DEAR EDITOR, nothing is so detestable than to have the country’s balance of trade controlled by foreigners.

Unfortunately, this is the situation this country is faced with.

Accordingly, the volatility and uncertainty this trend poises to the future of Solomon Islands is far greater than one can discern.

I could be naïve or rather too pessimistic in my view but the fact that successive governments have failed to map out the future they wish for the country should be a course for concern for anyone in his/her right mind.

The failure of the government to encourage and protect indigenous business participation through the provision of preferential services and security is alarmingly tipping the business environment in favor of Asians.

As a result, indigenous businesses have inevitably succumbed to the unfavorable and in conceivable business situation that exists.

The locals find it hard to compete against these Asians whose through their network of business cunningness have led to the marginalisation and worsts still the displacement of indigenous Solomon Islanders from participating in Business and entrepreneurship.

Whilst competition is encouraged, reserved business areas for locals should be protected. Similarly, open business category must be properly administered under the laws of the land so as to provide a level playing field for both locals and foreigners.

This includes the breaking down of Asian networks that control importation, wholesaling and retailing.

The craftiness of these networks has pushed local businesses to the brinks.

One need not be a rocket scientist to deduce the fact that running a fish and chips kiosk does not require someone from China, Hong Kong or Singapore to operate.

This is because Solomon Islanders are more than capable of venturing into such business activity.

A genuine investor should bring in foreign currency to operate businesses which require huge capital input to kick start.

It is high time that our elected leaders have some sense of vision as to what future they envisaged for this country.

Taking each day as it comes as we do now would have detrimental impacts that would be bad for an emerging nation like Solomon Islands.

 

Samson Sade

Honiara