Investment Information |
Investment Information/ Investment Sectors
Development of the Agriculture sector has been the top priority of the national government over the years. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy and with more than 80% of the population depending on this sector, there is huge potential to engage in commercial farming. Traditionally projects like cocoa and coconut farming had immensely contributed to the Gross Domestic Product and more recently the oil palm. Recently the national government is encouraging cattle and rice farming in a hope to reduce dependencies on imports. So far more than 10 cattle projects has been identified and various communities have received assistance on how to develop and plant rice. Huge investment opportunities exist in this sector especially in areas of commercial farming and down stream processing of available agricultural products. Land is available for commercial planting of oil palm, cocoa and coconut. Also cattle, piggery and poultry farming is viable given the growing demand of these products locally. As a priority sector, the national government is committed to assist investors both local and foreign in terms of providing investment incentives for their business and for the growth of this sector.
Solomon Islands enjoy a vibrant and diverse marine lives in the world. The marine environment is clean and contain numerous investment opportunities in both coastal and deep water fisheries. Being one of the main investment sector, marine production continues to increase over the years. Tuna was the main export with more than 8 distant fishing nations having their fishing fleet in our EEZ. Most coastal resources are harvested by small to medium investors while oceanic resources are mainly harvested by foreign Investors which are often backed by their national government. The importance of this sector for the national economy has prompted review for future development. Included in this review is the desire of the national government to see foreign investors setting up physical establishment in the country. Sustainable harvesting on both coastal and deep water resources form the core aspects for future development. The national government wants to see more investment in areas that will contribute to sustainable harvesting, increase scientific understanding, better marine resource management, fish farming and down stream processing of fish and related products. Currently frozen tuna, canned tuna, frozen fish products and seaweed are among the top exporting products. To invest in this sector a foreign investor must have a fishery license obtainable from the department of National Fisheries and Marine Resources.
The forestry sector has traditionally been one of the major contributor to the national income where the main investment activity is logging and timber processing. More than 60% of export earning comes from log receipt making it the single largest national income earner. Because of wide spread logging and their impact on the environment, the national government has considered implementing measures that would result in the minimization of negative effects and reducing the rate of unsustainable tree harvesting. Investors who are interested to do logging business in this sector require to seal an agreement with local license holders. Usually a “Technology Agreement” is signed between the license holder and the investor before an operation may proceed in the concession area. Down stream processing of logs and timber products with value added production is the priority of the national government.
Despite being seen as the most important sector in the economy of Solomon Islands, national statistic shows that there is limited activity in this sector. Most manufactured goods are imported and export of Solomon Islands products are considered more as primary products. There is limited downstream processing and the national government is considering giving more fiscal incentives to induce value added productions. There is huge potential in this sector giving the country large natural resource base. Manufacturing of semi to finish products always top the priority list of the national government and those investment that fall in this category can access direct government incentives without much hindrance.
Solomon Islands mining industry is quite minimal and constricted to certain extraction of minerals such as gold. Over the years, there has been much exploration and prospecting resulting in the discovery of certain valuable minerals including bauxite and more recently nickel. Despite promising finds, commercial venture in the extraction and processing of these minerals is yet to be materialized. Land issues and environmental impact assessment is paramount for consideration in the development of this sector. The National Government encourage investors to seek proper guidelines when submitting applications for exploration, prospecting or for commercial extraction and processing of minerals found. The Mines and Mineral board is the authorizing body to screen, evaluate and process application and issue license for the development of this sector.
Tourism would be the next big income earner of the country given the bright outlook in the near future. Regarded as small, this sector pose huge potential for investment in areas of hotel and resort development. The number of visitors entering Solomon Islands for holiday has increase over the year and projection indicate that total arrivals will be 30% higher for 2009 and beyond. Recent increase in the number of international flights to Solomon Islands has induced a number of hotel constructions and renovations to meet international standard. While there is huge potential for investment, Solomon Islands still faces huge challenges in areas of buildings, transportation and communication. However, the national government is committed to improve this sector to assist the growth of tourism in Solomon Islands. | ||||||||||
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