A high-level Solomon Islands delegation has successfully completed a week-long agriculture study tour to New Zealand, aimed at strengthening capacity, deepening policy knowledge, and exploring new opportunities in New Zealand’s fresh produce and processed food markets.
The delegation was led by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Franklyn Derek Wasi, accompanied by Hon. Dr Paul Bosawai SAPE Farm Owner; Ms Jean Eroa, Director of Biosecurity Solomon Islands; Ms Sharon Nanau, Director of Communications and Information; and Dr Rex Maukera, owner of Goshen Enterprise.
Throughout the action-packed programme, the group met with a wide range of New Zealand government agencies, research institutions and agribusinesses to exchange knowledge and explore opportunities to boost agricultural production and exports from Solomon Islands.
Engagements included discussions with Pacific Trade and Invest, Grow Asia Pacific, the Bioeconomy Science Institute, Horticulture New Zealand and Rautini.
The delegation also met with New Zealand’s Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety, Hon. Andrew Hoggard, to discuss the importance of bio-security and the support New Zealand has provided to Solomon Islands to fight the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle.
A highlight of the visit was a hands-on session with the Wellington Chocolate Factory, where the delegation crafted their own chocolate bars using cocoa sourced directly from growers in Guadalcanal.
The experience showcased the value and international appeal of Solomon Islands cocoa in high-end specialty chocolate markets.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E. Jonathan Curr, said:
“New Zealand is proud to support Solomon Islands’ ambitions to grow its agriculture sector and access new export markets. This study tour strengthened partnerships, opened new connections, and demonstrated the real potential of Solomon Islands products – especially its world-class cocoa.”
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Franklyn Wasi, said:
“This tour has been an eye opener for me as a first time MP and Minister for MAL. The engagements with the various institutes in New Zealand have been very enriching and opened up new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations especially in the area of agriculture research and trade. I firmly believe that this tour has also provided a rare chance for the two selected entrepreneurs in taro and cassava explore marketing opportunities in the New Zealand market given
that New Zealand hosts one of the largest Pacific Island Diaspora in the world. In this instance, I wish to sincerely thank the people and government of New Zealand for facilitating the tour where my visiting team has indeed grasped new ideas that we think can be further developed through our bilateral cooperation”.
The agriculture study tour marks another step forward in the ongoing cooperation between Solomon Islands and New Zealand.
– NZ Press
