PM lauds plan to redevelop Noro Port

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has applauded the MOU signed between SIPA, Tri-Marine and Maersk on a multi-million dollar plan to redevelop Noro seaport into a regional hub for transhipment of thousands of tonnes of frozen tuna to several global destinations.

Sogavare described the MOU as a milestone which will contribute a lot to the economic development of the country.

“Today [yesterday] we are gathered here to mark another milestone in the history of Solomon Islands Ports Authority and also for the Solomon Islands as a whole.

“As we are all aware, majority of trade in Solomon Islands is facilitated through our Ports and Solomon Islands must adapt to the changing international environment if we are to progress in the maritime sector.

“As such, the pursuance of strategic alliances is one avenue that Solomon Islands Ports Authority must embark upon to ensure that the Solomon Islands does not lag behind progress.

“The new alliance is evidenced by the ceremony today is our way of showing to the international community that although small, we are ready and able to contribute to the global market,” he said.

Prime Minister said an alliance with the world’s largest container shipping line MAERSK and globally acclaimed Tuna Supply Company Tri-Marine, not only transforms Noro port but allows Noro to be poised for transformation into a regionally competitive transport hub in the future.

He said this is the beginning of a new chapter in the transformation of SIPA and MAERSK and Tri-Marine for having the faith to venture with SIPA in this remarkable arrangement.

On the same note, Sogavare also made mention of similar kind of historic agreement they made with the port of Kaohsiung in Taiwan.

“Three weeks ago, we marked in history the signing of the first sister port agreement with Port of Kaohsiung, Republic of China (Taiwan) and Port of Honiara,” he said.

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