Solomon Islands stand by to assist with referendum

THE Government of Solomon Islands stands ready to assist in delivering a successful referendum for the people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Prime Minister James Marape met with the Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, pictured, yesterday in Port Moresby to discuss the two country’s bilateral relationship and also issues of mutual interest which included the upcoming, Bougainville referendum, border security, economic, trade and investment, labour mobility and employment opportunities
“The Government of Papua New Guinea is looking forward to working with the Government of Solomon Islands to build both countries bilateral relationships from strength to strength.”
Marape said both countries are looking at how they can participate in the economy of each country.
“There are more PNG businesses in the Solomon Islands as well,” he said.
“The figures in 2015 show that Papua New Guinea exported K34.35 million of goods and services and imported K14.57 million and had a trade surplus of K19.78 million.
“And major Papua New Guinea investments in the Solomon Islands include New Britain Palm Oil Ltd, Lamana Group of Companies, Bank South Pacific, Credit Corporations and other companies that are based in the country and have branches in the Solomon Islands.”
Marape also acknowledged the Solomon Islands government’s decision to align with the Chinese government saying that it is the Government’s sovereign decision which he is confident can yield good development outcomes for the Solomon Islands given the many economic opportunities that China has on offer.