Solomons seek a respite from free trade. (Pacific News).

The Solomon Islands Government has requested that the country be temporarily released from the requirements of a free trade agreement signed by the Melanesian Spearhead Group of nations, which links the economies of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The Solomon Islands wants a three-year hiatus in its trade pact obligations to assist the country's economic recovery by promoting and protecting the local manufacturing industry. According to government officials, the Solomon Islands runs a large trade deficit--importing far more than they export. One local manufacturer, Solomon Brewery, said its sales dropped 40 per cent last year due to duty-free beer imports from other Melanesian Spearhead Group countries. Fiji and Papua New Guinea have indicated that they are willing to support the Solomon's request, but Vanuatu says the request could hurt the other Spearhead Group states. Fiji and Papua New Guinea are the dominant trading partners in the group.

Peter Fairley is a freelance journalist who reports on technology and the environment from his home in Victoria, British Columbia. Fairley is an officer of the Society of Environmental Journalists, an association dedicated to advancing public understanding of environmental issues. He is also a member of the Tok Blong Pasifik committee.