Solomon Islands seeks stronger cooperation with Canada on education, jobs, affordable energy and national connectivity.
The Solomon Islands Government is seeking to deepen its development partnership with Canada, with a strong focus on education, employment, affordable energy and national connectivity.
The priorities were discussed by Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Peter Kenilorea Jr., during a bilateral meeting last week with Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau.
Minister Kenilorea stated that Solomon Islands is seeking development partnerships that deliver tangible outcomes for its people and directly support national priorities.
Education and skills development were central to the discussions, including opportunities to strengthen scholarship and training pathways between Solomon Islands and Canada.
Minister Kenilorea stressed that overseas education must ultimately contribute to building Solomon Islands’ human capital.
“The Government wants Solomon Islanders to gain international qualifications, skills and experience while ensuring those skills can be brought home to support national development,” Minister Kenilorea said.
The discussions also considered labour mobility opportunities, which could provide Solomon Islanders with access to employment, income and skills development while strengthening economic opportunities for families at home.
Energy affordability was another key priority.
Minister Kenilorea highlighted the Government’s push to reduce the high cost of electricity and accelerate Solomon Islands’ transition towards cleaner and more reliable energy.
The Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) and the country’s significant solar potential were identified as important opportunities, alongside the need for stronger regulatory frameworks capable of attracting private-sector investment in renewable energy.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of strengthening transport connectivity across the archipelago.
Minister Kenilorea discussed opportunities to improve maritime services, including ferry connectivity and access to suitable vessels to support the movement of people, vehicles and goods between islands.
Air connectivity and potential access to suitable aviation assets were also raised.
Minister Kenilorea welcomed Canada’s continued partnership with Solomon Islands and expressed the Government’s interest in taking bilateral cooperation into a more practical and results-oriented phase.
The bilateral meeting is part of the GREAT Coalition Government’s efforts to build stronger and more diverse development partnerships while ensuring that these partnerships support Solomon Islands’ national interests and priorities.
Source// Office Of Prime Minister Press Release
