The Solomon Islands People's Alliance Party says local laws have deprived the islands of billions of dollars worth of export earnings
A rice farmer inspects the grain in Solomon Islands Isabel Province. Photo: RNZI Courtesy of SPC
At a weekend meeting, National Economic Consultant and PAP member, Reuben Tovutovu, said the government and resource owners were the big losers because legislation did not allow them to receive maximum benefits.
Mr Tovutovu said the forestry, agriculture and fisheries sectors could have been bringing billions into the country annually, but poor legislation, monitoring and recording of actual export volumes have held back earnings.
He said transfer pricing by companies operating is also a big killer because profits they make are remitted to mother companies overseas.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs Manasseh Maelanga said similar sentiments and concerns have been raised in Cabinet and Caucus.
