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RNZ News
7 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Solomon Islands PM's former chief of staff returns to represent firm that led to his firing
Solomon Islands Minister Jamie Vokia and (former) Chief of Staff Mack Faddean Aoraunisaka, right, pictured with SI Group Chairman Phan Nhat Minh and CEO Le Thi Huy Binh. Photo: Hand-out A senior Solomon Islands government staffer who was sacked by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele earlier this month is back - this time representing the very company whose dealings got him fired in the first place. On 3 July, RNZ Pacific reported that Manele dismissed his chief of staff, Mack Faddean Aoraunisaka, after he had arranged a deal between Vietnamese firms concerning a shrimp farming project. The deal between the consulting firms SI Group and Growmax, and Commerce Minister Jaimie Vokia, was signed without Manele's knowledge. It would allow the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which would give SI Group and its client Growmax (a fisheries company), special commercial privileges. The three parties signed the controversial memorandum of understanding, granting the two firms tax exemptions and various other privileges within the Solomon Islands. When Manele found out, he moved Vokia to a new ministerial portfolio and fired Aoraunisaka, while the Foreign Investment Division (FID) barred SI Group from the country. The FID said that "[SI Group's] presence in the Solomon Islands carrying out commercial activity without foreign investment approval or company incorporation violates the laws of this country." However, Solomon Business Magazine reported that SI Group and Growmax met with Fisheries Minister Bradley Tovosia on 15 July. The meeting was reportedly followed by consultations with officials from the Ministry's Aquaculture Division. In a statement, Aoraunisaka, as the "local authorised representative for SI Group JSC", decried negative attention toward his new employers. "It is unfortunate the manner in which SI has been treated," he said. "People must realise that such treatment not only damages the business reputation of a credible international company but also undermines Solomon Islands' status as a welcoming and business-friendly destination for foreign investment. "Local representatives of SI [Group] are currently working closely with the Foreign Investment Division to rectify the situation and ensure that the process is resolved amicably and efficiently." The statement included a quote from Tovosia in support of the two firms, but the Prime Minister's office could not confirm its veracity. SI Group was the sponsor of a concert on 12 July starring dancehall reggae artist Busy Signal, which Aoraunisaka called a "success". The show was set up to raise funds for the Kadere Party, of which Minister Vokia is the leader. Immediately afterward, in a news conference with a SI Group senior director by his side, party executive member Martin Housanau defended SI Group's presence in the country "The event that is happening now is a non-commissioned activity, and under the laws it doesn't benefit [the SI Group] in any convening [the event]." Aoraunisaka told Solomons Business Magazine that the over 50,000 people came to the concert, showing that SI Group has popular support. "Unfortunately, there remains a loud but tiny group of individuals-mostly hiding behind fake profiles and bitter narratives on social media-who continue to spew negativity against anything and everything good." "We need positive vibration to move forward. Bad vibe is bad. Good vibe is what the soul, the land, and the nation wants. This is a positive vibration construct. And SI Group JSC is a vessel of that positivity." RNZ Pacific has contacted the Ministry of Fisheries for comment.
