BY NED GAGAHE
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD) Franklyn Derek Wasi says Solomon Islands can learn valuable lessons from China as Solomon Islands prepares to graduate from its Least Developed Country (LDC) status and pursue greater economic growth through agriculture.
Speaking during a formal ceremony between the Ministry and a visiting delegation from Jiangsu Province of China in Honiara yesterday, Minister Wasi highlighted China’s achievements in poverty reduction and agricultural development.
“All these are very vital as we are expected to graduate from LDC status next year and there is no better country to learn from than China, the only nation on earth to have eradicated 800 million people out of poverty since the 1970s,” Wasi said.
The minister made the remarks as Solomon Islands and Jiangsu Province strengthened agricultural cooperation through the handover of farm equipment, the inauguration of a rice demonstration base, and the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS), the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and MALD.
Wasi said agriculture remains the most important economic backbone of Solomon Islands and that stronger cooperation with China will help improve agricultural productivity, research, innovation and food security.
He said the initiatives launched during the ceremony align with the policy priorities of the GREAT government’s agriculture sector and are expected to support domestic food production while creating new opportunities for farmers.
“It will promote inclusivity, strengthen extension and research and innovation, thereby increase domestic production and achieve food security for Solomon Islands,” he said.
The minister acknowledged the growing partnership between Solomon Islands and China since diplomatic relations were established in 2019, noting that cooperation has expanded into sectors including education, health, infrastructure, rural development, fisheries and agriculture.
He also praised the contribution of the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, which has deployed agricultural experts to Solomon Islands since 2024 and helped establish rice and vegetable demonstration farms.
Vice Governor Zhao Yan of Jiangsu Province said agricultural cooperation remains a cornerstone of relations between China and Solomon Islands.
He said Jiangsu is committed to sharing agricultural technology, research expertise and innovation with Solomon Islands to support the country’s agricultural transformation and food security goals.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Honiara, SINU officials and agricultural stakeholders from both countries.
Photo credit: Ned Gagahe
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