PRC hands over $1.5m tractors and materials to NE Guadalcanal to boost agriculture, roads, and rural livelihoods.
The People’s Republic of China (PRC), in partnership with the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), on 18 December 2025 officially handed over project support valued at $1.5 million to the North East Guadalcanal Constituency (NEGC).
The assistance includes three brand-new tractors and construction materials comprising 4,290 cement bags, 3,000 steel rods (12mm), 1,980 steel rods (6mm), 20 wheelbarrows, 200 mesh wire F62 sheets, 50 black plastic rolls, and five rolls of tie-wire.
The tractors, complete with fittings, are among the largest MASSEY Ferguson 4WD agricultural tractors currently in the country. They are intended to support agricultural development in the constituency, while the hardware materials will be used for infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, footpaths, and churches within NEGC communities.
Aimed at boosting agricultural production and enhancing socio-economic livelihoods, the initiative reflects the PRC’s ongoing commitment to sustainable community development and empowerment through strategic projects that promote self-sufficiency across the Solomon Islands. The agricultural machinery complements ongoing road improvement and rehabilitation works in the constituency, enhancing access to markets and essential services.
The project goods and materials were received by the Member of Parliament for NEGC, Jamie Vokia, on behalf of his constituents, from Chinese Embassy representative in Solomon Islands, Counsellor Li Qinghua.
and Survey, Jamie Vokia delivers his remarks.
“I am really grateful for this generous support,” Minister Vokia said, expressing profound gratitude on behalf of the people of NEGC to the PRC.
Farmers in NEGC are among the main suppliers of fresh garden produce to Honiara markets. The tractors are expected to play a crucial role in enabling farmers to expand their farmlands, improve efficiency, and increase production, income, and livelihoods.
Minister Vokia said the tractors represent a significant boost and a realization of the constituency’s development plan.
“Thank you so much for these tractors. It is in our constituency development plan that we are envisioning expansion of farmlands and increasing production. Increasing production is all we want, and with the help of these tractors, farmers will expand their farm sizes which subsequently will also lead to increased household income as well as contribution to food security,” he said.
ceremony.
“The NEGC is so lucky because these are the biggest tractors in the country at the moment. This means that the constituency is serious and thoughtful about the future of its people and communities. We can do it,” he added.
“Additionally, we also need good roads to access the market and other vital services, so part of this funding will be committed to road construction materials to support our maintenance and rehabilitation of feeder roads in the constituency.”
Minister Vokia further stated that, as the constituency’s MP, he will ensure the constituency office continues working in partnership with development partners to support initiatives that promote prosperity and self-sufficiency.
ceremony.
He also called on the people of NEGC to remain united in advancing the constituency’s development aspirations and fostering social and economic progress, citing the Chinese proverb: “When people unite as one, even mountains can be moved.”
He highlighted the importance of partnerships, noting that combined efforts from communities, the PRC, and the Solomon Islands Government are key to achieving tangible development outcomes. He also expressed deep gratitude to the PRC government and its people for their support through the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP).
In her remarks, Counsellor Li Qinghua congratulated the constituency on receiving the support and reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ socio-economic development through initiatives such as RSDP.
the keys to the brand-new tractors to Jamie Vokia, Member of Parliament for
North East Guadalcanal Constituency. He is flanked by MRD Permanent Secretary
John Misite’e (second row, centre), community representatives from NEGC,
constituency officers, community chiefs, and MRD Director
of Governance Noel Matea (far left).
Ms. Li emphasized that RSDP is not only a development project but a partnership rooted in empowerment, enabling communities to become self-reliant. She noted that China’s support extends beyond infrastructure to include capacity-building and training programs aimed at transferring knowledge and skills to Solomon Islanders, fostering sustainable development.
Counsellor Li reaffirmed the PRC’s dedication to strengthening the country’s socio-economic resilience through various development initiatives.
“Because most of the Solomon Islands’ people—about 80 percent—live in remote areas, development in rural areas is very important. I am glad to confirm China’s steadfast commitment to supporting constituencies with their development initiatives to improve livelihoods and alleviate poverty in rural communities,” she said.
“…China’s achievement in lifting 800 million people out of poverty is based on a people-oriented principle with dedication, and devotion of all officials, as well as a focus on the natural conditions of each village. The most practical and suitable methods are adopted for each village to improve livelihoods.
“I believe that here in the Solomon Islands, each constituency has its own local conditions and advantages. Therefore, the best approach is to adopt methods most suitable to the local conditions. RSDP will help each constituency find its path to achieve common development and prosperity. Sharing is caring, and we look forward to sharing China’s experience in poverty alleviation with the Solomon Islands,” Ms. Li underscored.
“I firmly believe that with support from the government and the people of the Solomon Islands, we can turn poverty alleviation into reality.”
Ms. Li reiterated that the handover demonstrates practical cooperation between the PRC and Solomon Islands under RSDP, further strengthening bilateral relations. She also emphasized the importance of partnership and collaboration.
“Projects under RSDP are proposal-based and will be implemented and monitored strictly in partnership with MRD to maximize benefits for the people of each constituency. It is our shared responsibility to ensure projects are implemented properly to deliver tangible and actionable results for rural communities,” she concluded.
Community members of NEGC who attended the handover ceremony expressed their support for the project and appreciation to the PRC government and its people.
The RSDP is a partnership program between the PRC and the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Rural Development. Since 2023, China has actively supported the program, which is proposal-based and implemented by MRD in partnership with the Chinese Embassy.
The program aligns with China’s Global Development Initiative, including the Belt and Road Initiative, and supports the Solomon Islands’ National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016–2035. RSDP primarily targets rural and semi-urban communities, aiming to improve social and economic infrastructure, promote income-generating activities, and address food security and climate resilience.
Source: MRD Media
