and development partners to explore trade, investment and procurement opportunities, and gain first-hand insights into major infrastructure developments in Solomon Islands.
The mission, supported by the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands, the Solomon Islands High Commission in Australia and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), provided opportunities to strengthen business relationships, identify areas for cooperation and better understand the country’s economic and development priorities.
Exploring investment, procurement and local content opportunities
The delegation held discussions with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) on infrastructure investment, development priorities and opportunities for private-sector participation in projects across Solomon Islands.
Meetings with the Malaita Provincial Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock explored provincial development priorities and opportunities in agriculture and related industries.
Delegates also met representatives of the Ministries of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration; Home Affairs; and Infrastructure Development to discuss the business environment and areas where Australian and Solomon Islands enterprises could work together.
A meeting with the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program focused on infrastructure project pipelines, procurement processes and opportunities to increase local business participation in major projects.
Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) and local construction company Hatanga, who had recently participated in a study visit to Sydney, shared their observations on procurement practices and approaches to local content. Discussions explored ways to strengthen the capacity of Solomon Islands businesses to participate in infrastructure delivery and benefit from future investment.
The Australian High Commission also briefed delegates on Solomon Islands’ economic and infrastructure development priorities and the wider business environment.
Showcasing Australian expertise in infrastructure delivery
The mission included site visits to two major Australian-supported infrastructure projects, allowing delegates to see Australian engineering and construction expertise being applied to essential services.
At the Tina River Hydropower Development Project, delegates inspected transmission infrastructure works involving APIBC members Reeves Envico and CE Group.
Supported through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), the works include a 22-kilometre transmission line connecting the hydropower facility to Honiara’s electricity network.
The project is expected to contribute to the country’s energy security by increasing renewable electricity generation and reducing dependence on imported fuels.
Delegates also visited the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre in East Honiara, an Australian-funded healthcare infrastructure project delivered by the Icon and Reeves International joint venture, with Kramer Asia Pacific also involved.
The facility provides modern infrastructure for maternal and primary healthcare services and demonstrates the contribution of Australian construction and engineering companies to improving essential services in Solomon Islands.
Both visits highlighted the importance of partnerships between Australian businesses and local enterprises in delivering infrastructure projects and creating lasting economic and community benefits.
Strengthening business connections
Alongside the formal meetings and site visits, the mission provided opportunities for Australian delegates to establish and strengthen relationships with Solomon Islands businesses and other stakeholders.
An Evening Networking Function, co-hosted by APIBC and Pacific Legal Network (PLN), brought together business representatives and stakeholders from both countries to exchange ideas, discuss commercial opportunities and explore potential partnerships.
The Australian High Commission hosted delegates for a welcome dinner and briefing at the High Commissioner’s Residence, providing an opportunity for discussions on bilateral economic relations and the country’s development priorities.
Delegates also attended Melbourne Cup celebrations at Honiara Golf Club, where they met local business representatives and other stakeholders, including Solomon Airlines representative Matthew Findlay.
Reflecting on the mission, APIBC CEO Leata Alaimoana said strengthening business ties required a focus on partnerships that benefited both countries.
“Strengthening bilateral trade is not just about creating opportunities for Australian businesses, but also about building meaningful partnerships with Solomon Islands businesses. Local content and industry participation are essential to ensuring investment delivers long-term economic benefits. Through collaboration between governments, industry and development partners, we can create opportunities that benefit both countries.”
The mission reinforced the opportunities for closer cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors, while underlining the importance of local industry participation in Solomon Islands’ economic development.
APIBC will continue to build on the relationships established and strengthened during the visit, supporting business engagement and closer economic cooperation between Australia and Solomon Islands.
