BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands government generated $60 million last year 2024 from copra value-added products.
The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) Director Mr. Simon Chottu said that 7000 metric tons exported last year was copra, while 4000 metric tons was in the form of oil.
“That was the good indicator of last year’s data, where 100 million generated for the economy was from copra. From the 100 million, 40 million was from copra and 60 million was from oil, value added products. 7000 metric tons of copra were exported, and 4000 metric tons were for oil,’’ said Chottu.
Speaking to Island Sun in an interview, Chottu said that CEMA’s intention going forward in its revitalization is increasing the volume of value-adding both domestically and internationally.
Mr Chottu said that while the country exports a low volume of value-added products, it generates high returns compared to normal copra export.
She said that although a high volume of copra and cocoa comes from farmers, it usually declines when it comes to export.
“The demand for value-added products increases in the domestic market, and in terms of volume, value-added commodities are also high, reducing the export of copra because we have domestic companies in the country who are involved in value adding.
“In that way, we see a good return although low volume is exported, compared to high volume of copra export, the low volume of oil has higher return. That is the same situation for cocoa,’’ he said.
He said that CEMA would support farmers to continue production and encourage private sectors looking at a refinery to engage in value-added products.
Mr Chottu said that while CEMA is incapable of doing itself due to lack of proper infrastructure and equipment, CEMA look to utilize the private sector.
“In terms of export, yes, demand is out there for us to export, but we need to increase volume. Rehabilitate plantations, clean up plantation etc,’’ he said.
He said that it is one thing the CEMA called on MAL to work closely together to support farmers.
“About 70% of value-added product was exported and 30% circulated in the domestic market,’’ said Chottu.
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