Solomon Islands became the first country in the Pacific region, and 41 globally, to meet the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Standard, after the country released its first EITI report.

The report reconciles the payments made by extractive companies to Solomon Islands Government, against those received during 2012 and 2013.

The report was produced by an independent auditor from abroad and endorsed by the Solomon Islands Extractive Industries National Stakeholder Group in a meeting last week.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo acknowledged the World Bank for assisting the Solomon Islands Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative SIEITI.

Prime Minister Lilo said Solomon Islands face challenges of capacity and resources, but it believes the ideals of transparency from the EITI to this landmark publication.

The Solomon Islands Extractive Industries National Stakeholder Group consists of Extractive Industries,Government and Civil Society representative.