Solomon Islands and New Zealand Look to Jobs, Skills and New Economic Opportunities

KOROR, PALAU – More jobs, better skills and new economic opportunities could be on the horizon for Solomon Islanders as Solomon Islands and New Zealand look to deepen cooperation in areas that directly affect livelihoods and economic growth.

The commitment was discussed during a bilateral meeting between the Solomon Islands Government and New Zealand on the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau.

The meeting brought together Solomon Islands’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Rick Houenipwela, Minister of National Planning, Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jr, and New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon. Winston Peters.

At the centre of the discussions was how the two countries can turn their longstanding partnership into practical opportunities for Solomon Islanders – particularly young people looking to enter the workforce.

Skills development and jobs

Skills development and vocational training were identified as key areas for cooperation, with the Solomon Islands Government highlighting the importance of equipping young people with practical and technical skills that can lead to employment.

Minister Houenipwela emphasised the GREAT Government’s focus on developing a skilled workforce that can contribute to Solomon Islands’ economic transformation.

For many young Solomon Islanders, access to relevant skills and employment opportunities remains critical as the country seeks to expand its economy and create more pathways into decent work.

Expanding labour mobility opportunities

Labour mobility was another major focus of the discussions.

The Solomon Islands delegation welcomed the benefits of New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, which has provided Solomon Islanders with opportunities to earn income, gain workplace experience and develop skills that can benefit them and their families.

The discussions also explored the possibility of expanding labour mobility into additional sectors, including agriculture, primary industries and value-added processing.

Expanding into these areas could create new employment pathways while allowing Solomon Islanders to gain experience in industries with potential for further development at home.

Unlocking opportunities in fisheries and seaweed

Fisheries also featured prominently in the discussions, with Solomon Islands highlighting its ambition to increase local processing and capture more economic value from its marine resources.

Rather than exporting raw resources with limited local economic benefits, greater investment in processing could create jobs and generate additional opportunities for local businesses and communities.

The two sides also discussed seaweed production as an emerging opportunity, particularly for coastal communities.

Seaweed could provide an additional source of sustainable income for families and create opportunities for women and community-based businesses.

Strengthening aviation connectivity

Solomon Islands also acknowledged New Zealand’s continued support to the aviation sector, including assistance with domestic airport infrastructure.

Improved aviation infrastructure and connectivity are important not only for travel but also for connecting communities to markets, businesses, tourism opportunities, education and employment.

Turning partnership into opportunities

The discussions reflected a broader ambition to move beyond cooperation in principle and identify opportunities that can deliver tangible benefits for Solomon Islanders.

For Solomon Islands, the priority is clear: partnerships must help create jobs, build skills, attract investment and support sustainable economic growth.

Minister Houenipwela and Minister Kenilorea expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s longstanding partnership and continued support to Solomon Islands.

The bilateral meeting reaffirmed the strong relationship between the two countries, while opening further possibilities for practical cooperation in areas that matter directly to Solomon Islanders – from skills and employment to fisheries, agriculture, aviation and new sources of income.

The challenge now is to turn these discussions into concrete programs, investments and opportunities that can reach communities and create lasting economic benefits for the people of Solomon Islands.