Solomon Islands: Doing business and staying in touch
Doing Business in Solomon Islands
Shirt and smart trousers or skirt will suffice. English and French are widely spoken. The best time to visit is May to October.
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1300-1630, Sat 0730-1200.
Economy
The economy depends on subsistence agriculture and fishing, which together employ about 90% of the population. The agricultural sector produces coconuts, sweet potatoes, cassava, fruit and vegetables; livestock rearing has grown steadily. Copra is still produced in commercial quantities, but low world prices have reduced the income from this commodity.
The Solomon Islands' main industrial prospect lies in its mostly undeveloped mineral resources. Gold mining is now important and is set for further expansion; in addition, there are confirmed deposits of copper, lead, zinc, silver, cobalt and other ores. In the service sector, there is a small tourism industry which brings in around US$15 million annually, but this has been affected by the poor security situation.
GDP
US$358 million (2007).
Main exports
Timber, fish, palm oil, palm kernels, coconuts, cocoa and copra.
Main imports
Machinery, transport equipment and mineral fuels.
Main trading partners
Australia, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Keeping in Touch in Solomon Islands
Telephone
There are no area codes. There are often technical problems with line connections.
Mobile Phone
Visitors can hire mobile phones on the islands; payment is preferred in cash (US/AUS/NZ currencies are accepted).
Internet
Public e-mail facilities are available in Gizo and Honiara.
Media
A high rate of illiteracy means that the radio has more influence than the press. An Australian-led mission to restore order had improved working conditions for local journalists and militia leaders who threatened the press were jailed. The Australian government donated equipment to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) and has sponsored programmes to promote peace. Taiwan has also granted technical aid.
Post
Airmail to Europe takes approximately seven days.
Post Office hours(Honiara) Mon-Fri 0900-1630, Sat 0900-1100. Other post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1630, Sat 0800-1200.
