BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Prime Minister (PM) Matthew Wale has raised concerns over rising poverty levels in Solomon Islands.
PM Wale made the statement when he spoke during the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce (SICCI) meet and greet event held at the Heritage Park Hotel on Thursday last week.
He calls for a shift towards more inclusive economic growth and a stronger partnership between government and the private sector to tackle inequality and corruption.
He questioned why economic growth reported in recent years has not translated into improved living standards for the majority of Solomon Islanders.
“The growth is in the top few in the past few years, and the masses have not seen that growth. It’s not inclusive growth,” Wale said.
He said that his government is committed to change the country’s economic direction, although significant results may take time.
He outlined a vision of transforming Solomon Islands into a middle-income country within the next decade through policies that promote broad-based prosperity and opportunity.
Wale said that the government alone cannot deliver national prosperity and described the private sector as a critical engine of growth and an indispensable partner in nation-building.
He called on SICCI and the business community to join his government in what he described as a “crusade for change,” emphasising that government should serve the public interest rather than enrich a selected few.
PM Wale also highlighted the need to streamline regulations, support honest businesses, and work jointly to reduce and eliminate corruption.
“The strongest economy is built not only on capital and commerce but also on trust, integrity, fairness, and confidence in public institutions,” he said.
Wale said that economic success should not be measured solely by growth figures but by whether prosperity improves lives, creates opportunities, strengthens communities, and enhances the wellbeing of the people.
Photo credit: SICCI
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