17 Nov 2015

Solomons talks land rights with indigenous Australians

9:40 am on 17 November 2015

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands says his country can learn a lot from the experiences of Australian Indigenous peoples about land reform, economic development and growth.

Manasseh Sogavare

Manasseh Sogavare Photo: RNZI

Manasseh Sogavare met with the chairperson of the Australian Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Warren Mundine on Friday ahead of the Solomon Islands Business Excellence Awards held over the weekend.

Mr Mundine says his talks in the country centred on the concept of doing business within the framework of communal land and traditional cultures, and how Solomon Islands can work through any issues to ensure economic growth.

Mr Sogavare acknowledged that land issues are a major challenge to development in Solomon Islands, and governments have yet to find the appropriate framework which balances development with cultural concerns.

The Solomon Islands Women In Business Association= were recipients of this years Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce business excellence award, presented over the weekend.