SI Gov’t takes action
Quoting the Solomon Star newspaper – 17 June 2018
SI moves to penalise foreigners violating investment laws
“The government is finally taking action against foreigners who are engaging in businesses reserved for locals.
“These actions will be outlined in a media conference the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Labour & Immigration will conduct tomorrow.
“Minister William Marau and Permanent Secretary Riley Mesepitu will front the media to outline what their ministry is doing and will do about the issue.
“The country has recently witnessed the influx of foreigners, especially Bangladesh nationals, establishing trade stores within the suburbs and back streets of Honiara.
“These foreigners reportedly applied to operate wholesale businesses in the country.
“But it’s evident they are now heavily involved in running trade stores, which is a reserved business.
“Widespread public outcry in the media has prompted the Ministry of Commerce to act.
“Under-Secretary Technical in the ministry, Morris Rapa’ai, said during the press conference, the minister and his PS will talk about the influx of foreigners who are engaging in reserved businesses.
“In particular, he said, they will be talking about the influx of Bangladesh nationals into the country.
“Further, Mr Rapa’ai said the minister and his PS will talk about how the ministry is stepping up its monitoring and enforcement of relevant laws.
“In recent weeks, there have been calls for the ministry to quickly act on the matter and deport foreigners who lied about their investment intentions.
“Locals say the fact that the Bangladesh nationals applied to invest in wholesale but ended up operating trade stores is a straight forward breach of our laws.
“This implies the so-called investor has lied about its investment objectives,” said one.
“Its main intention was to enter the country under the pretext of wholesale investment just to operate corner shops around town.”
“The evidence is already there so the Ministry of Commerce must take the appropriate action immediately.
These foreigners are violating our investment laws.
“The Sunday Star understands some of the foreign operated shops have closed their doors in the wake of public outcry over their operations.”
Copyright: Solomon Star
