Search

(...) Major projects include the construction of hydropower generation facilities (Section 4.2.2), roads and wharfs, and legislative reforms (...)

At the 2013 Ministerial Conference in Bali, Solomon Islands urged for the "Bali Package" to be delivered. At the 2015 Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Solomon Islands called on all Members to deliver on the Doha Round as a matter of priority and to first and foremost address outstanding development issues. In addition, putting in place disciplines on fisheries subsides was of particular interest to Solomon Islands. [8]

[8] WTO document WT/MIN(15)/ST/94, 5 January 2016.

The Government recognizes that FDI can make an important contribution to economic development, most notably by increasing productivity and contributing to local employment. It encourages foreign investors "whose development proposals are strategic and align to its national aims and objectives with respect to the environment and social structure" . An investment policy document is under preparation.

Solomon Islands maintains import prohibitions to protect public health, safety and morals, and the environment. Import bans cover counterfeit coins and currency, indecent or obscene materials, honey, certain knives and arms, matches containing white or yellow phosphorous, certain narcotics under the Dangerous Drugs Act, ozone-depleting substances, war relics, and wildlife specimens.

Table 3.6 Goods subject to import licensing, 2016
Product Purpose of the restrictiona Licensing authority Licensing requirements
Live fish Protection of the environment Director of Fisheries Permits are granted after assessing the possible effects of the release of fish into the wild
(...)
Wildlife specimens Environmental protection Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology Compliance with Wildlife Protection and Management Act and CITES obligations
Ozone-depleting substances Environmental protection Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology ..

Under the Biosecurity Act 2013, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock may, by order in the Gazette, regulate imports of plants, animal and products thereof to prevent the introduction of diseases and pests into Solomon Islands. (...)

Risk assessments are conducted following any request to import a product for which no SPS measures are specified in the Import Specification Manual, or to renew a licence. While capacities for risk assessments used to be limited, Biosecurity Solomon Islands can now perform them. Around two risk assessments are carried out every year. There are no statutory provisions regarding the maximum duration of risk assessments; the authorities indicate that these take between three months and one year. The cost of risk assessment is borne by Biosecurity Solomon Islands. The import conditions are stipulated in the 2015 Import Specification Manual and Schedules.

A licence issued by Biosecurity Solomon Islands is generally required to import plants, animals, and their products. The procedure for issuing licences is described in the 2015 Import Specification Manual and Schedules. Licences are valid for one year and are for multiple entries. They are granted within one week of completion of the corresponding risk assessment. Around 100 licences are issued per year.

All imports of plants, animals, and their products are subject to physical inspection at the border. Inspections are conducted by a biosecurity officer. Fees for inspection, treatment, and quarantine are specified in Schedule 17 of the Biosecurity Regulations 2015.

In 2012, the Government adopted a National Biosafety Framework. The Government ratified the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) in 1995 and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2004. The objective of the Biosecurity Act 2013 is to prevent the entry and spread of animal and plant pests and diseases in Solomon Islands. The Act restricts or prohibits the importation of products that pose a risk to human, animal and plant life and health.