BY TONY IROGA
Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua says the sister-province partnership between Malaita and China’s Jiangsu Province has moved beyond promises and is delivering tangible benefits to the people of Malaita.
Speaking at the presentation of livelihood assistance and the 2026 Study in Jiangsu Government Scholarships at the Mendana Hotel on Thursday, he said the partnership has strengthened agriculture, education and community development.
“Our partnership has grown from words into meaningful action,” he said.
Asilaua said Jiangsu Province has supported Malaita through donations of agricultural machinery, livelihood equipment, solar systems, water tanks, fishing gear, computers and other essential resources.
The ceremony saw Solomon Islands students receive scholarships to study in Jiangsu Province, while sewing machines and other livelihood equipment were presented to support women’s economic empowerment in Malaita.
Asilaua said the assistance is helping to improve food security, create economic opportunities and strengthen rural livelihoods.
“When women prosper, families prosper. When families prosper, communities prosper,” he said.
He encouraged scholarship recipients to study hard and return home to contribute to the province’s development, describing education as an investment in Malaita’s future.
The Premier thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Embassy, Jiangsu Province and the Solomon Islands Government for their continued support.
He said the growing partnership demonstrates how cooperation built on mutual respect and trust can deliver lasting development benefits for the people of Malaita.
Photo credit: Tony Iroga
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