Honiara- 30th October 2026 – The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) hosted the 3rd CBSI -ADB – APAEA Joint International Research Conference on Global Economic Shocks at the Heritage Park Hotel on Tuesday, 27th of October.
Held under the theme “Navigating Global Economic Shocks: Monetary Policy, Exchange Rate Dynamics, and Macroeconomic Stability in Small Open Economies,”the conference brought together central bank researchers, academics, policymakers, development partners and private sector representatives to discuss economic challenges and policy responses for small, open economies.
Participants explored key macroeconomic issues, including exchange rate dynamics and trade adjustment, exchange rate pass-through to inflation, financial sector efficiency, international capital flows and the broader implications of global economic shocks for small economies across the Asia-Pacific region.
In his welcome remarks, Mr David K.C. Quan, OBE, Acting Governor of CBSI, highlighted the impact of global economic shocks and climate-related events on Solomon Islands. He emphasized the importance of research and how it must translate into practical policy solutions.
“While many economic shocks originate beyond Solomon Islands' borders and are largely outside the country's control, research can help policymakers better understand their implications and develop more effective responses,” he said.
He added that, while research is valuable, it does not solve problems on its own. “Too often, good ideas remain in reports and journals without influencing the decisions we make. The challenge for all of us is to ensure that research is relevant, practical, and connected to the realities facing our economies,” he said.
Mr Quan stressed that research must extend beyond academic publications and contribute meaningfully to policy development and decision-making.
In his keynote address, Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon. Rexon Ramofafia, underscored the importance of proactive policy action, stronger financial buffers and investment in local research capacity to strengthen economic resilience.
“The lesson from every crisis is clear: resilience must be built before it is needed. By strengthening our buffers today, we will be better prepared to withstand the challenges of tomorrow,” Minister Ramofafia said.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of collaboration, evidence-based policymaking and regional partnerships in helping Solomon Islands and other Pacific economies respond effectively to global economic uncertainty.
The conference reinforced the value of bringing researchers, policymakers and practitioners together to exchange knowledge, strengthen institutional partnerships and develop practical solutions that support macroeconomic stability and resilient, sustainable economic growth across the Pacific.
CBSI acknowledges the valuable collaboration and contributions of ADB and APAEA in making the conference possible.
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About the Central Bank of Solomon Islands:
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) is the nation’s premier financial institution, responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policy. CBSI oversees and regulates the country’s banking and financial system, ensuring economic stability and growth.
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