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The Solomon Islands, an archipelago of nearly 1,000 islands, is emerging as a promising destination for investment in the Pacific.

With a population of about 800,000, the country boasts rich cultural diversity and abundant natural resources, including forestry, fisheries, and minerals. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the economy is projected to grow by 3.5 percent in 2024, driven by infrastructure development, agriculture, and tourism. However, to fully harness its potential, the Solomon Islands requires significant international investment and expertise.

 

The government is actively improving the business environment, including establishing a Foreign Investment Act to attract international partners. Strategically located along key shipping routes, the Solomon Islands is becoming an attractive hub for regional trade. These factors framed the discussions at the 13th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum in Honiara, where SMEC participated as a platinum sponsor. The event’s theme, “Business Leading Employment and Export Growth,” highlighted the critical role of businesses in driving economic development through employment creation and boosting exports.

 

Opportunities for Infrastructure Development and Collaboration

The forum highlighted numerous collaboration opportunities in transport, renewable energy, education, aviation, and tourism. SMEC’s presence, led by Colin Carr (Executive Project Manager – Water Infrastructure) and Benjamin Aitoroi (Country Accountant and Administrator), reinforced its commitment to supporting local business development and infrastructure in the Solomon Islands. These sectors are critical to the country’s growth and will require substantial input from international companies like SMEC, which has a proven track record of delivering large-scale projects globally.

SMEC has been a long-term partner in the Solomon Islands, and our continued focus is to work with the local community and government to deliver infrastructure that supports sustainable development. We’re seeing exciting opportunities in areas like transport and water infrastructure, where we can bring our global expertise to create lasting value.
— Colin Carr, Executive Project Manager - Water Infrastructure
Our projects in the Solomon Islands directly impact local communities, improving market access and climate resilience. It’s not just about infrastructure —it’s about how these projects enhance daily life for people.
— Benjamin Aitoroi, Country Accountant and Administrator

SMEC has consulted on key infrastructure projects funded by the ADB and the World Bank, contributing to transport, maritime, and water sectors across the Solomon Islands. These initiatives include the Sustainable Transport Improvement Infrastructure Project (STIIP), the Transport Sector Flood Recovery Project (TSFRP), and the Solomon Islands Road & Aviation Project (SIRAP 1).

Solomon Islands Road & Aviation Project (SIRAP 1)

 

Building Partnerships for Sustainable Growth in the Solomon IslandsTransport Sector Flood Recovery Project (TSFRP)

 

SMEC has also contributed to water supply, sanitation, and local employment initiatives through projects such as the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector and the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant.

Strengthening Local Engagement and Workforce Capacity

SMEC is exploring membership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) to strengthen partnerships and align its services to local needs. This membership would help connect with local businesses and investment opportunities, paving the way for project development in key national sectors.

International funding and technical expertise from firms like SMEC are essential in supporting local infrastructure development. SMEC’s involvement in the forum underscores its commitment to delivering impactful projects and contributing to the development of the Solomon Islands through capacity-building initiatives that directly benefit the local population.

The forum revealed opportunities for SMEC to diversify its portfolio and engage in small and medium-scale design and construction supervision, positioning the company as a trusted partner for local businesses and international donors.

Driving Sustainability and Long-Term Growth

Building Partnerships for Sustainable Growth in the Solomon Islands

The forum highlighted the need for skilled labor in the Solomon Islands, as many local workers hired by civil contractors require training to meet the demands of modern infrastructure projects. SMEC is ideally positioned to collaborate with local government ministries and businesses to offer short training programs providing workers with the technical expertise needed for projects like road construction and renewable energy installations.

Sustainability was a central focus of the forum, with discussions emphasising how businesses and stakeholders can foster long-term growth that benefits both the environment and the community. SMEC is uniquely positioned to support these goals through its expertise in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure development, helping to drive lasting, positive impacts.

Partnerships between local businesses,  international companies, and donors are crucial for sustainable development and engineering positive change. SMEC aims to engage in projects that prioritise sustainability, offering innovative, eco-friendly infrastructure designs, and supporting local initiatives that protect the environment while enhancing community well-being.

With a practical vision for a sustainable future, SMEC challenges boundaries to deliver solutions that help connect, move, and power people and communities. SMEC is well-positioned to lead in the Solomon Islands’ development through capacity building, and sustainability while continuing to seek partnership and innovation for the long-term prosperity of the Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific region.

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