A group representing Solomon Islands business women is hoping plans to operate a daily flea market in the capital will soon be approved.
The non-government organisation, Solomon Islands Women in Business Association, or SIWIBA, currently operates a market for its members at the arts gallery premises in Honiara once every two months but hopes to extend this to satisfy a growing list of would-be vendors.
The President of SIWIBA, Rose Usukana, says the organisation has 450 members, many of whom are looking for business opportunities without start up capital and says the daily market will provide them with opportunities to make money.
“The takings are good. We also do a survey like feedback after the end of the flea market, where our women are feeling and also show how much they earn. Some say four thousand, three. The flea market is on for an average of three days and our women are making full use of it.”
Rose Usukana says SIWIBA is negotiating with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which owns the land, and hopes an agreement will be reached by the end of the year.
The Honiara City Council manages a daily market in central Honiara but SIWIBA says it is too overcrowded for new vendors.
Source: http://www.rnzi.com/