DURING their high-level engagements in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Taijen from July 3rd to 6th, 2023, the Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon. Harry Kuma, and the Minister of Communication and Aviation, Hon. Peter Shanel, had fruitful discussions with various Chinese entities.
A significant part of their visit included a bilateral meeting with the Vice Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Mr. Zhong Haidong. CIDCA is the highest government authority in China that makes decisions on financial support and aid programs worldwide.
Minister Kuma presented the current pressing financial challenges faced by the Solomon Islands and outlined the government’s urgent need for financial support to implement priority commitments in 2023.
The historical diplomatic relations signed between the Solomon Islands Government and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 2019 were highlighted as providing a crucial opportunity for growth and development, information sharing, human resource development, and the exchange of goods and services across various sectors.
The ministers expressed that the first historical financing investment, the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project (SINBIP), marks the beginning of long-term development and benefits for the Solomon Islands. They also presented a priority pipeline of investments, including potential investments in aviation infrastructure.
In Beijing, the ministers engaged with the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank). Minister Kuma acknowledged the president of the Exim Bank for their extraordinary commitment to advancing the final approval and effectiveness of the SINBIP. Future investment opportunities were discussed, and the delegation welcomed the president’s assurance to support the social and economic development of the Solomon Islands through financing options offered by the bank.
The delegation’s engagement with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) emphasized the government’s interest in becoming a member of the bank. They presented priority infrastructure investment proposals to the president of AIIB, who assured them that the screening process to conclude the government’s interest would soon be finalized.
The ministers also engaged with the Civil Aviation Authority of China, establishing commitments to enhance future development cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding.
Furthermore, the delegation visited China Harbour Engineering Company and Huawei Technologies, both contractors and vendors for telecommunications equipment for SINBIP. Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka, from the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, expressed satisfaction with the proposed designs and technological solutions, considering them an important achievement for the government and a unique opportunity for the people of the Solomon Islands to benefit from 3G and 4G networks.
Source: OPMC
