The Solomon Islands share of global trade is still very small, so it is important to get support and assistance in improving trade capacities
Perhaps we could be enlightened how trade development is in 2022 given there has been a reduction in round log exports but new marketing initiatives in the middle east for canned tuna.
I have read that business and trade deals are being investigated in Fiji and maybe, also, the middle east is still being eyed for exports, but it would be interesting to see evidence as to how the Solomon Islands is improving its trading capacities.
Some years ago, possibly in 2015 or 2016, I was aware of the so-called Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), which was multi-donor programme supporting the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in addressing supply side constraints, and at that time it was believed to be helping the Solomon Islands boost economic trade, including an EIF funded tourism project.
Another organization, based in Geneva, the International Trade Centre (ITC) in 2014 was said to be helping the Solomon Islands further in the promotion of local handicrafts and in fisheries, the idea being to enhance the capacity of small and medium size enterprises.
I am not aware of any ongoing help to the Solomon Islands in the need for trade promotion and development in 2022 by the EIF or the ITC and whether both organizations still exist.
I would be interested to know how the Solomon Islands is prospering in its trade development and hope answers can be forthcoming in response to my interest and general enquiry.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
