The Solomon Islands Government is looking at trade opportunities under the arrangement they have with the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says there are incentives available under the arrangement the Government has with PRC.
He adds that the government is also looking at trade opportunities with the United Arab Emirates for Copra exports.
Sogavare says the revitalization of the Commodity Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) paves a way for the country to export to other destinations.
He says the Solomon Islands needs to improve its infrastructure in order to help facilitates international and regional trade by improving connectivity and gaining access to markets.
“We need to trade with other countries to earn new foreign revenue for our country, however, we also need our neighbors such as Australia to make access to their markets easier. I do acknowledge PACER Plus, however, the trade imbalance between the Solomon Islands remains”, Sogavare said.
Sogavare supports the call made by the Chairlady of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries in her welcome remarks at the 12th Australia – Pacific Islands Business Council Forum in Brisbane, Australia, highlighting the need for Australia to improve the export solutions in order to mitigate existing trade deficits.
“As highlighted by the SICCI Chairlady Australia is only 3 hours away and yet the only export to them is canned tuna from Soltuna.
“Australia needs to improve, put in place some conducive policy interventions to improve, and also the two countries enjoy the benefits of the program,” he says.
