THE Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and the Embassy of Japan in Honiara have held another fruitful bilateral dialogue on Economic Development Cooperation.
The high-level dialogue further strengthens the partnership between the two countries and renewed understanding on their development cooperation, in particular on developments that are responsive and aligned to Solomon Islands priorities, contribute to economic growth and improving people’s livelihoods.
Solomon Islands Government and the Government of Japan officials that attended the dialogue on Economic Development Cooperation.
It was convened at the FFA Conference Room in Honiara on Friday 21st July 2023 – less than a year after a similar successful dialogue was held at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, October last year.
The dialogue was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) Ms Susan Sulu and Ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands H.E. Miwa Yioshiaki.
In attendance were SIG permanent secretaries, deputy secretaries and senior SIG officials as well as senior officials from the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The dialogue presents the opportunity for both parties to discuss policy issues and issues of mutual interest and concern, and strengthen their cooperation and development partnership.
It also allows the SIG and the Government of Japan – which was represented by the Embassy of Japan in Honiara – a space to discuss priorities for their partnership and development cooperation in the years ahead.
Ambassador of Japan to SI and Co-chair H.E. Miwa Yioshiaki
Delivering his opening remarks during the dialogue, MNPDC Minister Hon. Rexon Ramofafia extend his sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for the ongoing support and assistance to Solomon Islands and its people.
He noted that it is critical for the two countries partnership to support investments that are transformative and game changing for Solomon Islands.
“I want to emphasise that the priorities that you discuss today should be ones that are responsive and aligned to Solomon Islands priorities and would contribute to growth and development, improving people’s livelihoods and protecting our environment and planet for future generations,” Hon. Ramofafia emphasized.
The dialogue also presents an opportunity to discuss challenges that the partnership has faced and share lessons as well as devise new and innovative ways of working that are inclusive, and responsive and fit for Solomon Islands context.
It focused on a number of key areas of economic cooperation.
The two governments discussed potential pipeline projects in the areas of waste management, forestry, agriculture, energy and fisheries sector as well as rural development. The two sides discussed ways to further strengthen this cooperation moving forward.
SIG Officials
In closing the dialogue, Co-chair and MNPDC Permanent Secretary Ms Sulu acknowledged the Government of Japan for its ongoing assistance and support through various sectors, and highlighted a need for further discussion on potential projects.
“The important point for us moving forward in terms of some of these key priorities is further discussion on key ideas and sequencing of these priorities for our development corporation, as well on how we target the mix of different channels the partnership provides for us,” Ms Sulu said.
The dialogue was a productive and constructive exchange of views. The two sides agreed to continue their close cooperation on economic development and sustainable development in the years to come.
-MNPDC Press