RNZ News
01-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Solomon Islands PM fires chief of staff over unauthorised Vietnam deal
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has sacked his chief of staff Mack Faddean Aoraunisaka after an "unauthorised" deal with two Vietnamese firms last week. RNZ Pacific understands that Aoraunisaka "coerced" Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration Minister Jaimie Vokia into traveling to Vietnam and meet with multinational consulting firm SI Group with which he has a connection. There, they signed a controversial memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which would give SI Group and its client Growmax (a fisheries company), special commercial privileges. Vokia now faces a "disciplinary process" and possible explosion as a minister. Mack Faddean Aoraunisaka Photo: Solomon Islands Government On Friday, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister's Office issued a press statement to farewell Aoraunisaka. It stated that Aoraunisaka was "instrumental in the development and implementation of the Government for National Unity and Transformation policy during his tenure". However, Manele told a news conference the next day that his office is reviewing the relevant protocols, and that all ministers and staff are on notice. "I'm reminding my ministers that they must get permission to have to remember that any MOUs have to come to Cabinet to get a mandate." "Let me be clear, the MOU that was signed is non-binding." On Sunday, the Foreign Investment Division in the Ministry of Commerce issued a statement saying SI Group has no legal right to conduct business in the Solomons. "[SI Group's] presence in the Solomon Islands carrying out commercial activity without foreign investment approval or company incorporation violates the laws of this country." In 2024, parliament passed legislation allowing the government to create geographical zones, within which certain regulations or taxes can be bypassed. These SEZs can be established by corporations in partnership with the government to produce exports, store and process goods, conduct business services, or for tourism development. Incentives include wide-ranging tax and duty exemptions, automatic work permits for foreign employees, business visas, and the creation of "sub-zones" spread out across the whole country. Despite the controversy, Manele told reporters that the government will still push ahead with its SEZ policy. According to its website, SI Group describes itself as "the premier provider of global immigration solutions, trading consultancy, import-export business, and international real estate investment". The group claims to have operations in 20 countries, including Australia and New Zealand. Photo: Hand-out Vokia travelled alongside Aoraunisaka and one other staffer to SI Group's headquarters to sign the MOU before 2 June. A co-signatory to the MOU was Growmax Group, which describes itself as "Vietnam's leading professional shrimp industry group". Vokia agreed to an SEZ with SI Group and Growmax that would grant commercial privileges for numerous different projects. These included a shrimp farm, fisheries processing hub, gold and bauxite mines, a hospital, vocational training centres, a logistics hub with cold storage, energy, water and telecom infrastructure, and a "dedicated SEZ bank". There would also be "a luxury resort, casino, and golf course" even though the SEZ legislation explicitly excludes casinos. The MOU set out a six-month timeframe to formalise the SEZ agreement, including finalising the "legal and regulatory frameworks". SI Group would have a special "strategic adviser and priority investor" with the role of "supporting legal, financial, and regulatory alignment to attract long-term investment". They described the Solomons as "positioning itself as a new frontier for global investment". RNZ understands that Aoranunisaka has connections within SI Group. Aoraunisaka featured in an SI Group press release from April 2025 entitled "Solomon Island government reaffirms citizenship is not for sale", which hinted at the potential for a citizenship by investment programme, or golden passport, in the future. "The [government] remains committed to establishing, if pursued, a Citizenship by Investment program based on rigorous due diligence, transparency, robust regulation, and above all, the preservation of Solomon Islands' sovereignty and national pride." "The necessary legislative, regulatory, and operational frameworks are still under development." A spokesperson for Prime Minister Manele told RNZ Pacific that Vokia has not yet been sacked or suspended. "The Prime Minister's decision on what action to take is yet to be known," the spokesperson said. The Kadare Party, of which Vokia is the sole member in parliament, came to the defence of SI Group on Tuesday. SI Group is sponsorring a free concert to promote the Kadare Party on 12 July, starring dancehall reggae artist Busy Signal . In a news conference with a SI Group senior director by his side, party executive member Martin Housanau defended their presence in the Solomons. "The event that is happening now is a non-commissioned activity, and under the laws it doesn't benefit [the SI Group] in any convening [the event]." Aoraunisaka has been replaced by former MP Douglas Ete. SI Group did not respond to RNZ Pacific's request for comment.
