THE increasing involvement of Asian buyers in the beche-de-mer trade in Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) does not go down well with the Luaniua House of Chiefs.
The Secretary for the Luaniua House of Chiefs in Lord Howe, Chief Hugo Viauli in an interview with the Solomon Star is urging authorities to take action against these Asian buyers.
Chief Viauli expressed concern over the significant number of buyers mostly Chinese participating in the purchase of beche-de-mer products in that region.
“I am uncertain whether these Asian buyers possess the necessary licenses to engage in this trade, but they are disrupting our local buyers,” Chief Viauli stated.
He claimed that these Asians are not only purchasing beche-de-mer but also selling their own products, which has adversely affected local market prices.
“They are impacting the prices of goods provided by local shop owners in our communities,” he added.
Chief Viauli urged local fishermen to cease their dealings with these Asian buyers.
“I call on those fishermen who have been trading with these traders to stop their engagements with them,” he reiterated.
Additionally, he urged immigration authorities to investigate the presence of these individuals, questioning whether they are in the country solely for beche-de-mer trade or if they have broader business interests in Honiara.
Following the lifting of the beche-de-mer ban by the government last week, alot of buyers are visiting the rural communities and provinces to buy this lucrative marine products from resource owners and divers.
By John Chrisma
Solomon Star, Honiara
