Jobs & Skills: Solomon Islands and New Zealand agreed to deepen cooperation on vocational training, labour mobility and job pathways, with talks highlighting expansion of seasonal work opportunities into agriculture and value-added processing. Pacific Funding Push: Australia and the US announced a combined US$580m package for Pacific nations, including US$60m for fuel storage and grid stability and major support aimed at tackling energy insecurity and organised crime. Central Bank Watch: CBSI warned inflation could reach 5–6% by end-2026 while keeping its policy rate at 1.5%, citing oil-price and weather disruptions plus betel nut price swings. SME Finance Boost: SICCI welcomed the government’s relaunch of the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme, saying it can unlock bank lending for local businesses. Mining Governance: Transparency Solomon Islands urged stronger transparency and landowner consultation in the Mineral Resources Bill, including calls to remove “constructive consent.” Energy for Health: UNICEF and partners delivered solar electrification to seven rural health facilities in Malaita, improving maternal and child services. Trade & Industry: SINU will host the 2026 National Trade Fair (Sept 7–14) after signing an MoU with MCILI, with upgrades planned for SINU Village. Seafood & Supply Chains: Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia opened in Singapore, spotlighting new products and processing tech across the seafood supply chain.