Solomon Islands and New Zealand agree to deepen cooperation on jobs, skills, labour mobility, fisheries and economic growth.
The Solomon Islands Government and New Zealand have agreed to deepen cooperation in areas that can create more jobs, strengthen skills and generate greater economic opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
The commitment was reached during a bilateral meeting early this week on the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau, involving Solomon Islands’ Foreign Minister, Rick Houenipwela, Minister for National Planning, Peter Kenilorea Jr, and New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Winston Peters.
A key focus of the discussions was expanding skills development and vocational training, particularly for young Solomon Islanders entering the workforce.
Minister Houenipwela highlighted the GREAT Government’s priority to equip young people with practical and technical skills that can lead directly to employment and contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
The leaders also discussed strengthening and expanding labour mobility opportunities between Solomon Islands and New Zealand.
The Solomon Islands delegation welcomed the benefits of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, which provides income for families while enabling workers to gain valuable skills, experience and exposure to modern workplaces.
Discussions explored opportunities to expand labour mobility into additional sectors, particularly primary industries, agriculture and value-added processing, where greater employment opportunities could be created.
Fisheries was another important area of discussion. Solomon Islands highlighted its ambition to increase local processing and capture greater economic value from its marine resources, with support from New Zealand.
The meeting also considered the potential of seaweed production as an emerging economic opportunity for coastal communities, including opportunities for women and families to develop sustainable sources of income.
Solomon Islands also acknowledged New Zealand’s continued support to the aviation sector, including assistance with domestic airport infrastructure and strengthening connectivity across the country.
Both sides agreed on the importance of identifying practical and commercially viable opportunities that can translate cooperation into jobs, skills, investment and sustainable economic benefits for Solomon Islanders.
Minister Houenipwela and Minister Kenilorea expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s longstanding partnership and its continued support to Solomon Islands.
The bilateral meeting reaffirmed the strong and enduring relationship between Solomon Islands and New Zealand, with both sides committed to expanding practical cooperation that supports Solomon Islands’ development priorities and improves opportunities for its people.
SOURCE// Office Of Prime Minister Press Release
