THE RECENTLY established Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industries for Solomon Islands (ICCTISI) has now registered more than 500 members.
ICCTISI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charles Dausabea said membership is growing and hopes to reach 1000 membership upon completion of its provincial launching.
Speaking at Gizo last week, CEO, Mr Dausabea said Temotu and Renbel are the only two provinces still yet to be reached for official launch of the chamber.
He said as soon as it completes its launching activities and formation of provincial committees, the organisation will begin the next step in identifying and assisting local entrepreneurs to compete in the economy.
“When we completed Renbel, we should reach 1000 indigenous businesses membership, and we will start the battle,” Mr Dausabea affirmed.
He called on interested indigenous local business houses to register as members to receive the benefits of the organisation.
“Be a member early to start receiving benefits,” Mr Dausabea said.
He said ICCTISI, as a legal entity, has three approaches.
“The first is working alongside the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration (MCILI) to identify companies that the government will assist on its $10 million funding on Small to Medium Enterprises.”
He adds the second approach is the procurement of goods direct from its established agents overseas to assist its members, adding, one of its officers is abroad to sign an agreement overseas.
“The third one is, and that is our aim to set up our own bank that will recognise the businesses we operate,” Mr Dausabea said.
He said the focus of the organisation is to try and assist indigenous people of Solomon Islands start their own businesses.
“A body to empower indigenous businesses of this country and put an end to slavery of indigenous businesses and people of Solomon Islands.
“This is to help raise our business standard, and to help raise us up to take ownership and control of our country.
“And I think that is the basic fundamental pillar of this body,” Mr Dausabea said.
He said the organisation will start dispersing funds and goods to members as soon as it completes its launch in Renbel Province.
ICCTISI so far has launched in Auki, Honiara, Guadalcanal, Ngella, Gizo and Taro in Choiseul province.
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