Timber & Jobs: Australia is partnering with Kolombangara Forest Products to train workers in heavy machinery and upgrade an early learning centre, supporting a certified sustainable timber plantation that employs about 1,000 Solomon Islanders. Economy & Budget: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says real GDP growth is revised up to 3.5% as mining, agriculture, tourism and fisheries strengthen while logging declines; he also flagged manageable debt (debt-to-GDP 27.2%) and reported 2025 revenue of about $4.1b versus spending near $5.1b. Banking Reform: Cabinet has approved work on a new national bank with a rural bank component in partnership with the World Bank, aiming to bring banking to communities left out after past credit union failures. Mining Law Overhaul: A new Mineral Resources Bill 2025 would modernise mining rules, make Community Development Agreements statutory, strengthen landowner access and compensation, and tighten environmental safeguards. Mining Revenue vs Capital Flows: Lilo raised concerns that strong gold export earnings aren’t matched by visible capital inflows in the national accounts, prompting further review. Public Finance Scrutiny: Parliament deferred supplementary bills after required reports weren’t tabled. Infrastructure & Security: Construction is advancing on Honiara Port’s Berth 1 upgrade, while Australia will hand over the new Lofung border and patrol boat outpost to boost western maritime security. Regional Fisheries: Pacific tuna bodies are shifting toward value retention and economic development under the Vakamanu strategy. Governance & Trade: Government moves to tighten tax collection and tackle exemptions, including steps toward a VAT framework and income tax rewrites. Youth Justice: A National Youth Justice Bill is stalled as legislative priorities compete, with UNICEF-funded consultations reported as fully spent.