Minister clarifies no formal agreement with SI Group on Solomon Islands shrimp farming investment; warns against misleading claims.
The Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Bradley Tovosia, currently in Niue on official duty, wishes to clarify recent misleading claims made by representatives of SI Group and its affiliates regarding an alleged shrimp farming investment project in Solomon Islands.
Minister Tovosia confirmed that while he has met with representatives of SI Group, the Government of Solomon Islands, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, has not entered into any formal agreement, partnership, or commitment with SI Group, GrowMax, or Solutions International JSC.
“SI Group is not yet established or authorized to operate in Solomon Islands,” the Minister emphasized. “No formal approvals, technical assessments, or agreements have been granted or entered into by my Ministry or any other government agency.”
He further clarified that SI Group does not hold a Foreign Investment Certificate and is therefore not authorized to conduct business in the country.
Minister Tovosia reminded all foreign investors of their obligation to comply with all legal and procedural requirements under Solomon Islands law before conducting business or entering into investment agreements.
“The Government remains fully committed to transparency and due process in all foreign investment matters,” he added.
The Minister also expressed concern that some of the misleading claims surrounding the project appear to be part of a political strategy aimed at creating division within the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
“The public is urged to exercise caution and not be misled by such attempts, which ultimately undermine national unity and development,” Minister Tovosia said.
SOURCE: PMO PRESS RELEASE
