PM Wale meets Thailand’s ambassador to discuss trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, education and bilateral cooperation
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has held a courtesy meeting with Thailand’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Her Excellency Arjaree Sriratanaban in Honiara yesterday.
Discussions were based on opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, education and skills development.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed the Ambassador and expressed Solomon Islands’ admiration for Thailand’s economic development, democratic resilience and rich cultural heritage.
“Thailand is a country we look to with a great amount of respect. There are lessons from your development experience that we can learn from and adapt to our own circumstances,” Prime Minister Wale said.
A key focus was economic diversification and value addition, particularly in agriculture.
Prime Minister Wale said Solomon Islands needed to move beyond exporting raw resources and develop greater processing and manufacturing capacity.
He highlighted cocoa and coconut as commodities with significant potential for value-added processing.
Ambassador Sriratanaban said Thailand is interested in diversifying its trade relationships with opportunities for greater engagement with Solomon Islands, including investment, food processing and supply-chain partnerships.
Tourism was also discussed, with Prime Minister Wale describing the sector as a largely untapped opportunity.
He encouraged greater engagement with Thailand, including possible exchanges and visits to learn from Thailand’s tourism industry.
The Ambassador also outlined training programmes and scholarship opportunities for Solomon Islands students and officials.
Prime Minister Wale welcomed these opportunities as the Government implements its Free Education policy and works to address shortages of qualified teachers and technical instructors.
Discussions were also on cooperation in climate resilience, renewable energy, fisheries, public health and community development.
Ambassador Sriratanaban reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening relations with Solomon Islands, describing it as an honour to serve and promote closer cooperation between the two countries.
SOURCE//: Office of Prime Minister Press Release
