CEMA is a statutory body of the Government of Solomon Islands, and is a state-owned organization under the auspice of the Ministry of Commerce, Trade & Employment.

Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) Bill was passed as an Act of Parliament by the SI National Parliament on 28th May 1984 and became effective on 1st July 1985.

Aim:

The principal aim of CEMA is to facilitate the effective and efficient marketing development and export of prescribed commodities.

Objective:

The long-range strategic is to develop effective marketing of prescribed commodities by being responsible for: -

• ¬ Development of the production and processing of prescribed commodities
• ¬ Securing the efficient and regulated marketing of prescribed commodities
• ¬ Safe guarding the interest of the producers by ensuring the best possible returns for their prescribed commodities

Functions:

• • To promote, assist and develop commodities industries
• • Secure efficient and regulated marketing of commodities
• • To make such grants and loans, provide such guarantee and secure other credit facilities
• • Undertake studies, survey, investigates and research into any matter affecting commodities, provide training and act as consultant to any matters of such.
• • Initiate, invite and induce investments, receive contributions and any form of financial assistance for purpose of developing the production of any commodity.
• • Monitor implementations of all the provisions of the CEMA Act by making necessary enquires and investigations, carryout other functions under the CEMA Act or any other

Government Policy Change to Commodities Marketing:

As have been the 1998 Government of that time plans to liberalization and privatization of CEMA Commodities  Marketing particularly buying and exporting functions , the plan materialize in mid 2002 where the marketing roles of CEMA was altered so as to cater for such move. The previous marketing activities in which CEMA been involved were now being engaged by private sector. Hence, most prescribed activities such as coconut oil production/exporting, copra purchasing/exporting and cocoa purchasing/exporting were now done by private license exporters.

CEMA now left with its regulatory functions. As a regulatory body, CEMA’s present role now is to facilitate pricings, licensing, inspection and grading and moveover, regulates the whole commodities industries.

CEMA Restructure

“2006 CEMA NEW LOOK”

CEMA has now relinquished its commercial activities particularly in trading and exporting of prescribed commodities. Immediate effect:

• • CEMA cease to trade/export prescribed commodities-include dried copra & cocoa
• • Private sector issued with export license
• • CEMA retains regulatory functions
• • Staff redundancy with effect 31st July 2002-downsizing from 85 to 8 staff
• • Physical assets sold to offset debts
• • Normal sources of revenue (trading/exports) ceased (due to liberalization) CEMA revenue will only come from fees and rentals/leases from properties that it will still now.