Korea Herald
02-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
SI Group Signs Exclusive MOU in Support of Solomon Islands' First Special Economic Zone
, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SI Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of the Solomon Islands to serve as a strategic adviser and priority investor in the development and international promotion of the country's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This MOU establishes the foundation for collaboration, with a more detailed investment agreement to be finalized and presented to the Government Caucus for formal approval. Solomon Islands – A Strategic Gateway in the Pacific Situated at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands holds a unique position on major maritime trade routes. With ongoing economic reforms and a commitment to inclusive development, the country is positioning itself as a new frontier for global investment and sustainable growth. The Honourable Jaimie Lency VOKIA, Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration and Member of Parliament, stated: "This MOU marks the beginning of a strategic public-private partnership. SI Group's global reach and sector expertise will help attract serious international investors to the SEZ, aligning with our national goals for economic diversification and regional integration." A Government-Led SEZ for National Development The Special Economic Zone, officially launched by the Government of the Solomon Islands, is a flagship initiative aimed at stimulating broad-based economic transformation. Its goals include: A Cohesive Structure for Sustainable Growth The SEZ will comprise a series of interconnected sub-zones, each with distinct strategic functions: 3. Infrastructure – Finance – Logistics All sub-zones will be developed in accordance with a national master plan to ensure operational coherence and long-term sustainability. Implementation Roadmap: From Vision to Execution SI Group and the Solomon Islands Government have agreed on a structured implementation roadmap to realize the SEZ through phased development: SI Group – Strategic Adviser and Priority Investor Under the terms of the MOU, SI Group will serve as a strategic adviser and priority investor on major investment opportunities within the zone. SI Group's role includes: About SI Group Established in 2001 as ESPECO (H.K) Limited and now headquartered in Vietnam, SI Group is a global advisory and investment firm specializing in: With active operations in over 20 countries and a proven track record of delivering high-impact projects, SI Group is committed to supporting the Solomon Islands in realizing its SEZ ambitions through sustainable and inclusive development. Nguyen Huu Tri (Kannie)
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SI Group Signs Exclusive MOU in Support of Solomon Islands' First Special Economic Zone
HANOI, Vietnam, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SI Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of the Solomon Islands to serve as a strategic adviser and priority investor in the development and international promotion of the country's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This MOU establishes the foundation for collaboration, with a more detailed investment agreement to be finalized and presented to the Government Caucus for formal approval. Solomon Islands – A Strategic Gateway in the Pacific Situated at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands holds a unique position on major maritime trade routes. With ongoing economic reforms and a commitment to inclusive development, the country is positioning itself as a new frontier for global investment and sustainable growth. The Honourable Jaimie Lency VOKIA, Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration and Member of Parliament, stated: "This MOU marks the beginning of a strategic public-private partnership. SI Group's global reach and sector expertise will help attract serious international investors to the SEZ, aligning with our national goals for economic diversification and regional integration." A Government-Led SEZ for National Development The Special Economic Zone, officially launched by the Government of the Solomon Islands, is a flagship initiative aimed at stimulating broad-based economic transformation. Its goals include: Establishing a globally competitive, well-regulated business environment Attracting high-impact investment, advanced technology, and international expertise Generating employment and enabling export-led growth across multiple sectors A Cohesive Structure for Sustainable Growth The SEZ will comprise a series of interconnected sub-zones, each with distinct strategic functions: 1. Marine Economy – Agriculture – Natural Resources A 100-hectare, high-tech shrimp farm targeting premium export markets (e.g., Japan and EU) Fisheries processing hub aligned with global safety and quality standards Environmentally responsible mining operations (gold and bauxite) using ESG-aligned practices 2. Social Services – Education – Tourism An international hospital serving both local and regional communities Vocational training centers customized to SEZ workforce demands A luxury resort, casino, and golf course targeting high-end eco-tourism 3. Infrastructure – Finance – Logistics Financial services platform including a dedicated SEZ bank and investor support systems A strategic logistics hub with cold storage and streamlined cargo processing Integrated infrastructure to deliver reliable energy, water, and telecoms All sub-zones will be developed in accordance with a national master plan to ensure operational coherence and long-term sustainability. Implementation Roadmap: From Vision to Execution SI Group and the Solomon Islands Government have agreed on a structured implementation roadmap to realize the SEZ through phased development: