The slowdown in China, the destination for around half of Solomon Islands' logs resulted in a decline in our timber industry. For Solomon Islands, logging has not only been a major contributor to growth but has also been our major export earner, an important source of employment and a crucial contributor to government revenues.
Our CMA awardees for this year are among the most diverse set of winners, coming from a range of industries.1 But they have two things in common: 1) they demostrate how financial inclusion and microfinance can unlock opportunities and 2) they serve as catalysts for the development of their ventures in various areas.