PM Manele meets Chinese delegation to discuss the Oula Oil Palm Project, a key national development priority
Honiara, Solomon Islands, Monday 10 November 2025 – Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele last Friday met with a delegation from China National Agricultural Reclamation Group Company Limited at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) to discuss the proposed Oula Oil Palm Project.
The delegation was accompanied by members of the Oula Sub-Cabinet Committee, led by Chachabule Amoe, Member of Parliament for Marovo, and Clezy Rore, Member of Parliament for North Vella La Vella.
During the meeting, the delegation thanked Prime Minister Manele for the opportunity to meet and commended Solomon Islands’ abundant natural resources and strong potential in the agriculture sector.
Prime Minister Manele welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the proposed Oula Oil Palm Project, describing it as a national priority. He said the establishment of a dedicated Sub-Cabinet Committee demonstrates the Government’s focused approach to implementing the project.
“The agriculture sector remains an important driver of growth and income for our people and our country,” the Prime Minister said.
“The Government recognises the need for key infrastructure, such as wharves and roads, to support rural development, and we continue to explore ways to address these gaps.”
He emphasised the importance of strengthening the partnership with the Chinese company through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, noting that oil palm is a key export commodity capable of generating jobs and economic growth for Solomon Islanders.
“Building the Oula Oil Palm Project will contribute to economic growth and create employment opportunities for our people. We appreciate this visit and look forward to seeing the partnership grow further,” he said.
The Oula Oil Palm Project, located in Vella La Vella, Western Province, is a proposed national priority project led by the Solomon Islands Government. It aims to develop commercial-scale oil palm plantations to generate employment, increase agricultural production, boost export revenues, and support rural infrastructure development and economic growth in the region.
The Oula Sub-Cabinet Committee was established by the Government to provide dedicated oversight and coordination for the proposed project. Chaired by Chachabule Amoe, MP for Marovo, the committee includes Clezy Rore, MP for North Vella La Vella. It ensures the project aligns with national priorities, supports local communities, and addresses infrastructure and development challenges.
SOURCE : Press Secretariat, OPMC
