A Milestone for Melanesian Economic Integration: The First PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference

Port Vila, Vanuatu | 28 August 2026

On 19-20 August 2026, a historic first was achieved, as Private Sector leaders and Government representatives from PNG and Solomon Islands came together for the Inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference, transforming our existing traditional Wantok ties into real commercial partnership with tangible results already flowing.

The landmark event reinforced MSG’s enduring vision on regional economic cooperation. Discussions highlighted an estimated PGK1 billion in PNG investment in Solomon Islands, complemented by growing labour mobility and expanding business opportunities for Solomon Islanders in PNG. Together, these investments and people-to-people connections are strengthening economic ties between our nations and driving shared prosperity across the region.

The Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat was proud to join our private sector partners — the PNG-SI Business Council and Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry in marking this milestone event for regional trade, investment and economic cooperation.