Short-Term (0–6 months) Formalization of the SEZ Investment Agreement and submission to the Government Caucus Establishment of SI Group's office in Honiara Launch of initial pilot projects in healthcare, aquaculture, and logistics Engagement of anchor investors and technical consultants Finalization of the SEZ's legal and regulatory frameworks Long-Term (1–3 years) Full-scale development of SEZ sub-zones across targeted provinces Infrastructure deployment and utility integration Public-private partnerships for job creation and capacity building Significant growth in FDI and economic diversification Establishment of the Solomon Islands as a model for sustainable SEZ development in the Pacific SI Group – Strategic Adviser and Priority Investor Under the terms of the MOU, SI Group will serve as a strategic adviser and priority investor on major investment opportunities within the zone. SI Group's role includes: Advising on SEZ development strategy, structure, and international best practices Promoting the SEZ to global investors and multilateral institutions Facilitating capital mobilization and technical partnerships Supporting legal, financial, and regulatory alignment to attract long-term investment About SI Group Established in 2001 as ESPECO (H.K) Limited and now headquartered in Vietnam, SI Group is a global advisory and investment firm specializing in: Investor migration and post-settlement solutions Government advisory and international business development Infrastructure, real estate, and hospitality investment Strategic partnerships and trade facilitation With active operations in over 20 countries and a proven track record of delivering high-impact projects, SI Group is committed to supporting the Solomon Islands in realizing its SEZ ambitions through sustainable and inclusive development. MEDIA CONTACT Nguyen Huu Tri (Kannie) CMO & Director of Global Business Development – SI Group Email: Phone: +84 904 605 065 Website: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SI Group Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SI Group Awarded Bronze Medal by EcoVadis for Corporate Social Responsibility
Company Ranked in the Top 35% of All Rated Companies Underscoring the Company's Commitment to Good Sustainability Practices THE WOODLANDS, Texas, March 19, 2025 /CNW/ -- SI Group, a leading global developer and manufacturer of performance additives, process solutions, pharmaceuticals, and chemical intermediates, has received a Bronze medal from EcoVadis, a globally trusted platform for evaluating corporate sustainability performance. This recognition highlights SI Group's commitment to responsible business practices and its continuous efforts in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. The EcoVadis assessment evaluates companies based on a comprehensive range of stringent sustainability criteria, including environmental impact, labor practices, ethics, and sustainable procurement. The methodology is built on international corporate social responsibility standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative, the United Nations Global Compact, and the ISO 26000. The company's most recent ranking places SI Group in the top 35 percent of the more than 150,000 businesses worldwide assessed by EcoVadis. Key Highlights of SI Group's 2025 EcoVadis Ranking: SI Group scored in the 79th percentile of all Bronze medals awarded during the past 12 months by EcoVadis. SI Group's supporting documents show an exceptional level of coverage of environmental actions or certification throughout company operations. SI Group's company policies demonstrate the intention to reduce impact, mitigate risk and improve performance. SI Group has elevated its focus on sustainability in recent years and is continually striving to develop innovative solutions that will improve sustainability worldwide. "We are proud to receive a Bronze ranking from EcoVadis," said Dave Brassington, Sr. Director, Regulatory & Sustainability. "It only strengthens our commitment to evolving and improving on the social and environmental initiatives we have in place. We are striving for a Gold medal or better in future years." As part of its commitment to sustainability, SI Group has released several ESG Reports to maintain transparency across every aspect of its business operations and corporate social responsibility. The company plans to release a 2025 ESG Report later this year. Visit for more information. About EcoVadisEcoVadis is the world's most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, intelligence and collaborative performance improvement tools for global supply chains. Backed by a powerful technology platform and a global team of domain experts, EcoVadis' easy-to-use and actionable sustainability scorecards provide detailed insight into environmental, social and ethical risks across 250+ purchasing categories and 185+ countries. About SI GroupSI Group is a global leader in the innovative technology of performance additives, process solutions, and chemical intermediates. SI Group's solutions enhance the quality and performance of industrial and consumer goods in the plastics, rubber & adhesives, fuels & lubricants, oilfield, and pharmaceutical industries. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, USA, SI Group operates 19 manufacturing facilities across three continents, serving customers in 80 countries with the support of approximately 1,600 employees worldwide. In 2023, SI Group published its inaugural ESG report, showcasing its commitment to continuous improvement and sustainability. SI Group innovates and drives change to create value with a passion for safety, chemistry, and extraordinary results. Learn more at Media Contact: Joseph Grande ph: + 1.413.684.2463 joe@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SI Group, Inc. View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
