WESTERN Province is ready to host any investor from China’s Fujian Province in the productive sector.
Thats according to the Western Province Deputy Premier Hon. Brian Lotikena following the arrival of a high level delegation from the Fujian province in the country on Sunday.
Speaking to the Solomon Star Lotikena said, they welcome investors from Fujian Province to invest in the areas of fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and forestry.
Western Province and the Fujian Province sealed their relationship following the formal signing of a sister relationship between the two provinces on July 9, 2024.
Fujian Province, located on the southeast coast of China with its capital in Fuzhou, sent a delegation headed by Hon. Li Dejin, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Fujian Provincial People’s Congress.
The six-member delegation arrived at Honiara International Airport on Sunday to further dialogue with Western Province regarding these productive sector.
Deputy Premier Lotikena and People’s Republic of China Ambassador to Solomon Islands His Excellency Mr. Cai Weiming were at the Honiara international Airport to welcome the delegation.
Lotikena emphasized that this partnership will focus on developing the province’s productive sectors.
“We have the resources that the partnership can tap into and create development for the province,” he said.
Currently, Western Province has two fishing companies in Noro, but is looking to expand its fisheries sector with Fujian.
“Fujian is a coastal province with technical expertise in fisheries activities like fish farming, seaweed farming, and more,” Lotikena stated.
The Western Provincial Government will primarily engage in dialogue with Fujian Province on productive sectors.
“This trip focuses on fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and forestry. Western Province is ready to host Fujian Province investors,” he added.
Lotikena highlighted that Western Province faces many challenges and development needs.
“We will not remain quiet but push hard for more developments. These developments will create more jobs for people in Western Province and throughout Solomon Islands.”
He noted this partnership represents an opportunity for Western Province to benefit from China’s technical expertise.
“China has one of the biggest economies in the world, and Western Province is looking forward to utilizing their expertise in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and forestry.”
In the future, Western Province plans to explore collaboration in service sectors with Fujian.
“We are looking at education and health sectors. All these initiatives are part of Western Province’s package that we will continue to pursue, negotiate, and work toward achieving,” Lotikena explained.
Fujian Province covers a land area of 124,000 square kilometres and a sea area of 136,000 square kilometres.
The Fujian delegation is traveling to Western Province Monday morning for a one day discussion with the Western Provincial Executive.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
