Thompson Guralaua, an agriculturalist by profession, made the promise as the nation prepares to go to the polls.
“There’s a huge overseas market out their for tuna sausage,” Mr Guralaua told the Solomon Star.
“All we need to do is set up the right machine here and Solomon Islands becomes a tuna sausage exporter.
“I plan to do that if the people of East Honiara voted me in,” he said.
Mr Guralaua had lived in New Zealand in the last 10 years where he holds shares in a cattle business called Van-der Poel in the country’s West Coast.
He decided to return for the election because he says he has a heart for his people and country.
“As an agriculturalist by profession, I know we have lots of resources here we can turn to our economic advantage.
“Our tuna, which is currently being exploited by foreigners, is one. Another one is eel fish, which also has a huge market overseas.
“Then we also have many of our root crops here which we can export.
“All we need to do is set up a hot water treatment plant where the crops are quarantined to meet overseas export requirements.
“I am planning to set up such treatment plant so that our people, especially those in East Honiara, could be able to export their root crops,” Mr Guralaua said.
He said there are also other possible income generating projects like pearl farming that could be explored.
“As someone with a rich agricultural background, I know I have a lot to offer to the people of East Honiara.
“This is what prompted me to return home.
“I’m not here for money or other benefits that come with being a Member of Parliament.
“I’ve already had enough working and living in New Zealand.
“What I wanted to do is to help our people improve their standard of living,” Mr Guralaua, who has parental heritage from Malaita and Guadalcanal, said.
He said if he is elected, he will set up an office in East Honiara that will deal with all issues – money and development – in the constituency.
“I just want to urge voters in East Honiara to make the right decision.
“Do know that the votes you cast tomorrow will determine the future of our children,” he said.
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